Students will engage in a multidisciplinary exploration of identity formation by creating personalized Journey Maps. Through this project, they will connect mathematical concepts like ratios to their own life experiences, analyze force and motion to understand how physical environments influence movement, and use geography to map significant places that shape their identities. By studying "Freak the Mighty" alongside their own reflections, students will deepen their empathy and self-awareness, culminating in a comprehensive visual and analytical representation of their personal growth. This hands-on project encourages students to draw connections between academic content and their lived experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of how various factors contribute to who they are.
Learning goals
Students will analyze the novel "Freak the Mighty" to understand how identity is shaped by various factors, including experiences, relationships, and environments. They will apply mathematical concepts such as ratios to scale real-life experiences and explore force and motion to understand physical environments' impact on movement and access. Through geography and mapping activities, students will identify and represent significant locations that influence identity. Collaborating with the Portage County Department of Developmental Disabilities, students will gain insights into diverse perspectives and develop empathy by reflecting on their own and others' journeys.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3: Use ratio reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
NGSS - MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
Products
Students will create detailed "Journey Maps" that visually and analytically represent their personal identity formation. These maps will incorporate mathematical ratios to scale real-life experiences, and use force and motion concepts to depict how physical environments influence movement and access. Students will also include geographical mapping to highlight significant places that have impacted their identity. The project will culminate in a presentation where students share their maps, reflecting on the connections between their experiences and the themes explored in "Freak the Mighty."
Launch
Kick off the project with an interactive "Identity Walk" where students physically move through a series of stations set up around the classroom. Each station will represent different aspects of identity formation—such as experiences, relationships, environments, and physical realities—using visuals, quotes from "Freak the Mighty," and simple interactive activities. At each station, students will reflect on their own lives and jot down initial thoughts on how these elements shape who they are. Conclude the activity with a group discussion to share insights and set the stage for creating their Journey Maps.
Exhibition
At the conclusion of the project, students will host a community exhibition showcasing their Journey Maps. Each student will present their map, highlighting key moments of identity formation and the integration of mathematical ratios, force and motion, and geographical elements. The Portage County Department of Developmental Disabilities will be invited to join as honored guests, fostering community connections and dialogue about identity and empathy. This exhibition will include interactive stations where attendees can explore the students' processes and engage with the themes of the novel, Freak the Mighty.
