10th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Farm-tastic Power: Unveiling Orwell's Allegories!

Danielle D
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
Effective Communication
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Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of how allegories expose the corruption of power through hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Through collaborative discussions, creative exhibitions, and historical explorations, students will critically examine George Orwell's "Animal Farm" and its reflection on societal issues. By engaging with community partners and undertaking reflective practices, students will develop essential skills in effective communication, critical thinking, and self-directed learning. The project culminates in students sharing their insights through a dynamic exhibition, reinforcing their ability to connect literature with current global contexts.

Learning goals

Students will analyze and interpret Orwell's use of allegory, irony, satire, and symbolism in "Animal Farm" to reveal truths about the corruption of power. They will collaboratively explore historical parallels through partnerships with local experts, gaining a deeper understanding of societal impacts both past and present. By engaging in dialogue, artistic expression, and strategic gameplay, students develop competencies in effective communication, critical thinking, and content expertise. In reflecting on their personal views of power dynamics, students enhance their self-directed learning, resulting in expanded self-awareness and academic mindset.
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 project, students will create digital stories that map the socio-political transformations of Animal Farm characters, identifying parallels to real-world events. They will design board games that simulate the novel's power dynamics and their impacts, to be featured at the exhibition. Additionally, students will engage in a photojournalism gallery project, capturing contemporary instances of Orwellian themes through images and narratives to highlight ongoing societal issues. All products will culminate in exhibitions that actively involve students in applying their knowledge and engaging the community.

Launch

To commence the project experience, initiate an 'Animal Farm Power Play' where students dive into interactive game-based scenarios simulating roles and power dynamics from the novel. Within this engaging environment, students will embody characters, analyze their actions, and predict outcomes, offering firsthand insight into the corruption of power. This activity serves as a dynamic kickoff, fostering student engagement and sparking critical contemplation of the driving question.

Exhibition

Students will host a multi-faceted exhibition that includes a 'Farmyard Forum', where they role-play as Animal Farm characters, presenting speeches and engaging in a live debate on power dynamics, followed by a Q&A session with community members. Accompanying the forum, students will invite guests to an 'Animal Farm Art Gala', showcasing murals, sculptures, and paintings that express allegories and themes from the novel. As part of the exhibition, students will also present a photojournalism gallery illustrating modern parallels to Orwellian themes, fostering a conversation about recurring historical patterns. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to play a student-designed board game that simulates the corruption of power, serving as an interactive educational tool.