Free Will Quest: Unraveling Human Nature

High School Grade Project 4 weeks

Free Will Quest: Unraveling Human Nature

John H

P.MA.Co.10

F-TF.B.5

S-MD.A.1

ET7.6

12.3.PF.1

+ 5 more

1-pager

The Challenge

High school students in Massachusetts experience heightened anxiety and stress due to societal pressures and expectations surrounding academic performance and future career prospects. These pressures can impact their sense of agency and perceptions of free will, influencing their mental health and overall well-being.

Challenge Question

How do societal pressures influence teens' perceptions of free will and human nature, and what can be done to support their sense of agency and mental well-being?

Standards

[Massachusetts] P.MA.Co.10 - Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. Describe how media arts includes content from other academic disciplines (e.g., how one might use mathematical patterns to make images and sound in a media artwork).
[Massachusetts] F-TF.B.5 - Choose trigonometric functions to model periodic phenomena with specified amplitude, frequency, and midline.
[Massachusetts] S-MD.A.1 - Define a random variable for a quantity of interest by assigning a numerical value to each event in a sample space; graph the corresponding probability distribution using the same graphical displays as for data distributions.
[Massachusetts] ET7.6 - Compare and contrast labor productivity trends in the United States and other developed countries.
[Massachusetts] 12.3.PF.1 - Apply best practices for participating safely in physical activity (e.g., injury prevention, spacing, hydration, use of equipment, implementation of rules, sun protection). [PE]

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.

Learning Partners and Clients

Collaborate with Massachusetts-based mental health organizations like the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to explore how societal pressures affect teens' perceptions of free will and agency, providing students with expert perspectives and resources. Connect with local high school alumni who have pursued careers in philosophy or mental health, inviting them to share their experiences and insights, fostering a sense of belonging and identity among current students.

Phase Outcomes

Phase	Learning Outcome
Discover	I can identify the challenge of societal pressures on teens and explore its root causes through engaging activities that spark curiosity and conviction about the issue.
Examine	I can research the causes and effects of societal pressures on teens by conducting interviews, analyzing data, and connecting with experts to deepen my understanding of the issue.
Engineer	I can develop a collaborative art project and podcast series that visually and audibly represent the impact of societal pressures on teens, integrating philosophical and mental health insights.
Do	I can implement my collaborative art project and podcast series by collecting real-world feedback, testing its effectiveness, and refining my solution based on data collected from the community.
Share	I can share my collaborative art project and podcast series in a community forum, engaging with peers, school staff, families, and mental health professionals to present my learning journey and personal growth.