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7th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Crusades & Current Connections: Knights to News

Harvey, Q
Updated
TH:Cr1.7.b
TH:Cr1.7.a
TH:Pr6.7.a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.5
TH:Cr2.7.b
+ 5 more
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Purpose

This project invites students to delve into the historical events of the Crusades and draw parallels with modern-day conflicts. Through creative activities such as illuminated manuscript creation, scene writing, and performance, students critically explore themes of leadership and morality, aligned with Kentucky's 7th grade social studies standards. This hands-on approach fosters analytical skills, connecting past and present, and culminates in a presentation that showcases diverse perspectives and insights.

Learning goals

Students will explore Kentucky academic social studies standards for 7th grade by examining the historical context of the Crusades and comparing it to today's global conflicts. They will analyze decision-making processes and ethical considerations in both historical and modern contexts. Students will develop creative presentations, such as dramatic scenes or visual arts, to convey their insights and reflections, emphasizing communication and collaboration skills.

Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.7.b - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.7.a - Investigate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Pr6.7.a - Participate in rehearsals for a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.5 - Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr2.7.b - Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.

Products

Students will create products that demonstrate their understanding of how the Crusades relate to current events, in alignment with Kentucky Academic Social Studies Standards for 7th grade. They can choose to craft illuminated manuscripts focusing on decisions made in both historical and modern contexts, or script and perform mini-scenes portraying leadership and moral choices. Other options include developing and presenting plays that explore connections between the Crusades and contemporary conflicts. These creative products will highlight students' comprehension and reflection, culminating in a meaningful presentation that directly ties the subject matter to today’s world.

Launch

Start with an interactive simulation where students collaborate in groups to role-play a modern conflict, navigating complex leadership and moral decisions. Introduce elements from the Crusades where similar decision-making scenarios are explored, encouraging students to recognize patterns in leadership choices. Incorporate an overview of Kentucky's 7th-grade social studies standards relating to historical analysis and decision-making processes, providing context on how these standards will guide their learning throughout the project.

Exhibition

Families and community members will be invited to a school-wide exhibition where students present projects that integrate the complexities of historical conflicts with current global challenges. Utilizing student-created illuminated manuscripts and mini-plays, the exhibition will highlight how moral and leadership choices from the Crusades connect to contemporary events. Attendees will participate in discussions encouraged by the "Passport to the Past" conversation prompts, allowing for rich dialogue and reflection on the learning experiences. This showcase aligns with Kentucky's 7th-grade social studies standards, promoting critical engagement with historical narratives in modern contexts.