UNRAVELING HISTORY: THE HISTORICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Refer to Chapter 2 for guidance on breaking down your content standards into specific objectives and learning outcomes. Below, we've outlined how the project corresponds with different subjects. Utilize this list to coordinate the project with key instructional turning points, allowing you to determine the optimal times to introduce content-based lessons that align to your standards and enhance student understanding.

History:

• Historical Context: Understanding the background and significance of various historical events and figures.

• Chronological Thinking: Analyzing events in the order they occurred to identify cause-and-effect relationships.

• Source Analysis: Evaluating primary and secondary sources for credibility and relevance.

Social Studies:

• Civic Understanding: Exploring the roles and responsibilities of individuals within historical contexts.

• Cultural Awareness: Examining the cultural, social, and political impact of historical events.

• Geographical Literacy: Understanding the geographical context and its influence on historical events.

English Language Arts:

• Research Skills: Effective gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information from various sources.

• Writing and Communication: Clearly communicating research findings and analyses through written and oral presentations.

• Critical Reading: Analyzing and interpreting texts to support research findings and arguments.

Technology:

• Digital Literacy: Using tools like PowerPoint, poster design software, and video editing software for presentations.

• Multimedia Skills: Incorporating various media formats into presentations to enhance communication.

• Technical Skills: Troubleshooting and effectively using technology to support research and presentations.

Art/Design:

• Visual Design: Creating visually appealing and informative exhibition materials.

• Creative Expression: Using artistic techniques to enhance the presentation of research findings.

• Exhibition Setup: Organizing and setting up an exhibition space for presenting investigations.

Use the information from the Standards to assess what existing resources you can incorporate into your lessons. Refer to Chapter 3 for guidance on how to weave your current curriculum resources into this Project-Based Learning experience.

Storyline:

In (Name of teachers class) at (Name of school), a sense of curiosity and excitement fills the air as students prepare to dive into the captivating world of historical investigations. Each student will be tasked with choosing a specific historical event or figure that piques their interest. Through this Project-Based Learning (PBL) project, students will become historical detectives, uncovering hidden truths and shedding light on the mysteries of the past.

You will have to

1. Choose a path

2. Research and discover

3. Unveil the past

4. Showcase your investigation

5. Historical investigation exhibition

Driving Question:

1. Initial Inquiry:

What are historical events or figures? How can we investigate them?

2. Reflection & Iteration: 

What creative ideas can we brainstorm to shed light on the past?

How have our ideas evolved throughout the process of brainstorming and planning?

3. Driving Question:

How might we through our investigations of a specific historical event or figure create a deeper understanding of history in order to enlighten ourselves and our community?

Turning Points:

1. Launch with Need to Know Questions and Choose a Path

• Objective: Students select a historical event or figure that interests them.

• Activities: Start with the storyline and driving question, then have students formulate their "Need to Know" questions. Use various forms of instruction as noted in Chapter 4, leveraging your existing resources for content lessons. Introduce students to various historical events and figures, followed by discussion and brainstorming sessions to help them identify their interests. Finally, have students submit a proposal outlining their chosen topic and explaining why they selected it.

2. Research and Discover

• Objective: Conduct in-depth research on the chosen topic.

• Activities: Review and refine the "Need to Know" questions based on the previous turning point. Implement various forms of instruction as outlined in Chapter 4, utilizing your existing resources for content lessons. Introduce research methodologies and the evaluation of credible sources. Arrange visits to the library and encourage exploration of online databases. Maintain a research journal to document findings and reflections throughout the process.

3. Unveil the Past

• Objective: Analyze the research findings to uncover hidden truths and mysteries.

• Activities: Review and refine the "Need to Know" questions based on the previous turning point. Implement various forms of instruction as outlined in Chapter 4, utilizing your existing resources for content lessons. Organize and synthesize the gathered information, identifying patterns, contradictions, and significant insights. From this analysis, develop a thesis statement or central argument.

4. Showcase Your Investigation

• Objective: Create a presentation to share the investigation process and findings.

• Activities: Review and refine the "Need to Know" questions based on the previous turning point. Introduce various presentation formats, such as PowerPoint, posters, and videos. Conduct workshops on effective communication and presentation skills. Facilitate peer review sessions to provide feedback on drafts.

5. Historical Investigation Exhibition

• Objective: Present the investigation to the class and potentially a broader audience.

• Activities: Finalize and rehearse the presentation. Set up an exhibition space (classroom or school event). Present to peers, teachers, and possibly parents or community members.

Community Partners

1. Local Historical Society: Can provide resources and expertise on local historical events and figures. There could be guest lectures, guided tours, and access to archives and historical documents.

2. Public Library: Offers research resources, workshops on using online databases, and space for student research. Research methodology workshops, access to research journals, and librarian assistance.

3. University History Department: Provide expert advice, research mentorship, and access to academic resources. Guest lectures from professors, research guidance, and thesis development support.

4. Local Museum: Offer insights into historical artifacts and exhibits related to students' topics. Museum tours, artifact analysis sessions, and exhibit design workshops.

5. Genealogical Society: Assist with family history research and understanding historical contexts through genealogy. Genealogy workshops, access to genealogical records, and research assistance.

6. Local Government Agency: Offer access to public records, documents, and historical data. Archive tours, document analysis sessions, and public record research guidance.

7. Educational Technology Center: Provide training on digital presentation tools and multimedia resources. Technology workshops, multimedia project assistance, and technical support.

8. Local Art Gallery: Assist in designing visually appealing presentations and exhibits. Art and design workshops, exhibit setup guidance, and creative expression sessions.

Real-World Project Ideas:

Various projects could include (Select one or provide choice to your students).

• 1. Historical Documentary: Students create a short film or video documentary about their chosen historical event or figure, incorporating primary and secondary sources.

  2. Exhibition Display: Design and set up a museum-style exhibit with artifacts, photographs, and informational panels to showcase their investigation.

  3. Interactive Timeline: Develop an interactive digital or physical timeline that highlights key events related to their topic, including multimedia elements like videos and audio recordings.

  4. Research Paper: Write a comprehensive research paper detailing their investigation, findings, and the significance of the historical event or figure.

  5. Living History Presentation: Perform a reenactment or dramatization of a significant moment related to their topic, complete with costumes and props.

  6. Website or Blog: Create a website or blog that presents their research, analysis, and insights, making it accessible to a wider audience.

  7. Poster Presentation: Design and present a series of posters that visually represent their research findings, including maps, charts, and images.

  8. Podcast Series: Produce a series of podcast episodes that explore different aspects of their chosen historical event or figure, including interviews with experts and narration.

  9. Educational Workshop: Develop and conduct an educational workshop or seminar for classmates or the community, sharing their knowledge and engaging participants in activities.

  10. Art Installation: Create an art installation that interprets their historical investigation through visual art, sculptures, or mixed media, accompanied by explanatory texts.

Scaffolding Student Learning:

Outline methods for differentiating instruction and provide both common and unique scaffolding techniques to support student learning throughout the PBL process. Strategies can include: 

1. Establishing clear learning objectives and success criteria. 

2. Leveraging mentorship opportunities.

3. Employing a gradual release of responsibility. 

4. Integrating expert panels. 

5. Utilizing modeling and examples. 

For a detailed discussion of comprehensive strategies, refer to Chapter 9.

Managing Activities:

Consider the following when managing activities. 

1. Provide a safe learning environment so students are willing to take risks.

2. Outline clear learning objectives. 

3. Ensure rituals, routines and processes support your objectives

4. Organize regular check-ins at different stages of the project.

5. Address issues as they emerge, encompassing content, processes, and social and emotional concerns. 

For an in-depth exploration of strategies, consult Chapter 10. If additional instructional methodologies are required, refer to Chapter 4.

Technology Enhancement:

Various technology tools can include:

1. Digital Survey Tools: Use tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to help students formulate and submit their "Need to Know" questions.

2. Interactive Timelines: Utilize tools like TimelineJS to create interactive timelines of various historical events and figures to help students identify their interests.

3. Mind Mapping Software: Implement tools such as MindMeister or Miro for brainstorming sessions to visually organize ideas and interests.

4. Educational Videos: Leverage platforms like YouTube or Khan Academy to introduce students to various historical events and figures through engaging videos.

5. Online Proposal Submission: Use platforms like Google Classroom or Canvas for students to submit their topic proposals digitally.

6. Online Research Databases: Provide access to online databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or school library databases for credible source materials.

7. Research Journals: Utilize digital tools like Evernote or OneNote for students to maintain their research journals.

8. Virtual Library Tours: Use virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) to provide virtual tours of libraries and archives.

9. Online Collaboration Platforms: Use tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Teams for collaborative research and sharing of resources.

11. Digital Storytelling Tools: Use platforms like Adobe Spark or Canva for creating digital narratives that synthesize their findings.

12. AI-Assisted Research: Introduce tools like SchoolAI to help students refine their research questions and identify patterns in data.

13. Thesis Development Software: Use tools like Thesis Builder to guide students in developing their thesis statements or central arguments.

16. Presentation Software: Utilize tools like PowerPoint, Prezi, or Google Slides for creating visual presentations.

17. Video Creation Tools: Use tools like iMovie, Adobe Premiere, or WeVideo for students to create video presentations.

18. Graphic Design Tools: Implement tools like Canva for creating posters and visual aids for their presentations.

19. Communication Workshops: Conduct virtual workshops using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to teach effective communication and presentation skills.

20. Peer Review Platforms: Use tools like Google Classroom for facilitating peer review sessions.

21. Live Streaming: Use live streaming tools like YouTube Live or Facebook Live to broadcast the exhibition to a broader audience.

22. Interactive Kiosks: Set up interactive kiosks using tablets or touchscreens to display students' work during the exhibition.

Critique, Revision, Reflection and Feedback Mechanisms:

Outline strategies for structured critique, revision, reflection, and feedback during the PBL process. Activities may include:

• Maintaining journals

• Conducting peer reviews

• Using the PROFESS routine

• Holding reflection sessions to help students critically analyze their learning experiences and skill development

For detailed strategies, refer to Chapters 12 and 13.

Overall Project Rubric

Consider both traditional and authentic formative and summative assessments, ensuring they correspond with key turning points. Traditional assessments might include:

• Quizzes

• Exit tickets

• Tests

• Written reports

Authentic assessments could involve:

• Reflection journals

• Peer assessments

• Exhibitions

• Presentations

• The projects themselves

For more information, consult Chapter 14.