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11th, 12th Grades  Project 2 weeks

Media Myths: Mental Health Makeover

Maeve S
CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-LE.A.3
CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-TF.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-IF.B.6
D2.Geo.1.9-12
TH:Cr2.HS1.b
+ 5 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is for students to critically evaluate and address the misportrayal of mental health in media. By engaging in hands-on media revision, students will deepen their understanding of how accurate representation can influence societal perceptions and reduce stigma. Through collaboration with community partners and advanced psychology students, learners will apply interdisciplinary skills to produce informed, impactful media content. This project encourages reflective practice, self-directed learning, and effective communication as students share their revised works with the community, advancing their academic and personal growth.

Learning goals

In this project, students will critically analyze media misrepresentations of mental health and develop skills in rewriting and redesigning content for accuracy and inclusivity. They will utilize mathematical principles to interpret data on the societal impact of media portrayals, while applying geospatial and theatrical techniques to communicate their findings creatively. Students will enhance their self-directed learning and problem-solving abilities as they reflect on their work and engage with mental health advocates and community partners to deepen understanding and foster a more informed society.

Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-LE.A.3 - Observe using graphs and tables that a quantity increasing exponentially eventually exceeds a quantity increasing linearly, quadratically, or (more generally) as a polynomial function.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-TF.A.1 - Understand radian measure of an angle as the length of the arc on the unit circle subtended by the angle.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-IF.B.6 - Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function (presented symbolically or as a table) over a specified interval. Estimate the rate of change from a graph.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Geo.1.9-12 - Use geospatial and related technologies to create maps to display and explain the spatial patterns of cultural and environmental characteristics.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr2.HS1.b - Investigate the collaborative nature of the actor, director, playwright, and designers and explore their interdependent roles in a drama/theatre work.
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 a revamped media piece that accurately portrays mental health, serving as a constructive counter-narrative to the original misrepresentation. They will also develop a slide presentation that articulates their analysis and creative process, highlighting the transformation from stigma-inducing to supportive media. Additionally, students will contribute to a collaborative 'Mindful Media Fair,' where they will set up booths to showcase their revised projects and engage in dialogues with visitors. Finally, they will participate in peer and community partner feedback sessions to refine their projects and underscore societal impact.

Launch

Begin with a dynamic launch activity by screening an outlandishly inaccurate media piece that humorously exaggerates mental health depictions. This will immediately grab students' attention and set the stage for critical analysis. Follow up with a panel discussion featuring a local mental health advocate who will share insights about real-life mental health experiences versus media portrayals. This interactive launch will encourage students to question existing narratives and spark their curiosity for the project ahead.

Exhibition

Host a 'Mindful Media Fair' where students showcase their revamped media projects at interactive booths, each highlighting the journey from misrepresentation to accurate portrayal. Visitors, including friends, family, community members, and mental health advocates, engage with multimedia presentations that detail how their improved media can foster societal understanding of mental health. This exhibition encourages dialogue on the impact of accurate media representation, broadening audience perspectives and creating a lively atmosphere of learning and awareness.