Middle School Grade  Project 1 week

Herstory Lens: Empowering Everyday Moments

Emily A
Updated
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
Collaboration
Academic Mindset
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to enable students to explore visual storytelling through photography and film by capturing the authentic everyday lives of women they find inspirational. Students will deepen their understanding of storytelling techniques, develop critical thinking skills, and practice empathy and effective communication as they engage with real-world narratives. The project fosters a collaborative environment where students co-create with peers and the women they document, encouraging diverse perspectives and shared decision-making. This immersive learning experience reinforces students' sense of belonging and academic mindset, empowering them to reflect meaningfully on the stories they document and share.

Learning goals

By the end of this project, students will effectively apply photography and filmmaking techniques, such as lighting and composition, to authentically capture and convey stories of the women in their communities. They will strengthen their communication skills by conducting interviews and presenting their documentaries, demonstrating empathy and active listening. Collaboratively, students will develop and refine their visual narratives, exercising shared decision-making and leadership. Through this real-world project, they will deepen their critical thinking abilities by exploring the complexities and impacts of women's lives on their own understanding of inspiration and authenticity.

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.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.

Products

Students will produce a short film capturing the essence of an everyday heroine's life, featuring authentic moments that reveal her inspirations and challenges. Accompanying this, they will curate a photograph collection that reflects the woman's daily routine, emphasizing her strengths and joys. Additionally, students will produce a documentary with narrative clips and interviews, providing insights into the woman's impactful story. These projects will be presented at a film festival and gallery event, highlighted by a public multimedia slideshow showcasing the woman's influence on her community.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Women in Focus' Day by inviting local female photographers and filmmakers to inspire students with personal stories, sharing insights into their craft and how they capture authentic moments effectively. Follow this with a hands-on 'Lens and Lens' Workshop, encouraging students to sketch ideas and discuss approaches to faithfully depict the women they admire. This engaging start will lay a solid foundation for the projects, igniting interest and setting the tone for a week of collaborative creativity and storytelling.

Exhibition

Invite community members, family, and peers to the 'Women We Admire Film Festival' where students showcase their documentaries. Transform the space into the 'Everyday Heroines Gallery', featuring the students' photographs and film stills with narrative captions. Host 'Inspirational Voices Live', a dynamic event where students introduce their films, alongside the women they've documented, who share their experiences directly with the audience.