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7th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Unraveling Utopia: The Giver Quest

kinzie n
L.7.1
L.7.6
W.7.7
RI.7.7
SL.7.5
+ 6 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in critical exploration of societal themes through Lois Lowry's The Giver, fostering deeper understanding of freedom, individuality, and language's impact on society. Through hands-on projects and discussions, students will develop essential skills in research, communication, and critical thinking, while drawing connections between the text and real-world scenarios. This unit aims to cultivate students' self-directed learning and academic mindset, empowering them to reflect on their personal identities and societal roles.

Learning goals

Students will explore the ethical implications of a society without choice, enhancing their understanding of freedom and individuality through debates and reflective essays. They will investigate the role of language in shaping society, applying insights from The Giver to analyze real-world language use. Through creative writing and multimedia presentations, students will deepen their comprehension of narrative perspectives and develop critical thinking skills by examining the concept of 'sameness' and its impact on diversity and acceptance in their communities.
Standards
  • [Massachusetts] L.7.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; retain and further develop language skills learned in previous grades.
  • [Massachusetts] L.7.6 - Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; independently research words and gather vocabulary knowledge.
  • [Massachusetts] W.7.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
  • [Massachusetts] RI.7.7 - Compare and contrast a written text to an audio, video, or multimedia version, analyzing each medium's portrayal of the subject (e.g., how the delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words).
  • [Massachusetts] SL.7.5 - Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
  • [Massachusetts] RL.7.6 - Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Throughout the unit, students will create a multimedia presentation that explores real-world societies with limited choices, drawing parallels to The Giver. They will also craft a collaborative short story set in a society without choice, integrating vocabulary from the novel. By the end of the unit, students will produce a reflective essay analyzing their perspective on language's role in shaping society, and participate in a debate on the ethical implications of a society without choice. Additionally, students will rewrite a scene from The Giver from a different character's perspective, showcasing their understanding of narrative and language.

Launch

Kick off the unit with a 'Freedom and Choice Escape Room' experience where students work in teams to solve puzzles inspired by themes from The Giver. Each puzzle requires students to make decisions that influence their progress, sparking discussions about ethical implications and individuality. This immersive activity sets the stage for exploring the novel's complex themes and encourages students to think critically about the value of choice and freedom.

Exhibition

At the culmination of the unit, students will host a "Society and Choice Symposium" where they present their research projects and creative writing pieces to peers, teachers, and family members. This exhibition will include multimedia presentations and visual displays that highlight their analyses and findings on societies with limited choices. Students will facilitate discussions on the ethical implications of such societies, drawing connections to themes from The Giver and their own reflections on freedom and individuality.