8th Grade  Project 2 weeks

Revolutionary Rhythms: Haiti's Fight for Freedom

Hannah K
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse students in the historical context of the Haitian Revolution, fostering a deep understanding of its lasting impact on contemporary struggles for justice and independence. Through collaborative and creative processes, students will draw connections between historical and modern movements, developing critical thinking and storytelling skills. This hands-on experience encourages students to explore identity, analyze past and present societal challenges, and express insights through multimedia and artistic formats, ensuring all students engage meaningfully in constructing their own narratives of justice.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this experience are to engage students in critical thinking about historical events, draw connections between the Haitian Revolution and contemporary movements for justice and independence, and develop skills in creative expression. Students will learn to analyze historical timelines, synthesize information into audio projects, and express their understanding through art and written reflections. They will refine their ideas through constructive critique and revision, nurturing their ability to articulate insights and advocate for equitable change.

Products

Students will produce podcasts or audio storytelling projects that analyze and connect the Haitian Revolution's impacts to today's movements for equity. Each podcast should highlight significant lessons learned from the revolution and incorporate forward-thinking strategies applied to current struggles for justice and independence. As part of their weekly blog series, students will further explore these connections, creating a rich narrative that showcases their understanding and reflections.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Timeline Tapestry' event, where students collaboratively construct a large timeline of the Haitian Revolution's key moments, using visuals and notes to illustrate each event's significance. This tactile exercise will encourage students to engage with history dynamically, fostering discussion and debate on the interconnectedness of past events. As they work together, students will build a foundational understanding that will serve as a reference throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will showcase the 'Vision of Independence' art gallery at a school event, displaying their murals or collages that reflect themes from the Haitian Revolution. Each piece will be accompanied by feature stories detailing the students’ creative journey and insights gained throughout the project. Teachers will facilitate a feedback session where visitors can engage directly with the students, providing constructive comments and thoughts on their work and its relevance to current movements for justice and independence.