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9th Grade  Project 3 weeks

Enlightenment Titans: Clash of Ideas!

Carlton W
WHII.T1.3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience by embodying Enlightenment thinkers in a panel discussion, allowing them to explore and articulate the thinkers' philosophies and their impact on the French Revolution. This project encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as students analyze historical contexts and synthesize information to present arguments and ideas authentically. Through self-directed learning, students will use feedback to refine their understanding and presentation skills, fostering a sense of identity and belonging as they connect historical insights to contemporary issues. The project will also include a discussion activity where students engage in informal debates as their assigned thinkers, further enhancing their effective communication and content expertise.

Learning goals

Students will engage in a simulated panel discussion, embodying Enlightenment thinkers to explore and articulate their philosophies and their impact on the French Revolution. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing the complex socio-political and economic factors of the era. Through self-directed learning, students will use feedback to refine their understanding and presentation skills. They will practice effective communication by actively listening, empathizing, and presenting their perspectives during the panel. Additionally, students will participate in a discussion activity where they reflect on how Enlightenment ideas influence modern beliefs, deepening their content expertise and fostering an academic mindset by connecting historical insights to their personal and community contexts.
Standards
  • [Massachusetts] WHII.T1.3 - Analyze the various political, social, intellectual, and economic causes of the French Revolution (e.g., the influence of Enlightenment philosophy, the development of a middle class, the excesses and growing economic struggles of the French monarchy, the incompetence and corruption of the monarchy and government officials).
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will create a dynamic panel discussion where each student embodies an Enlightenment thinker, presenting and defending their assigned philosopher's ideas and contributions. Throughout the project, students will compile research portfolios that include primary and secondary sources, reflective journals, and peer feedback. By the end of the project, students will produce a video recording of the panel discussion, accompanied by a written reflection that connects Enlightenment ideas to the causes of the French Revolution. Additionally, students will engage in a collaborative art installation that visually represents the core philosophies of Enlightenment thinkers. These products will be shared with the class and potentially a broader audience, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

Launch

To kick off the project, students will participate in an immersive role-play activity where they receive a mysterious letter inviting them to a secret Enlightenment salon. The classroom will be transformed into a salon setting, complete with period-appropriate decorations and music. Each student will be assigned an Enlightenment thinker to research and embody throughout the project. Following the role-play, students will engage in a facilitated discussion where they share initial thoughts about their assigned thinkers and discuss how these ideas might have influenced the political and social climate of the time. This launch activity will set the stage for the panel discussion, sparking curiosity and engagement as students begin to explore the ideas and influences of their assigned figures.

Exhibition

Host an 'Enlightenment Expo' where students perform skits as their assigned philosophers, illustrating key ideas and their impact on the French Revolution, followed by a Q&A session with community members. Incorporate a discussion activity where students and audience members engage in small group dialogues about the relevance of Enlightenment ideas today, encouraging critical reflection and connection to modern societal issues. This exhibition will not only showcase their content expertise and communication skills but also encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of historical perspectives.