Students investigate how daily choices shape identity by studying habit formation, testing one meaningful habit in their own lives, and gathering evidence of change over time through data tracking, reflection stops, and peer feedback. Through reading, research, discussion, and analysis of text, media, and data visuals, they evaluate multiple sources and apply those insights to design, revise, and explain a personal habit system that addresses how small, consistent habits can transform identity and future success. The work culminates in a Habit Transformation Portfolio and a public-facing product or exhibition experience, where students present real results through clear writing, thoughtful reflection, strategic use of digital media, and persuasive communication.
Learning goals
Students will analyze ideas from Atomic Habits and additional print, visual, audio, and quantitative sources to answer how consistent behaviors shape identity, well-being, and long-term success. They will design, test, and revise a personal habit system over time, using tracking tools, trend data, quick reflection stops, and peer feedback to evaluate what works, respond to setbacks, and explain changes in their routines and identity. They will strengthen research, discussion, writing, and speaking skills by building a Habit Transformation Portfolio with evidence of growth, revisions, and data-based insights, then presenting their findings through a TED Talk, documentary, podcast, digital publication, Growth Glow Gallery display, or peer workshop at the Habit Hack Fair. They will make purposeful language and digital media choices for different audiences while using standard English conventions to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with strong organization and style.
Standards
[North Carolina] L.11-12.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; demonstrate proficiency within the 9-12 grammar continuum.
[North Carolina] L.11-12.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing; demonstrate proficiency within the 9-12 conventions continuum.
[North Carolina] L.11-12.3 - Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
[North Carolina] W.11-12.5 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
[North Carolina] RI.11-12.7 - Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.
[North Carolina] SL.11-12.1 - Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11–12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
[North Carolina] SL.11-12.4 - Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
[North Carolina] SL.11-12.5 - Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
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.
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
Throughout the project, students create habit journals, annotated notes from Atomic Habits and related research, weekly tracking charts, quick voice or video reflection logs, peer feedback records, and short identity-change reflections that document how their system shifts over time. They also build exhibition pieces along the way, including progress posters, charts or trend lines, take-home habit tip cards, and draft scripts or storyboards for their chosen final format. The culminating product is a Habit Transformation Portfolio with a personal habit system, tracking data, analysis of successes and setbacks, reflection on identity and routine changes, and visual evidence that synthesizes research, text evidence, and lived experience. For the public exhibition, each student presents a TED Talk-style presentation, documentary video, podcast episode, digital magazine or blog, or an interactive workshop for peers at a Habit Hack Fair or Growth Glow Gallery, using polished language and purposeful digital media.
Launch
Start with a 3-day “Habit Reveal Challenge” in which students track one automatic behavior, capture quick voice notes or video reflections about how it affects their focus, mood, or confidence, and analyze the cues, responses, rewards, and identity messages behind it using a short multimedia text set. Then run a live class habit experiment for one week, with students collecting simple daily data, creating a shared chart or trend line, and using short discussion rounds to compare what helped, what broke down, and what small revisions improved consistency. Close with a kaleidoscope-style gallery walk of portfolio exemplars, progress visuals, and interactive habit stations so students experience multiple ways habits can be represented, give peer feedback with sentence stems, and identify a personal habit they want to test through their own Habit Transformation Portfolio.
Exhibition
Host a “Future Self Showcase” that combines a Habit Hack Fair and Growth Glow Gallery, where students share their Habit Transformation Portfolio with peers, families, and school staff through TED-style talks, documentary videos, podcast stations, digital magazine/blog displays, or interactive peer workshops. Visitors try simple habit strategies, study student charts and tracking data, collect take-home tip cards, and leave feedback on the clarity of each student’s reasoning, use of evidence, growth, setbacks, and effort. Display blogs and digital magazines on screens alongside posters of progress, then end with peer recognition circles, applause moments, and a reflection wall or digital board where guests name one habit they want to try themselves.
