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4th Grade  Project 12 weeks

Dragon Boat Bash: Paddle & Celebrate!

Delia F
D2.Civ.13.3-5
MU:Re7.2.4.a
D2.Civ.12.3-5
MU:Cr2.1.4.b
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3
+ 11 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse 4th-grade students in the cultural richness of the Dragon Boat Festival through hands-on, project-based activities. By engaging in research, role-playing, and community collaboration, students will develop a deeper understanding of the festival's historical and cultural significance. This project aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication as students create and share a digital storytelling project with foreign teachers and community members.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project include understanding the cultural significance and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, developing skills in digital storytelling, and enhancing collaboration and communication through role-playing and community engagement. Students will explore historical and cultural contexts, create and refine narratives, and engage in hands-on experiences such as dumpling-making to deepen their connection to the material. They will also practice critical thinking by analyzing feedback and revising their presentations to effectively convey their learning to an audience.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.13.3-5 - Explain how policies are developed to address public problems.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Re7.2.4.a - Demonstrate and explain how responses to music are informed by the structure, the use of the elements of music, and context (such as social and cultural).
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.12.3-5 - Explain how rules and laws change society and how people change rules and laws.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Cr2.1.4.b - Use standard and/or iconic notation and/or recording technology to document personal rhythmic, melodic, and simple harmonic musical ideas.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.5.3-5 - Explain the origins, functions, and structure of different systems of government, including those created by the U.S. and state constitutions.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] PS.2.C - Stability and Instability in Physical Systems
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 4-ESS2-2 - Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth's features.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Pr4.2.4.a - Demonstrate understanding of the structure and the elements of music (such as rhythm, pitch, and form) in music selected for performance.
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] 1B-AP-08 - Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate.
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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Throughout the learning experience, students will create a comprehensive digital storytelling project that includes videos, photos, and narratives capturing the history and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival. They will also develop role-playing skits that bring to life the festival's historical and emotional aspects. By the end, students will compile these elements into a cohesive presentation for the Cultural Exchange Day, showcasing their understanding and creativity in sharing the festival's cultural significance with the community.

Launch

Kick off the project with 'Taste of Tradition,' an interactive food-tasting event where students sample traditional Dragon Boat Festival foods such as zongzi. Facilitate discussions on the cultural significance of these foods, encouraging students to share their sensory experiences and initial thoughts. This immersive launch will set the stage for exploring the festival's history and traditions, sparking curiosity and engagement.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Cultural Exchange Day' where students host an engaging presentation for foreign teachers and community members. The event will feature a digital storytelling project, role-playing skits, and a hands-on dumpling-making workshop. Students will share their insights and experiences, demonstrating their understanding of the Dragon Boat Festival's cultural significance. This interactive exhibition allows students to communicate their learning effectively while fostering cross-cultural connections.