Growing Together: Interactive Infant Care Adventure

9th Grade Project 6 weeks

Growing Together: Interactive Infant Care Adventure

Candice Hunt

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Purpose

The purpose of the "Here We Grow" project is to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create a comprehensive infant care guide that addresses the multifaceted development of infants during their first year. Through this project, students will explore key aspects of newborn care, including physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. By engaging in research, reflection, and creative design, students will develop a digital guide that incorporates interactive elements to educate new parents. This project aims to foster a deeper understanding of infant development, encourage reflective thinking, and enhance students' ability to communicate complex information effectively. Ultimately, students will gain insights into the responsibilities of parenting and develop a resource that can be shared with their school community, promoting awareness and support for new parents.

Learning goals

In this project, students will explore the multifaceted aspects of infant care and development, focusing on creating a comprehensive care guide for new parents. They will learn to: 1. Understand and describe the physical characteristics and needs of newborns immediately after birth, including hospital procedures and care during the initial days. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of safe handling, appropriate clothing, and bathing techniques for newborns. 3. Analyze the factors influencing an infant's physical growth and development, and identify nutritional requirements during the first year. 4. Examine the progression of intellectual development, including brain organization and cognitive abilities as described by Piaget. 5. Recognize and articulate the basic emotions experienced by infants and their significance in emotional development. 6. Investigate the impact of temperament on social development and understand how infants learn social behaviors. Through this project, students will develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills as they synthesize information into an engaging and educational digital guide for new parents. They will also enhance their reflective practices by maintaining a journal throughout the project, fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of infant development.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7: 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.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.5: Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.8: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.

Products

In this project, students will create a comprehensive digital infant care guide titled "Here We Grow," designed to support new parents in understanding and nurturing their infant's development during the first year. The guide will include interactive elements such as videos, quizzes, and infographics, covering essential topics like newborn care, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Students will work collaboratively to research, design, and compile content, ensuring the guide is informative and engaging. The final product will be shared with the school community through QR codes on posters, allowing easy access for new parents and caregivers. Additionally, students will maintain a reflective journal throughout the project, documenting their learning journey and personal growth, which will be integral to their assessment.

Launch

To kick off the "Here We Grow" project, organize a "Newborn Simulation Day" where students experience the challenges and joys of caring for a newborn. Begin with a guest speaker session featuring a pediatric nurse or a new parent who can share real-life insights into the first year of infant care. Follow this with a hands-on activity where students interact with lifelike baby dolls that simulate newborn behaviors and needs. Provide stations where students practice tasks such as diaper changing, swaddling, and feeding. This immersive experience will set the stage for understanding the complexities of infant care and development, sparking curiosity and engagement for the project ahead.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will have the opportunity to showcase their digital 'Here We Grow' infant care guides through an interactive exhibition at the school. This exhibition will feature posters with QR codes that link directly to the students' guides, allowing attendees to explore the content on their own devices. Students will set up stations where they can present their guides, highlighting the interactive elements such as videos, quizzes, and infographics. They will also engage with visitors by discussing the process of creating the guide, the challenges they faced, and the insights they gained about infant development. This exhibition will not only celebrate the students' work but also provide valuable resources to the school community, potentially including parents, staff, and other students interested in infant care and development.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Guest Speaker Session: Invite a pediatric nurse or a new parent to share experiences and insights about caring for a newborn. This will provide students with a real-world context and ignite their curiosity about infant development.	Hands-On Activity: Students will interact with lifelike baby dolls to practice basic newborn care techniques, such as swaddling and diaper changing. This will help them gain practical skills in handling newborns.	Group Discussion: Facilitate a discussion where students can share their initial thoughts and questions about the challenges and rewards of infant care. This will help students articulate their curiosities and set goals for the project.	Research Session: Students will start researching key aspects of newborn appearance and care, including hospital procedures and safe handling techniques. This foundational research will inform their future work on the guide.
Deliverables	1. Reflective Journal Entry: Students will submit a journal entry reflecting on the guest speaker session and hands-on activity, including any new insights or questions they have. 2. Initial Research Notes: Students will submit a summary of their initial research on newborn appearance and care, which will form the basis for the guide sections they will develop later.
Preparation	1. Arrange for a guest speaker, such as a pediatric nurse or a new parent, to visit the class and share their experiences. 2. Prepare lifelike baby dolls and necessary materials for the hands-on activity, ensuring there are enough resources for all students to participate. 3. Develop a list of key questions and discussion prompts to guide the group discussion and ensure it remains focused and productive. 4. Provide students with access to relevant research materials and resources, such as textbooks, articles, and online databases, to support their research session.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Research and Reflection: Students will delve deeper into the physical and intellectual development of infants during the first year. They will explore topics such as growth patterns, milestones, and brain development, using a variety of resources.	Interactive Content Planning: Students will begin planning interactive elements for their digital guides. This includes brainstorming ideas for videos, quizzes, and infographics that will effectively convey information to new parents.	Collaborative Group Work: In small groups, students will discuss their research findings and collaborate on developing sections of the guide. They will share insights and provide feedback to each other to enhance their content.	Guest Expert Session: Invite a child psychologist or an early childhood educator to provide insights into intellectual and emotional development in infants. This will give students a broader understanding of the topics and help them refine their guide sections.
Deliverables	1. Research Summary: Students will submit a summary of their findings on physical and intellectual development in infants, which will be used to inform their digital guide. 2. Interactive Element Proposal: Each student will submit a proposal outlining the interactive content they plan to create for their guide, including objectives and anticipated outcomes.
Preparation	1. Compile a list of credible resources and materials on infant physical and intellectual development for students to use in their research. 2. Arrange for a guest expert, such as a child psychologist or early childhood educator, to visit the class and share insights on infant development. 3. Prepare guidelines and criteria for the interactive content proposal, ensuring students understand expectations and objectives. 4. Facilitate group formation and provide structure for collaborative work sessions, including clear roles and responsibilities for each group member.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Exploration of Emotional and Social Development: Students will investigate the emotional and social development of infants, focusing on topics such as attachment, temperament, and social interaction. They will use various resources including articles, videos, and case studies.	Interactive Content Development: Students will start developing the interactive elements for their digital guide based on their previous proposals. They will work on creating videos, quizzes, and infographics that effectively communicate their research findings.	Peer Review Session: Students will participate in a peer review session where they present their interactive content drafts to classmates for feedback. This collaborative session will help them refine their content and ensure clarity and engagement.	Guest Speaker Session: Invite a child development specialist to discuss the importance of emotional bonds and social interaction in infant development. This session will provide students with expert insights to enhance their understanding and guide their content creation.
Deliverables	1. Draft Interactive Content: Students will submit a draft of their interactive content, including videos, quizzes, and infographics, for peer review and feedback. 2. Research Summary on Emotional and Social Development: Students will submit a comprehensive summary of their research on the emotional and social development of infants, which will inform the content of their digital guide.
Preparation	1. Curate a list of resources on emotional and social development in infants, including articles, videos, and case studies for students to explore. 2. Arrange for a child development specialist to visit the class and share insights on emotional and social development in infants. 3. Develop guidelines and criteria for the peer review session to ensure constructive and focused feedback. 4. Set up necessary technology and tools for students to create and present their interactive content, including video editing software and quiz creation platforms.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Nutritional Needs Exploration: Students will research and explore the nutritional needs of infants during their first year. They will investigate topics such as breastfeeding, formula feeding, introduction to solid foods, and dietary guidelines for infants.	Interactive Content Refinement: Students will refine their interactive content based on peer feedback from Week 3. They will continue to develop engaging videos, quizzes, and infographics, ensuring the information is accurate and user-friendly.	Collaboration and Integration: Students will work in small groups to integrate their individual sections into a cohesive digital guide. They will collaborate to ensure consistency in style, tone, and format across all sections of the guide.	Expert Panel Discussion: Invite a panel of experts, including a pediatric nutritionist and a neonatal nurse, to discuss infant nutrition and answer student questions. This session will provide students with valuable insights for their guide.
Deliverables	1. Nutritional Research Summary: Students will submit a detailed summary of their research on infant nutritional needs, which will be incorporated into their digital guide. 2. Revised Interactive Content: Students will submit revised versions of their interactive content, taking into account the feedback received during the peer review session.
Preparation	1. Compile a list of credible resources and articles on infant nutrition for students to use in their research. 2. Arrange for a panel of experts, including a pediatric nutritionist and a neonatal nurse, to participate in a discussion session with the class. 3. Prepare guidelines for integrating individual guide sections into a cohesive digital guide, including style, tone, and format considerations. 4. Ensure access to technology and tools needed for students to refine their interactive content, such as video editing software and quiz creation platforms.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Content Development: Students will complete the development of their digital guide sections, ensuring that all research findings and interactive elements are accurately presented and fully integrated.	Guide Review and Editing: Students will engage in a comprehensive review and editing session in small groups, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and consistency. They will provide constructive feedback to peers and make necessary revisions.	Mock Presentations: Students will conduct mock presentations of their digital guides to their peers, practicing their delivery and receiving feedback on their presentation skills and content engagement.	Guest Presentation Skills Workshop: Invite a communication specialist to lead a workshop on effective presentation skills, focusing on engaging an audience, clear communication, and the strategic use of digital media.
Deliverables	1. Final Draft of Digital Guide: Students will submit the final draft of their digital infant care guide, featuring all sections and interactive elements, ready for presentation. 2. Presentation Feedback Form: Students will complete a feedback form for their peers' mock presentations, offering constructive comments and suggestions for improvement.
Preparation	1. Prepare guidelines for the final content development and ensure students understand expectations for the completed digital guide. 2. Organize a communication specialist to conduct a workshop on presentation skills, including arranging necessary materials and equipment. 3. Set up a schedule for mock presentations to ensure each student has an opportunity to present and receive feedback. 4. Provide resources and tools for reviewing and editing digital content, ensuring students can effectively refine their guides.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Presentation Preparation: Students will spend time refining their presentation skills, focusing on clear communication and effective use of digital media. They will rehearse their presentations, ensuring they are engaging and informative.	New Parent Expo Setup: Students will collaborate to set up the exhibition space for the 'New Parent Expo.' They will organize their booths, ensuring all digital guides and interactive elements are ready for demonstration.	New Parent Expo Event: Students will present their digital infant care guides at the 'New Parent Expo.' They will interact with attendees, including peers, parents, and community members, to share insights and answer questions about infant care and development.	Reflective Discussion: After the expo, students will participate in a reflective discussion to share their experiences, what they learned, and any feedback they received from attendees.
Deliverables	1. Final Presentation: Students will deliver their final presentations at the 'New Parent Expo,' showcasing their digital infant care guides and interactive elements. 2. Reflective Journal Entry: Students will submit a journal entry reflecting on their experience at the expo, including feedback from attendees and personal insights gained from the project.
Preparation	1. Coordinate logistics for the 'New Parent Expo,' including securing a venue, arranging necessary technology and equipment, and coordinating with school staff for event support. 2. Assist students in setting up their booths and ensure all digital elements are functioning properly for the expo. 3. Prepare guidelines and a rubric for evaluating student presentations, focusing on content accuracy, engagement, and communication skills. 4. Facilitate a debriefing session after the expo to guide reflective discussions and ensure students articulate their learning experiences.