Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Project Launch: Santa Debate Challenge - Facilitate a lively debate where students evaluate arguments and evidence from historical and cultural texts about Santa Claus. Encourage critical assessment of validity and reasoning. (50 min)
Introduction to Santa Across Cultures - Research and analyze diverse cultural and historical interpretations of Santa Claus using primary and secondary sources. (30 min)
Group Discussion - Share findings with peers, focusing on how different cultures perceive Santa Claus and its evolution over time. (20 min)
Digital Resource Exploration - Use digital tools to gather and evaluate information on Santa's historical evolution. Students will integrate and cite sources using various digital formats. (25 min)
Feedback Session - Teacher and peer feedback on initial research and source evaluation. (25 min)
Narrative Writing Techniques - Learn how to use narratives strategically in writing to support a claim or introduce an issue, focusing on effective technique and well-chosen details. (25 min)
Drafting Synthesis Essay - Begin drafting a 5-paragraph synthesis essay using research findings. (25 min)
Critical Evaluation Workshop - Analyze and critique the arguments, claims, and evidence in selected texts about Santa Claus, identifying false statements and fallacies. (25 min)
Revision and Refinement - Revise essay drafts based on feedback, focusing on integrating diverse sources effectively. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Participation in 'Santa Debate Challenge' with team presentation.
2. Research notes and a compiled list of sources with proper citations.
3. Draft of the introductory narrative for the digital portfolio.
4. Peer feedback forms with detailed suggestions for draft improvements.
Preparation 1. Gather diverse cultural and historical texts about Santa Claus for the debate.
2. Prepare a list of digital resources and databases for students to access primary and secondary sources.
3. Develop a workshop plan on argument evaluation techniques, including sample texts for analysis.
4. Create a template for the digital portfolio with sections for different components of the project.
5. Organize peer review guidelines and feedback forms to facilitate constructive exchanges.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Peer Feedback Session - Exchange essays with classmates for constructive feedback on argument strength and source integration. Focus on using narratives effectively. (25 min)
Digital Portfolio Workshop - Begin assembling digital portfolios by organizing research, essays, and citations in a dynamic format using digital tools. (25 min)
Historical Analysis Collaboration - In groups, analyze historical texts on Santa Claus and discuss how themes are treated similarly or differently across time periods. (30 min)
Personal Reflection Journaling - Write a reflective journal entry on personal growth during the project, focusing on self-directed learning and academic mindset. (20 min)
Media Interpretation Analysis - Evaluate various media interpretations of Santa Claus, considering how each version interprets the source text. (25 min)
Multimedia Presentation Planning - Outline a plan for a multimedia presentation that will showcase key moments of learning and reflection throughout the unit. (25 min)
Synthesis Essay Finalization - Revise and finalize synthesis essays, ensuring coherent integration of diverse cultural and historical perspectives of Santa Claus. (30 min)
Interactive Infographic Design - Create an infographic that visually represents the evolution of Santa Claus across cultures, using digital tools to cite sources. (20 min)
Digital Portfolio Refinement - Refine digital portfolios by incorporating feedback and ensuring all elements, including essays and infographics, are well integrated. (25 min)
Group Reflection and Discussion - Participate in a group discussion reflecting on project progress, challenges faced, and strategies for overcoming them. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Research notes and summaries of different cultural and historical interpretations of Santa Claus.
2. A completed 5-paragraph synthesis essay draft, including a thesis statement, supporting evidence, and citations.
3. Peer and teacher feedback on the essay draft, incorporating suggestions for improvement.
4. A revised synthesis essay that integrates feedback and demonstrates improved research quality and citation accuracy.
5. An infographic that visually represents the evolution of Santa Claus, highlighting cultural and historical contexts.
Preparation 1. Gather and curate a diverse collection of primary and secondary sources related to the cultural and historical interpretations of Santa Claus.
2. Ensure access to digital tools and platforms for research, such as online databases and library resources.
3. Prepare guidelines and rubrics for the synthesis essay and infographic to provide clear expectations.
4. Create a peer review checklist to guide students in providing constructive feedback on draft essays.
5. Set up a digital platform for students to share and receive feedback on their work, ensuring it supports multimedia content.
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Final Portfolio Assembly - Compile all elements of the digital portfolio, including essays, videos, and infographics, ensuring effective integration and source citation. (30 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Exchange portfolios with classmates to provide and receive constructive feedback on content integration and presentation quality. (20 min)
Portfolio Refinement Session - Refine digital portfolios based on peer feedback, focusing on clarity, coherence, and the dynamic display of information. (30 min)
Multimedia Presentation Rehearsal - Practice presenting the multimedia reflection, focusing on effective communication and engaging delivery. (20 min)
Santa Synthesis Showcase Setup - Prepare the exhibition space for the showcase, organizing stations and ensuring all digital presentations are ready to display. (20 min)
Final Presentation Practice - Conduct a full rehearsal of the multimedia reflection presentation, incorporating teacher feedback for final adjustments. (30 min)
Santa Synthesis Showcase - Present digital portfolios and multimedia reflections to peers, teachers, and community members, demonstrating synthesis of Santa Claus interpretations. (50 min)
Reflective Group Discussion - Participate in a group discussion to reflect on the learning journey, challenges faced, and personal growth throughout the project. (25 min)
Project Debrief and Self-Assessment - Complete a self-assessment of project outcomes and personal development, setting goals for future learning endeavors. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of a 5-paragraph synthesis essay answering the essential questions.
2. A digital portfolio containing essays, videos, infographics, and properly cited sources.
3. A multimedia presentation reflecting on personal and academic growth during the unit.
4. Participation in the 'Santa Synthesis Showcase,' presenting their digital narrative to an audience.
5. Feedback collection from peers, teachers, and community members during the showcase.
6. A final reflective piece incorporating feedback from the showcase and personal insights.
Preparation 1. Ensure access to digital tools and platforms for creating multimedia presentations.
2. Organize a session for peer review by setting up digital sharing platforms or collaboration tools.
3. Arrange for feedback sessions with teachers, ensuring access to digital communication tools.
4. Prepare guidelines and rubrics for the final digital portfolio and multimedia presentation.
5. Set up exhibition space or online platform for the 'Santa Synthesis Showcase.'
6. Coordinate with community members and other classes to attend the showcase.