Revolutionary Voices: Power, Change, and Perspective

5th, 6th, 7th Grades Project 6 weeks

Revolutionary Voices: Power, Change, and Perspective

Laura G

RI.5.1

RI.5.2

RI.5.3

W.5.1

W.5.2

+ 16 more

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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 across English and Spanish, students will develop skills in argumentation, perspective-taking, and effective communication. This bilingual experience fosters a deeper understanding of how individuals and groups have historically challenged systems and continue to do so while encouraging students to apply their learning in meaningful ways within 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 enhance students' communication skills in both English and Spanish, fostering collaboration through group activities and providing opportunities for them to design and exhibit creative multimedia presentations. Students will engage in self-directed learning and critical thinking, using feedback and reflections to guide their project development, ensuring all participants contribute meaningfully within a supportive learning environment. Additionally, students will improve their abilities in using academic language in Spanish through written and oral expression connected to the unit's content.

Standards

[California] RI.5.1 - Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
[California] RI.5.2 - Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.
[California] RI.5.3 - Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
[California] W.5.1 - Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information
[California] W.5.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
[California] W.5.7 - Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
[California] SL.5.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
[California] SL.5.4 - Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
[California] RI.6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
[California] RI.6.2 - Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
[California] RI.6.3 - Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
[California] W.6.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
[California] W.6.1 - Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
[California] W.6.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content
[California] WL.CL1.A - Advanced Interact with cultural competence in most informal and formal settings.

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

Estudiantes diseñarán y presentarán exhibiciones multimedia que destacan sus investigaciones sobre figuras históricas y defensoras modernas que han impulsado transformaciones sociales. Sus cortometrajes entrelazarán narrativas de revoluciones históricas con preocupaciones actuales, presentados en proyecciones que fomentan el diálogo comunitario. En 'The Change Makers Fair', mostrarán vitrinas creativas multimedia que conectan revoluciones y movimientos sociales a través del tiempo, con el uso y expresión del idioma español integrado en la investigación y presentaciones para enriquecer la comprensión cultural y lingüística.

Launch

Inicia la unidad con "La Feria de Agentes de Cambio," donde los estudiantes presentan proyectos multimedia que conectan revoluciones históricas con movimientos contemporáneos. Invita a activistas comunitarios locales para compartir sus experiencias, alentando el diálogo y la reflexión sobre cómo las voces impulsan el cambio social. Este evento interactivo, que se llevará a cabo en un ambiente bilingüe, actuará como un catalizador para explorar las complejidades del poder, el cambio y la voz en contextos históricos y modernos.

Exhibition

Organize an engaging 'Perspectivas en Movimiento: Proyección de Películas', where students present short films they've crafted, integrating historical and contemporary narratives of change and voice in both English and Spanish. Accompany these films with dynamic multimedia presentations that emphasize the evolution of social movements across languages. Facilitate an insightful student-led panel discussion, inviting the community to engage actively and reflect on narratives of societal transformation in a bilingual setting.

Copied from Revolutionary Voices: Power, Change, and Perspective

Learning Journey

Question

Students will formulate insightful inquiry questions about historical and modern social movements by observing artifacts, engaging with community partners, and exploring diverse perspectives, paving the way for their subsequent research.

Days 1 - 5

Milestone Activities

Inquiry Question Launch

Launch 15m

Begin with a whole-class discussion on societal change, highlighting examples from 'The Change Makers Fair.' Encourage students to recall specific instances that stood out to them and explore why these events were significant, setting the stage for formulating their own inquiry questions.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Effective Communication

Draft Question Peer Review

Deliverable 30m

A checkpoint activity where students exchange their inquiry question drafts with peers to receive constructive feedback. This peer review process focuses on the clarity and depth of the questions.

Inquiry Question Presentation

Assessment

Students will present their formulated open-ended inquiry questions and explain the reasoning behind them, linking personal experiences and community insights gained from 'The Change Makers Fair.'

Journal Reflection Entry

Assessment

Students will submit a journal entry reflecting on how their inquiry questions connect to societal change and personal experiences, demonstrating self-directed learning and critical thinking.

Self Directed Learning

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Research

Students will gather information by analyzing primary and secondary sources, conducting interviews with community partners, and collaborating in teams to explore diverse historical and modern perspectives, thereby preparing foundational data for their multimedia exhibits.

Days 6 - 10

Milestone Activities

Launch: Influential Voices Gallery Walk

Launch 15m

Students will experience a gallery walk featuring images and quotations from influential historical figures and modern advocates to spark curiosity and reflection on themes of power and voice.

Academic Mindset

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Annotated Bibliography Peer Review

Deliverable 45m

In pairs, students exchange annotated bibliographies to give and receive constructive feedback, refining their entries to better support their research compilation.

Structured Argument Presentation

Assessment

Students will prepare and present a well-structured argument on a historical social movement, incorporating multiple perspectives, and using evidence from primary and secondary sources. They will demonstrate their understanding of the dynamics of societal change.

Create

Students will synthesize their research on historical and modern advocates into multimedia projects, crafting digital stories that illuminate how societal change occurs through voices challenging norms, as they prepare for their upcoming presentations.

Days 11 - 15

Milestone Activities

Launch: Change-Maker Introduction

Launch 45m

Introduce students to a compelling story of a historical change-maker through a multimedia presentation that includes visuals, videos, and anecdotes to engage students and spark curiosity. This provides a foundation for their own exhibit projects.

Share

Students will present their multimedia exhibit projects to peers and community partners, engaging in discussions to share insights on historical and modern examples of societal change, encouraging diverse feedback and perspectives.

Days 16 - 20

Milestone Activities

Perspectives in Motion Film Analysis

Assessment

Students will screen and analyze their short films, examining narratives of historical revolutions and present-day concerns, and engage in a community dialogue panel discussion.

Revolutionary Multimedia Exhibit Presentation

Assessment

Students will present their research-based multimedia exhibits featuring influential historical figures and modern advocates, demonstrating an understanding of revolutions and social movements.

Connecting Historical and Contemporary Movements

Launch 60m

Students explore a gallery of images and articles about historical and current movements, then identify themes and similarities to help inform their multimedia exhibits.

Reflect

Students will engage in reflective journaling and peer interviews to evaluate their multimedia projects, analyze feedback from community leaders, and iterate on new insights that reshape their perspectives on societal change, preparing them for the final phase of action and application.

Days 21 - 25

Milestone Activities

Multimedia Project Presentation

Assessment

Students present their multimedia projects, showcasing their ability to analyze historical and modern narratives and effectively convey ideas through diverse media. This includes demonstrating content expertise, effective communication, and collaborative skills.

Final Multimedia Exhibit Presentation

Assessment

Students will present their multimedia projects and showcase their research findings to peers, educators, and community partners. They will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills through engaging presentations.

Act/Apply

Students will apply their understanding by organizing and leading a 'Perspectives in Motion Film Screening' where they present short film projects that blend historical and contemporary narratives, showcase their learning, and engage in panel discussions with community partners to reflect on societal transformations and advocate for social change.

Days 26 - 30

Milestone Activities

Peer Presentation Dry Run

Deliverable 45m

Students conduct practice runs of their multimedia exhibits in small groups, offering peer feedback focused on clarity, effectiveness, and engagement, to refine their communication skills.

Kick-off Workshop: Crafting Compelling Narratives

Launch 60m

Students begin by exploring dynamic ways to weave historical figures into their multimedia presentations, using storytelling techniques to illustrate societal changes.

Reflective Journal Submission

Assessment

Students submit a final reflective journal entry that captures insights and personal growth from project research and presentations.

Reflective Journal Presentation

Assessment

Students will present a synthesis of their reflective journals, highlighting key insights into their understanding of societal change, personal growth, and future questions.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Phase	Question
Activities	Inquiry Question Launch Launch 15m Personal Connection Brainstorm Activity 20m	Research Source Exploration Activity 60m Formulating Inquiry Questions Workshop Activity 45m	Draft Question Peer Review Deliverable 30m Reflection and Question Refinement Activity 45m	Inquiry Question Presentation Assessment	Journal Reflection Entry Assessment
Preparation

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Phase	Research
Activities	Launch: Influential Voices Gallery Walk Launch 15m Historical Case Study Analysis Activity 40m	Research Strategy Workshop Activity 60m Activity: Source Analysis Workshop Activity 60m	Collaborative Research Workshop Activity 90m Annotated Bibliography Peer Review Deliverable 45m	Activity: Collaborative Argument Construction Activity 60m	Structured Argument Presentation Assessment
Preparation

Week 3	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Phase	Create
Activities	Launch: Change-Maker Introduction Launch 45m	Multimedia Design Workshop Activity 90m	Collaborative Research Workshop Activity 60m	Multimedia Exhibit Planning Session Activity 60m	Multimedia Design and Development Activity 90m
Preparation

Week 4	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18	Day 19	Day 20
Phase	Share
Activities	No activities added	No activities added	Multimedia Exhibit Workshop Activity 90m	Perspectives in Motion Film Analysis Assessment	Revolutionary Multimedia Exhibit Presentation Assessment Connecting Historical and Contemporary Movements Launch 60m Final Exhibit Rehearsal Activity 60m
Preparation

Week 5	Day 21	Day 22	Day 23	Day 24	Day 25
Phase	Reflect
Activities	Multimedia Project Presentation Assessment Storyboarding Multimedia Projects Activity 45m Collaborative Film Editing Workshop Activity 90m	No activities added	No activities added	No activities added	Final Multimedia Exhibit Presentation Assessment
Preparation

Week 6	Day 26	Day 27	Day 28	Day 29	Day 30
Phase	Act/Apply
Activities	Reflective Journal Submission Assessment Digital Exhibit Enhancement Activity 45m Reflective Writing Workshop Activity 60m Peer Presentation Dry Run Deliverable 45m Interactive Multimedia Creation Session Activity 90m Final Touches and Exhibit Presentation Rehearsal Activity 90m Kick-off Workshop: Crafting Compelling Narratives Launch 60m Portfolio Compilation Workshop Activity 60m	Guided Reflective Journal Writing Activity 45m	No activities added	Strengths and Growth Exploration Activity 45m	Reflective Journal Presentation Assessment
Preparation