8th Grade  Project 7 weeks

Passion Project: Showcase Your Inner Genius!

Sarrie P
VA:Pr5.1.8a
VA:Pr6.1.8a
VA:Cr1.2.8a
VA:Pr4.1.8a
MA:Pr6.1.8.a
+ 11 more
1-pager

Purpose

This 8th-grade course is designed to allow students to explore and showcase their passions through hands-on, meaningful projects. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and self-directed learning, this experience encourages students to develop key competencies while connecting their personal interests with real-world contexts. Participants will present their work in a public exhibition, enhancing communication skills and gaining insights into their future aspirations and how their hobbies can impact their communities.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this course focus on enabling students to develop their artistic expression through projects that showcase individual passions. Students will learn to articulate their interests while collaboratively designing exhibition narratives. They will refine their work and presentation skills, analyze the impact of their projects, and engage in self-reflection to understand their real-world applications. Through critical thinking and research, students will deepen their expertise in their chosen area, communicate their learning effectively, and exhibit their projects confidently during the school-wide Passion Showcase Night.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Pr5.1.8a - Collaboratively prepare and present selected theme-based artwork for display and formulate exhibition narratives for the viewer.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Pr6.1.8a - Analyze why and how an exhibition or collection may influence ideas, beliefs, and experiences.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cr1.2.8a - Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art and design.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Pr4.1.8a - Develop and apply criteria for evaluating a collection of artwork for presentation.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MA:Pr6.1.8.a - Design the presentation and distribution of media artworks through multiple formats and/or contexts.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MA:Pr5.1.8.a - Demonstrate a defined range of artistic, design, technical, and soft skills, through performing specified roles in producing media artworks, such as strategizing and collaborative communication.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MA:Pr6.1.8.b - Evaluate the results of and implement improvements for presenting media artworks, considering impacts on personal growth and external effects.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.8.b - Imagine and explore solutions to design challenges of a performance space in a drama/theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cr2.1.8a - Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, and take risks to pursue ideas, forms, and meanings that emerge in the process of art-making or designing.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cr1.1.8a - Document early stages of the creative process visually and or verbally in traditional or new media.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Products

Throughout the 7-week course, students will create a personalized project or artwork that embodies their passion, showcases creativity, and reflects real-world applications of their interests. Each student will also develop written reflections that articulate the significance of their work, connecting it to their personal growth and community relevance. The culmination of these creative endeavors will be showcased in a 'Passion Art Gallery,' providing a platform for students to display their projects in an interactive and engaging format to the school community during the 'Passion Showcase Night.'

Launch

Begin the course with a dynamic launch event using an interactive SchoolAi platform. Invite students to explore, brainstorm, and share their initial ideas with peers, garnering insights and encouragement. This collaborative space will inspire students as they set personal project goals and outline their plans, establishing a supportive community atmosphere that bridges individual passions with real-world connections.

Exhibition

Transform a school corridor into a 'Passion Art Gallery' where students exhibit their projects with accompanying written reflections. These reflections should illustrate each student's connection to their passion and its real-world context. Invite peers, teachers, and parents for a 'Passion Showcase Night' to celebrate and appreciate the diverse interests and skills cultivated over the course.