This project aims to empower students to explore topics they are passionate about by integrating English and history/current events content. Through individual research essays and collaborative multimedia projects, students will develop critical literacy, research, and digital literacy skills. They will learn to analyze historical texts and contemporary articles, evaluate sources for bias and reliability, and construct evidence-based arguments. By partnering with a non-profit organization focused on social justice, students will connect their research to real-world challenges, gaining insight into how historical contexts influence current events. The project culminates in a symposium and digital showcase, where students present their work to an audience, fostering communication skills and promoting a broader understanding of social justice issues. Through reflection and peer review, students will enhance their socio-emotional skills, such as active listening and empathy, while refining their work based on feedback.

In this project, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how historical contexts can inform and address contemporary challenges. They will enhance their research skills by learning to effectively navigate digital archives and databases, focusing on evaluating sources for credibility and bias. Students will also improve their critical literacy by analyzing historical texts and current event articles, identifying the author's perspective and potential bias. Through the construction of a research essay, students will refine their writing and communication skills, emphasizing thesis development and evidence-based arguments. Collaboration will be fostered through peer review sessions, where students practice active listening and empathy while providing constructive feedback. Additionally, students will gain digital literacy and presentation skills by creating multimedia projects, effectively communicating their findings to diverse audiences. The project will culminate in a symposium and digital showcase, allowing students to articulate their learning and engage with community partners, further connecting their research to real-world social justice issues.

In this project, students will individually create a comprehensive research essay that explores a topic of their passion, integrating historical context to address contemporary challenges. Collaboratively, students will produce a variety of multimedia resources such as presentations, brochures, infographics, posters, and video essays. These products will communicate their findings and insights, emphasizing critical literacy and digital presentation skills. The culmination of their work will be showcased in a digital magazine titled "Voices of Change," featuring their essays and multimedia projects. This magazine will highlight the intersection of historical context and contemporary social justice issues, shared with community partners and published online for a broader audience. Additionally, students will participate in a symposium to present their research and engage in a Q&A session, demonstrating their ability to articulate learning and respond thoughtfully to questions.

To effectively launch this project, organize a 'Digital Discovery Day' where students engage in an immersive exploration of online archives, databases, and digital tools relevant to their research topics. Begin the day with a guest speaker session featuring a representative from a non-profit organization focused on social justice or community advocacy, who can provide insights into the importance of historical context in addressing contemporary challenges. Following this, guide students through a series of interactive workshops where they learn how to navigate digital resources, evaluate sources for credibility and bias, and utilize digital tools for research. Encourage students to brainstorm potential research topics and discuss their initial ideas with peers, fostering collaboration from the outset. This launch activity will not only spark curiosity and excitement but also equip students with essential digital literacy skills that will be foundational throughout the project.

To exhibit the students' work at the end of the project, organize a 'Voices of Change Symposium' where students present their research essays and multimedia projects to an audience that includes classmates, teachers, community partners, and family members. This event should feature a combination of live presentations and interactive displays, allowing students to showcase their work in various formats such as digital presentations, infographics, and video essays. Additionally, launch a 'Voices of Change' digital showcase on a dedicated website or social media platform, where the digital magazine featuring student essays and projects can be accessed by a broader audience. This dual approach not only celebrates student achievements but also enhances their digital literacy and communication skills by engaging with diverse audiences both in-person and online.