11th Grade  Project 2 weeks

Cold War Chronicles: Gallery Walk Adventures

Kate H
Updated
HS.UH.CO.4
HS.UH.CO.5
HS.WH.I.Q.1
HS.UH.CH.6
HS.WH.I.CC.2
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of the Cold War era by connecting historical events to contemporary issues and personal experiences. By engaging in thorough research and collaborative presentations, students will critically analyze the impact of conflicting ideologies and diplomacy challenges during and after the Cold War. The exhibition offers a platform for students to present their findings, fostering a sense of empathy and respect for diverse perspectives and encouraging active participation in community dialogue.

Learning goals

Students will deeply analyze the Cold War era by investigating key events, understanding their significance, and connecting historical implications to modern society. They will develop critical inquiry skills by generating questions that guide their research and constructing informed arguments and explanations about these events. Furthermore, students will engage as respectful and empathetic global citizens, participating in a public exhibition to share insights and understanding with community partners. Through critiques and revisions, learners will refine their perspectives, ultimately recognizing the historical patterns of conflict and diplomacy that resonate with today's challenges.

Standards
  • [Kentucky] HS.UH.CO.4 - Analyze the conflicting ideologies and policies of the United States and Soviet Union and their impact, both domestically and globally, during the Cold War Era between 1945-1991.
  • [Kentucky] HS.UH.CO.5 - Analyze examples of conflict and compromise between the United States and other nations, groups and individuals in the post-Cold War Era from 1991-present.
  • [Kentucky] HS.WH.I.Q.1 - Generate compelling questions to frame thinking, inquiry and/or understanding of key concepts in world history.
  • [Kentucky] HS.UH.CH.6 - Analyze the role of the United States in global affairs in the post-Cold War Era from 1991-present.
  • [Kentucky] HS.WH.I.CC.2 - Engage in disciplinary thinking and construct arguments, explanations or public communications relevant to compelling/supporting questions in world history.
Competencies
  • Engaged Citizen - Shows respect and empathy across differences, embraces diversity of opinion, seeks cultural understanding, participates in the democratic process to challenge the status quo, and makes a positive impact on their community and the world.

Products

Students will produce trifold boards that visually and textually represent their researched Cold War event, integrating historical artifacts when accessible. These boards will showcase a compelling narrative of how each event influenced American society and today's global diplomacy. Throughout the process, students will engage in critique and revision sessions to refine their presentations based on peer feedback, ensuring clarity and depth in their work. In preparation for the community exhibition, students will enhance their boards with insights from historian interviews or primary source analysis, strengthening the authenticity and impact of their displays.

Launch

Begin with an immersive project launch involving a short film or historical reenactment highlighting key Cold War events. Introduce the essential question: "How did key Cold War events shape American society and influence our contemporary views on conflict and diplomacy?" Invite students to brainstorm compelling questions related to the Cold War, setting the stage for their upcoming group research tasks. Connect historical issues to current global events to establish relevance and provoke interest.

Exhibition

Students will host a community exhibition in the form of a gallery walk, inviting parents, educators, and high school peers to engage with their projects. Each group will showcase their research using visually compelling trifold boards, which include pertinent texts and artifacts to convey the significance of their chosen Cold War events. Attendees will be encouraged to interact with the presenters, offering feedback and posing questions that help students refine their understanding and connect historically resonant concepts to contemporary issues. This exhibition aims to foster a personal connection between attendees and the Cold War events, promoting a deeper appreciation of their lasting impact on society.