The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a deep exploration of New Mexico's history through the creative process of designing and building parade floats. This project fosters historical understanding, artistic expression, and community engagement, allowing students to connect with their cultural heritage. By collaborating on this project, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills while making history come alive for themselves and the Albuquerque community.

Students will explore and understand key events and figures in New Mexico's history, developing research skills to gather and analyze information. They will apply creative problem-solving and design thinking to construct parade floats that visually represent historical narratives. Through collaboration, students will enhance communication skills and teamwork, engaging with the community to share their insights and creations.

Students will design and construct parade floats that creatively represent significant events or figures in New Mexico's history. Throughout the project, they will also produce research reports, sketches, and prototypes that document their design process and historical findings. By the end, students will compile a portfolio showcasing their float's development, including written reflections and visual documentation.

Kick off the project with a field trip to the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe, where students can explore exhibits and gather inspiration for their parade floats. Alternatively, invite a local historian to give an engaging presentation on key events and figures in New Mexico's history. Conclude the launch with a collaborative brainstorming session where students discuss their initial ideas for the float themes.

Students will showcase their parade floats during a local parade in Albuquerque, highlighting different aspects of New Mexico's history. Each float will be accompanied by a student presentation explaining the historical significance and creative process behind their design. Community members will be invited to view the floats and engage with students, offering feedback and celebrating their achievements. Additionally, a gallery walk can be organized post-parade for those who want a closer look at the floats and to hear detailed stories from the students.