7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Grades  Project 10 weeks

Discover Qingdao: Connect, Explore & Learn!

Wanru Z
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.3
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse students in the rich history and culture of Qingdao through hands-on, real-world learning experiences. By engaging in activities such as field trips, storytelling workshops, and community interactions, students will develop a deeper understanding of their city while honing critical thinking, research, and communication skills. This project fosters self-directed learning and encourages students to connect with their community, culminating in meaningful presentations that showcase their insights and discoveries.

Learning goals

Students will explore and document Qingdao's history and culture, developing research and storytelling skills through multimedia projects. They will understand mathematical functions by mapping historical data and interpreting trends in Qingdao's development. Students will engage in self-directed learning, using feedback and reflection to refine their work, while building connections with community members and gaining a deeper appreciation for their city's heritage.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.1 - Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output. The graph of a function is the set of ordered pairs consisting of an input and the corresponding output.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.3 - Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear.
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.

Products

Students will create a multimedia digital timeline of Qingdao's history, integrating photos, videos, and interviews, and present it at a 'Digital Time Capsule' virtual exhibition, allowing community members to explore the city's history interactively. They will also organize a student-led walking tour of Qingdao, guiding family members and local residents through historical sites, sharing researched narratives and personal reflections, culminating in a 'Walk Through History' event. Additionally, students will develop a podcast series capturing oral histories and cultural insights from Qingdao residents, showcased at a 'Stories of Qingdao' podcast listening party, followed by a discussion where students share their research process and learnings.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Voices of the Past' interactive storytelling session, where students listen to oral histories from Qingdao residents. Following this, students will collaborate to create a narrative that intertwines these diverse experiences, setting the stage for their exploration of Qingdao's history. This activity will ignite curiosity and provide a personal connection to the city's cultural and historical landscape, motivating students to delve deeper into their research and project work.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Stories of Qingdao' podcast listening party, inviting community members to engage with their podcast series and participate in a Q&A session. They will also organize a 'Walk Through History' event, guiding family members and local residents on a walking tour of Qingdao, sharing their research and reflections at each site. Additionally, a 'Digital Time Capsule' virtual exhibition will be created, showcasing a collaborative digital timeline and multimedia projects, allowing visitors to explore Qingdao's history interactively. Finally, a 'Voices of Qingdao' panel discussion will be facilitated, where students present their findings and engage in dialogue with local historians and cultural experts.