The purpose of this project is to engage eighth-grade students in a deeper exploration of U.S. history through the creative process of designing a board game. This project aims to help students understand how key historical events have shaped America's identity and values, and how diverse communities have contributed to the nation's narrative. By collaborating with local history museums and university history departments, students will access primary sources and expert insights, enhancing their research skills and historical understanding. The project will culminate in a 'Voices of History' event, where students will showcase their games and participate in discussions, allowing them to reflect on their learning and the importance of diverse perspectives in history. This project aligns with Wisconsin state standards, focusing on historical inquiry, analysis of primary sources, and understanding the contributions of various communities to American history. Students will develop competencies in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication through structured reflection, critique, and revision processes.

In this project, students will engage in a comprehensive exploration of U.S. history, focusing on how key events have shaped the nation's identity and values. They will investigate the contributions of diverse communities, including Indigenous peoples, African Americans, immigrants, and women, to the broader narrative of American history. Through historical research, students will analyze primary sources and artifacts to incorporate authentic historical details into their board game designs. This project aims to develop students' skills in critical thinking, creativity, and historical analysis, aligned with Wisconsin state standards for social studies, such as understanding historical context, recognizing multiple perspectives, and analyzing the impact of significant events and individuals on the development of the United States. Additionally, students will enhance their communication skills by presenting their board games and engaging in discussions with peers, community partners, and guest speakers. The project encourages reflection on diversity and equity, fostering socio-emotional growth and a deeper understanding of the diverse stories that contribute to American history.

In this project, 8th-grade students will create a board game that guides players through key events in U.S. history, highlighting the contributions of diverse communities and their impact on the nation's identity and values. The board game will serve as an educational tool that integrates historical accuracy, creativity, and diverse perspectives. Students will engage in a comprehensive design process, including research, critique, and revision, to ensure their final product is both informative and engaging. The project will culminate in a 'Voices of History' event, where students will showcase their board games and participate in panel discussions with guest speakers, including local historians and university faculty. This exhibition will provide an opportunity for students to present their work to a broader audience, receive feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the historical themes and community stories represented in their designs. Throughout the project, students will meet Wisconsin state standards for social studies, focusing on historical inquiry and analysis, understanding historical events and their impact, and recognizing the contributions of diverse groups to American history. They will also develop competencies in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication through the iterative design process and interactions with community partners. By the end of the project, students will have a deeper understanding of U.S. history and the diverse narratives that shape it, as well as enhanced skills in research, reflection, and creative expression.

To effectively launch this project and engage eighth-grade students, initiate a "Voices of the Past Storytelling Session." Invite guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, including historians, community leaders, and individuals with personal stories related to key events in U.S. history. These speakers will share narratives about their ancestors and communities, highlighting their contributions to American history. This session will not only provide inspiration but also offer students a rich tapestry of perspectives to draw from as they begin designing their board games. Incorporate Wisconsin state standards by ensuring that the project aligns with the Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies, specifically focusing on the History strand. This includes analyzing significant events, individuals, and developments in U.S. history, and understanding the diverse perspectives and contributions of different communities. Encourage students to engage in historical inquiry by examining primary sources and artifacts, which supports the development of critical thinking and research skills as outlined in the standards. This launch activity will set the stage for students to explore the essential questions of the project, fostering a deeper understanding of how historical events and diverse narratives have shaped the nation's identity and values.

To effectively exhibit the students' board games at the end of the project, consider organizing a "Voices of History" exhibition event in collaboration with the university's history department. This event will serve as a platform for students to showcase their board games to a broader audience, including community partners, parents, and peers. The exhibition can be set up in a gallery-style format, where each student or group has a designated space to display their game, alongside design portfolios that document their research, design process, and reflections. During the event, students can engage in panel discussions with guest speakers, such as historians and community leaders, who can provide insights into the historical themes and community stories represented in their games. This interaction will not only highlight the students' work but also deepen their understanding of the historical narratives they have explored. To align with Wisconsin state standards for 8th grade, the project should incorporate standards such as analyzing the impact of historical events on national identity (Wisconsin Standard SS.Hist1), understanding diverse perspectives and contributions to history (Wisconsin Standard SS.Hist2), and developing skills in historical inquiry and research (Wisconsin Standard SS.Inq3). The exhibition will also include a peer and community feedback session, where attendees can provide constructive feedback on the historical accuracy, creativity, and inclusion of diverse perspectives in the board games. This feedback will be invaluable for students as they reflect on their learning journey and the impact of their work. Overall, the exhibition will celebrate the students' achievements, foster a deeper appreciation for U.S. history, and encourage ongoing dialogue about the diverse narratives that shape our nation's identity.