5th, 6th, 7th Grades  Project 6 weeks

Revolutionary Voices: Power, Change, and Perspective

Laura G
D4.3.6-8
RI.5.1
RI.5.2
RI.5.3
W.5.1
+ 16 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose is for students to engage critically with historical and contemporary movements of change, using the essential questions as a guide to understand the dynamics of power, change, and voice in society. Through interactive explorations with community partners, reflective practices, and project-based learning, students will develop skills in argumentation, perspective-taking, and effective communication. This experience aims to foster a deeper understanding of how individuals and groups have historically challenged systems and continue to do so, encouraging students to apply their learning to their own communities and contexts.

Learning goals

Students will explore the dynamics of societal change by examining revolutions and social movements across different time periods and cultures. Through interaction with community partners, critical analysis of historical sources, and personal reflection, students will develop a nuanced understanding of power and voice, and learn to formulate and express arguments. The project will focus on enhancing students' communication skills in both English and Spanish, fostering collaboration through group activities, and empowering them to design creative multimedia presentations.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D4.3.6-8 - Present adaptations of arguments and explanations on topics of interest to others to reach audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

The learning experience culminates in a multimedia exhibit where students present case studies on historical and modern figures who have effected societal change. Throughout the unit, learners will create weekly reflective journal entries detailing their evolving perspectives on power, change, and voice. They will participate in the 'Perspectives in Motion Film Screening,' where they premiere short films they crafted to highlight connections between historical revolutions and contemporary societal issues. Additionally, students will engage in the 'The Change Makers Fair,' showcasing multimedia presentations that draw parallels between past movements and current social challenges.

Launch

Introduce the unit with "The Change Makers Fair," where students present multimedia projects connecting historical revolutions to contemporary movements. Local community activists share their experiences, inspiring dialogue among students about how voices influence societal change. This dynamic fair sets the stage for students to delve deeper into understanding power, change, and voices throughout history and in today’s world.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Perspectives in Motion Film Screening' event, presenting short films that they have created to explore historical and contemporary themes of power, change, and voice. This event will feature multimedia presentations that showcase the intersections of past and present social movements. Following the screening, students will lead a panel discussion, engaging the audience in conversations about their insights and reflections on how societies alter over time, encouraging dialogue between students and community members.