5th, 6th Grades  Project 1 week

Santa's Global Celebration Sleigh Ride

Jonathan A
D4.3.3-5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The Santa Tradition Tracker Project aims to deepen students' cultural awareness and understanding by exploring diverse winter holiday traditions from around the world. Through hands-on research and creative presentations, students will investigate the cultural significance of these practices, fostering critical thinking and effective communication skills. By engaging with community partners and reflecting on their learning, students will cultivate a sense of identity and belonging, enhancing their self-directed learning and academic mindset.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze diverse winter holiday traditions, identifying unique cultural elements and their underlying values and beliefs. They will develop skills in digital storytelling by creating interactive Google Earth presentations and professional travel pamphlets. Additionally, students will enhance their communication abilities through presenting their findings to peers and community partners, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of global cultures. Through self-directed learning and critical reflection, students will build self-knowledge and a sense of belonging, while engaging in problem-solving to address complex cultural questions.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D4.3.3-5 - Present a summary of arguments and explanations to others outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, and reports) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).
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

Students will create two main products: an interactive Google Earth presentation and a professional travel pamphlet. The Google Earth presentation will feature detailed summaries of cultural traditions and bonus stops, while the travel pamphlet will condense this information into concise paragraphs and include a QR code linking to the Google Earth project. Additionally, students will produce Tradition Artifacts, which are creative representations of the cultural practices they researched, to be showcased during the Winter Parent Showcase.

Launch

Kick off the Santa Tradition Tracker Project with a captivating viewing of the Norad Santa Origin Video, followed by a lively discussion on the Santa Tracker. This will spark curiosity and set the stage for exploring global holiday traditions. Encourage students to brainstorm questions about Santa's journey and the cultural significance of his stops, laying the groundwork for their upcoming research and presentations.

Exhibition

The Winter Parent Showcase will serve as a vibrant exhibition where students present their Google Earth projects and travel pamphlets to parents and community members. Each group will have a designated area to display their work, allowing attendees to interact with the digital presentations and physical brochures. Students will engage in discussions with visitors, sharing insights and answering questions about the cultural traditions they explored, fostering a deeper connection and understanding among all participants.