1-Pager
All grades  Project 4 weeks

Brick by Brick: Building Government Insights!

James T
Updated
DA:Cn10.1.6.b
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7
TH:Cn11.1.5.a
TH:Cn11.1.8.a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7
+ 5 more
1-pager

Purpose

Through this project, students will channel their creativity and critical thinking to explore and address real-world issues associated with Executive Branch departments. By crafting salt dough bricks as their capstone project, they will imprint and design graffiti that reflects their research on government policies. This hands-on experience will allow them to express perspectives and propose innovative solutions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of government roles while enhancing essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical analysis.

Learning goals

Students will engage in critical analysis of Executive Branch Department activities through real-world current events, culminating in designing a salt dough brick mold with graffiti based on their research. They will refine research techniques to understand department functions and contemporary issues while collaborating to imprint and artistically critique through their brick project. Through this hands-on experience, students will advance critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, leading to a deeper understanding of social and governmental contexts.

Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] DA:Cn10.1.6.b - Conduct research using a variety of resources to find information about a social issue of great interest. Use the information to create a dance study that expresses a specific point of view on the topic. Discuss whether the experience of creating and sharing the dance reinforces personal views or offers new knowledge and perspectives.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cn11.1.5.a - Investigate historical, global and social issues expressed in drama/theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cn11.1.8.a - Use different forms of drama/theatre work to examine contemporary social, cultural, or global issues.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Competencies
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Students will collaboratively research a chosen Executive Branch department and its current issues, crafting non-toxic salt dough bricks imprinted with department logos and graffiti designs that critique their findings. This hands-on capstone project will allow students to express their analysis creatively, culminating in a student-curated exhibit where they display and discuss their work. The project will enable students to synthesize research and artistic skills, engaging community members through reflective presentations on their creative process and insights into government policies and social issues.

Launch

Begin the learning experience with a hands-on workshop where students create simple graffiti designs on cardboard or paper to explore how art can critique and communicate about social issues. Invite a local artist to demonstrate graffiti techniques and discuss its history as a tool for social change. Encourage students to share their thoughts on how they can integrate their research findings into their art, setting the stage for their brick molding project.

Exhibition

The exhibition will feature students' creatively designed salt dough bricks imprinted with graffiti that visually express their research and critiques of Executive Branch Department policies. Each student will present their findings and solutions through a combination of physical displays and digital presentations. This event invites families, community figures, and peers to interact with the pieces, fostering conversations on the social issues addressed and artistic methods utilized.