6th Grade  Project 2 weeks

Memoir Madness: Tales of Tenacity

Marian D
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
Effective Communication
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The Challenge

In rural Western Massachusetts, limited access to quality extracurricular activities and community centers leads to social isolation among youth, hindering their ability to develop essential social skills and connections. This challenge is compounded by transportation barriers, reducing opportunities for engagement and growth within their communities.
Challenge Question
How can storytelling about personal challenges create a sense of community and inspire others to overcome their own obstacles?
Standards
  • [Massachusetts] 8.7.SH.3 - Identify behaviors, policies and practices in the school community that promote or hinder dignity and respect for all individuals, including those of different sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression. [HPE; SE]
  • [Massachusetts] 6.T3e.2 - Trace the migrations of the ancient Israelite tribes from Mesopotamia to the land called Canaan and explain the role of Abraham and Moses in Hebrew history.
  • [Massachusetts] 6.T1.1 - Explain how different academic fields in the social sciences concentrate on different means of studying societies in the past and present.
  • [Massachusetts] 6.MS-PS1-7(MA) - Use a particulate model of matter to explain that density is the amount of matter (mass) in a given volume. Apply proportional reasoning to describe, calculate, and compare relative densities of different materials.
  • [Massachusetts] 6.MS-PS4-1 - Use diagrams of a simple wave to explain that (a) a wave has a repeating pattern with a specific amplitude, frequency, and wavelength, and (b) the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy of the wave.
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.

Learning Partners and Clients

Partner with the Railroad Street Youth Project to arrange workshops where students can interview local youth who have overcome personal challenges, providing real-life stories to inspire their narratives. Collaborate with the local library to create a 'story wall' where students can display their memoirs and invite community members to contribute their own stories of perseverance. Engage Berkshire South for inter-scholastic opportunities that enhance storytelling skills and foster community connections.

Phase Outcomes

Phase Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the challenge and its root causes through hands-on activities that spark curiosity and conviction about the problem.
Examine
I can research the causes and effects of the challenge by engaging in tasks that deepen my understanding of the issue and its impact.
Engineer
I can develop a solution that addresses the challenge and positively impacts those affected by it.
Do
I can test my solution in real-world scenarios, collecting data to assess its effectiveness and refine my approach.
Share
I can share my solution and learning journey with an audience, reflecting on my personal growth and the impact of my work.
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