All grades  Project 16 weeks

"Sankofa: Guiding Future with Past Wisdom"

Tasha C
D2.His.7.9-12
D1.1.9-12
D4.3.9-12
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to enable students to draw meaningful connections between historical events and contemporary issues, fostering a deeper understanding of how past lessons can inform sustainable solutions for the future. Through engaging with diverse community voices and exploring real-world challenges, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for active participation in their communities. This project encourages students to reflect on their identity and place within the broader social and historical context, empowering them to envision and advocate for positive change.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze historical events, such as the Bears Ears National Monument Controversy and Indigenous Boarding School History, to understand their impact on contemporary issues. They will develop skills in interviewing, critical thinking, and problem-solving by engaging with diverse community members and synthesizing their perspectives to propose sustainable solutions. Through reflective practices and peer feedback, students will cultivate self-directed learning and an academic mindset, enhancing their sense of identity and belonging. By the end of the project, students will effectively communicate their findings and solutions through various media, demonstrating their ability to connect past lessons with future actions for community resilience and sustainability.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.His.7.9-12 - Explain how the perspectives of people in the present shape interpretations of the past.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D1.1.9-12 - Explain how a question reflects an enduring issue in the field.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D4.3.9-12 - Present adaptations of arguments and explanations that feature evocative ideas and perspectives on issues and topics to reach a range of audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).
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.

Products

Students will develop a comprehensive proposal for a sustainable solution to a chosen contemporary issue, informed by historical research and interviews with diverse stakeholders. They will create a reflective journal documenting their learning journey, insights, and revisions. The project will culminate in a 'Future Vision Gallery,' where students present visual art, digital media, and written narratives that depict their vision for a sustainable future. Additionally, students will participate in a 'Community Wisdom Panel' and 'Heritage Walk' to share their findings and engage the community in dialogue.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Sustainability Challenge' where students are divided into small groups to brainstorm innovative solutions to contemporary issues, drawing inspiration from historical examples of civil disobedience and social change. Each group will present their initial ideas to the class, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are shared. This activity will set the stage for the project's exploration of how the past can guide us in creating a better future, while highlighting the importance of collective action and sustainability.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Community Wisdom Panel' where they present their findings and proposed solutions to community leaders and stakeholders, engaging in a Q&A session to foster meaningful dialogue. They will organize a 'Heritage Walk' event, guiding attendees through stations that illustrate historical events and their modern implications, culminating in presentations of their sustainable solutions. Additionally, students will create a 'Future Vision Gallery' showcasing visual art, digital media, and narratives inspired by historical lessons, depicting their vision for a sustainable future.
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