Students will engage in a project that explores the impact of prejudice and discrimination through the lens of Holocaust history, driving discussions and reflections on empathy, history, and community responsibility. By collaborating on research, storytelling, and a culminating exhibition, students develop critical thinking and communication skills, understanding the historical context and its relevance today. The learning experience encourages students to apply historical lessons to contemporary issues, fostering a deeper awareness of how they can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding community.
Learning goals
Students analyze the impact of prejudice and discrimination by exploring historical and contemporary examples, fostering empathy and understanding. They develop effective communication skills through discussions, presentations, and collaborative group activities, ensuring active participation and reflection. Students engage in critical thinking by examining real-world connections and proposing solutions to encourage acceptance and inclusivity within their communities.
Standards
[Texas] 8.3A - adjust fluency when reading grade-level text based on the reading purpose
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.
Products
Through guided exploration, students will create a multimedia presentation showcasing historical events from the Holocaust and their relevance to current issues of prejudice and discrimination. They will collaboratively design awareness campaigns using digital storytelling, integrating images, narrative, and interviews with Holocaust educators or survivors, if possible. Final projects will be presented in a class exhibition to foster empathy and dialogue, and to reflect on the role of history in shaping community values.
Launch
Begin the project with a collaborative storytelling session where students listen to an age-appropriate story about kindness and empathy set during a historical event related to the Holocaust. Following the story, facilitate a guided discussion where students share their thoughts and feelings, emphasizing their observations about prejudice and discrimination. Use visuals and simple role-play activities to ensure understanding and engagement for younger students. Conclude with a hands-on art project where students create posters depicting how they can foster kindness and inclusivity in their communities, which will later be exhibited at a school mini-gallery.
Exhibition
Students will create a multi-grade-level exhibition showcasing their projects that examine the effects of prejudice and discrimination throughout history, emphasizing the lessons learned from the Holocaust. This exhibition will include interactive displays, student-led presentations, and personal reflections, allowing visitors to engage with the material. Each student will take on a role, either as a presenter, guide, or documentary maker, to effectively communicate their insights and encourage empathy and thoughtful dialogue among peers and the wider school community.
