All grades  Project 4 weeks

Golden State Stories: AAPI Heroes Unveiled!

Riza E
Updated
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Collaboration
Academic Mindset
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

This project aims to build students' understanding of California's diverse cultural fabric by exploring the profound impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. By investigating historical figures and events, students will contextualize the intersections of ethnic studies and social justice movements, learning to view history through a multidimensional lens. Through collaborative and interactive activities, students will connect their sense of place and identity to broader societal dynamics, fostering critical thinking, communication, and self-directed learning. The project culminates in community exhibitions, providing students with opportunities to articulate their findings and engage in meaningful discussions on cultural heritage and activism.

Learning goals

Students will explore the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to California's culture and history by investigating key figures and events. They will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the intersection of ethnic studies and social justice movements within this historical context. Collaborating with peers, students will enhance their abilities in effective communication, critique, and self-directed learning, while creating multimedia presentations and an interactive timeline that visually expresses their findings. Through this project, students will cultivate an academic mindset by reflecting on their role within a diverse community and recognize their own belonging.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 collaboratively design and create a dynamic 'Timeline Walk' along the hallway, where each group focuses on distinct historical AAPI figures or events in California. The timeline will feature integrated multimedia elements, such as student-narrated audio guides accessible through QR codes, and artwork depicting significant moments. Throughout the project, students will also develop individual digital presentations to showcase their research findings, contributing to the community exhibition day, 'AAPI Voices.'

Launch

Begin the project with a community storytelling ceremony where students and local AAPI leaders share personal narratives about their experiences and contributions to California's cultural and social landscape. This immersive launch event not only sparks curiosity but also sets the stage for students to investigate diverse perspectives as they explore the history and impact of AAPI communities in California.

Exhibition

During the 'AAPI Voices' community exhibition day, students will transform the school hallway into an engaging 'Timeline Walk,' where they visually map significant AAPI historical events in California. The timeline will showcase multimedia presentations, murals, and interactive elements like QR codes linking to student-narrated audio guides, promoting dialogue and understanding among parents, teachers, and local community members. This immersive exhibition offers students the opportunity to practice effective communication and collaboration, sharing their research findings and reflections with the broader school community.