The purpose of this learning experience is to guide students in exploring their individuality and understanding their place in the world through the lens of geography and personal storytelling. By creating a 'Map of Me,' students will use geographic tools to visually and narratively express their unique journeys and contributions. This project fosters critical thinking, creativity, and self-reflection, encouraging students to connect personal experiences with broader cultural and geographic contexts. Through collaborative activities and exhibitions, students will share their insights and celebrate diverse identities, enhancing their appreciation of both their own and others' perspectives.
Learning goals
Students will develop map-making skills, using geographic tools to gather and analyze data about their own communities and personal journeys. They will learn to interpret maps, identify key features, and use latitude and longitude to pinpoint significant locations. Through storytelling techniques, students will express their individuality and understanding of their place in the world, while engaging in collaborative activities that explore diverse identities and cultural characteristics. Additionally, students will reflect on their personal growth and understanding of individuality, geography, and their unique contributions to the world.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.C.6.B: Understand signs of numbers in ordered pairs as indicating locations in quadrants of the coordinate plane.
Products
Students will create a 'Map of Me' that visually represents their personal journey and individuality, using geographic tools and storytelling techniques to highlight significant locations and experiences in their lives. Additionally, they will develop a digital 'Journey Journal' that integrates maps and narrative elements, allowing them to document and reflect on their personal growth and understanding of their place in the world throughout the unit. These products will serve as both a culmination of their learning and a means to express their unique perspectives and connections to the world around them.
Launch
Kick off the unit with a dynamic 'Map Your World' workshop where students create a map of their favorite places, integrating personal stories and cultural elements to showcase their unique perspectives. Follow this with a 'Latitude and Longitude Challenge' where students use coordinates to locate points of interest related to influential individuals, sparking discussions on individuality and impact. These activities set the stage for exploring personal and geographic identity, engaging students in hands-on learning from the start.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their 'Map of Me' projects at the 'Global Connections Fair,' where they will present their maps, journey journals, and accompanying narratives to peers, family, and community members. This event will feature interactive displays where students share personal stories and cultural insights linked to their maps, fostering discussions on individuality and geographic identity. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with students, offering feedback and sharing their own experiences related to the themes explored in the unit.
