7th Grade  Project 2 weeks

Teach Me: Your Passion in Action!

Kira A
Updated
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.5
Effective Communication
Self Directed Learning
Content Expertise
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

Students will embark on a journey of self-exploration and community engagement through the "Teach Me Something!" project, showcasing their unique passions and interests. This initiative encourages students to delve deep into their chosen topics and develop compelling presentations that incorporate multimedia components to captivate and educate their audience. By fostering a supportive environment of peer collaboration and feedback, students will hone their public speaking skills, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Throughout this hands-on experience, learners will reflect on their personal growth, understanding the impact of their contributions and the importance of sharing knowledge within their communities.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project focus on developing students' public speaking skills, incorporating multimedia components, and enhancing effective communication. Students will explore and present their passions through engaging and interactive methods, using peer feedback and self-reflection to iterate on their presentations. By actively participating in collaboration and exhibiting their work at a community event, students will exercise critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as foster self-directed learning and empathy through meaningful dialogue.

Standards
  • [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.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create multimedia-enhanced presentations that showcase their personal passions and interests. These presentations will be refined through peer critique sessions, and students will integrate visual displays to clarify their findings. Final products will be exhibited at the 'Teach Me Festival' through interactive booths, and at the 'Public Speaking Showcase' where students will perform live on stage. Each product aims to reflect the student's learning journey and mastery of effective communication techniques learned in the process.

Launch

Students embark on the project with a 'Passion Pitch Workshop', a dynamic session where they showcase their ideas and enthusiasm for chosen topics through engaging pitches. In collaborative groups, they brainstorm aspects of their interests that could inform their upcoming presentations, receiving valuable feedback from peers to refine ideas. This activity sets the stage for deeper exploration while inspiring excitement and curiosity about the public speaking journey ahead.

Exhibition

Organize the "Teach Me Festival," where students set up interactive booths to showcase their topics, inviting peers, parents, and community members to explore and learn. Students will have the opportunity to engage their audience with multimedia elements and hands-on activities that enhance their presentations. As part of the Public Speaking Showcase, students will perform on stage, integrating visual and audio components to highlight key points. A reflection circle will follow the exhibition events, providing a space for students to discuss their socio-emotional experiences and academic insights gained throughout the project. This celebration not only provides a platform for sharing but also encourages mutual learning among all participants.