6th Grade  Project 1 week

Period Power: A Week of Wonder

Isla M
Updated
Collaboration
Effective Communication
Self Directed Learning
Content Expertise
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to deepen students' understanding of puberty while fostering empathy and support for peers and community members undergoing similar changes. Through collaborative projects, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by addressing real-world challenges related to puberty and hygiene. This project aims to cultivate effective communication and self-directed learning as students create impactful products or campaigns that raise awareness and promote inclusivity.

Learning goals

Students will understand the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty and how to maintain health and hygiene. They will develop skills in collaboration, effective communication, and self-directed learning through project co-design and peer feedback. Critical thinking and problem-solving will be fostered as students explore innovative ways to support peers experiencing puberty. Students will engage with community partners to create meaningful projects that address real-world challenges related to puberty and period product access.

Competencies
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • 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.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaborate to create informative campaigns and engineer innovative period products that address specific needs identified during their research. By the end of the week, they will produce a period product pamphlet and a campaign for period product access awareness. Additionally, students will assemble hygiene packs for homeless youth, incorporating their understanding of puberty and community needs.

Launch

Kick off the project with a visit from a guest speaker from At The Crossroads, who can share real-life stories and challenges related to puberty and access to hygiene products. This will be followed by a hands-on activity where students engage in street-level outreach, allowing them to connect with community needs directly. This experience will set the stage for empathy-driven learning and inspire students to think critically about their upcoming projects.

Exhibition

Host a community event where students present their projects, such as informative campaigns, engineered products, or awareness initiatives, to families, peers, and community partners. Set up interactive stations where students can demonstrate their work, engage in discussions, and receive feedback from attendees. Incorporate a panel discussion or Q&A session with students and community partners to deepen the conversation around puberty education and support.