8th Grade  Lesson 45 minutes

Passion Power: Teach & Inspire!

Kira A
Updated
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.5
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to enable students to explore and share their passions through research and presentation. It encourages them to develop effective communication skills and content expertise by teaching others about topics they care about. Students will engage in self-directed learning, using feedback and reflection to enhance their presentations for a diverse audience, including peers and community partners.

Learning goals

Students will develop their research skills by exploring topics they are passionate about and creating focused questions for deeper investigation. They will enhance their communication abilities through the integration of multimedia in presentations, effectively conveying their ideas and engaging their audience. Students will also strengthen their self-directed learning by utilizing peer feedback and self-reflection to refine their presentations and deepen their understanding of their chosen topics.

Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.5 - Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.
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.
  • 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 create a multimedia presentation showcasing their passion and expertise on a chosen topic. Throughout the project, they will develop research notes, a storyboard, and visual aids to support their presentation. By the end, students will have a polished presentation ready for exhibition to peers and community partners.

Launch

Begin the project with a "Passion Showcase" where each student briefly shares an intriguing fact or story related to their passion. Invite students to brainstorm questions they have about each other's topics, fostering curiosity and engagement. Use this as a springboard for students to identify what they can teach others, setting the stage for deeper exploration and research.

Exhibition

Students will present their projects to an audience comprising classmates, other wellness classes, school administrators, and support staff. Each student will have a designated time to share their presentation, integrating multimedia and visual displays to enhance their teaching. The exhibition will be organized in a format that allows for interactive engagement, where audience members can ask questions and provide feedback.