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Bringing a Historical Figure to Life
Grade 6Social StudiesEnglish15 days
In this project-based learning experience, sixth-grade students are tasked with bringing a historical figure to life through research, narrative writing, and artistic creativity, culminating in a 'Night at the Museum' event. Students will explore and portray their chosen historical figure's achievements and context using immersive activities like virtual reality sessions and time capsule discoveries. They will conduct in-depth research, draft narratives using storytelling techniques, and create authentic artistic presentations to enhance their portrayals. Ultimately, the project strengthens students' research, writing, presentation, and creative skills as they share their interpretations in a museum exhibit format.Historical FiguresNarrative TechniquesArtistic ExpressionResearch SkillsMuseum ExhibitPresentation Skills
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we combine research, narrative techniques, and artistic creativity to create an engaging, accurate, and authentic portrayal of a historical figure for 'A Night at the Museum' that effectively conveys their achievements and context in a compelling way?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the major achievements and contributions of the selected historical figure to their society and the world?
- How can we use narrative techniques to effectively tell the story of a historical figure?
- In what ways can the context of the time period in which the historical figure lived influence our portrayal of their life and achievements?
- What organizational strategies can we employ to present the historical figure's story in a compelling and engaging way?
- How do the arts (architecture, visual arts, performance) contribute to an authentic portrayal of a historical figure in a museum setting?
- What role does research play in understanding and portraying the complexities of a historical figure's life and legacy?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will research a historical figure, focusing on their major achievements and contributions, and present their findings in a narrative format.
- Students will apply narrative techniques to create engaging and accurate portrayals of historical figures.
- Students will organize information logically to tell the historical figure's story effectively.
- Students will incorporate artistic elements to enhance the authenticity of their portrayal in a museum setting.
- Students will develop presentation skills by showcasing their work to an audience.
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2
Primary
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.Reason: The project requires students to create narratives that convey information about a historical figure, making this standard relevant.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3
Primary
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.Reason: Students will create narrative portrayals of historical figures using storytelling techniques, which aligns well with this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4
Secondary
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.Reason: The project involves presenting the researched and narrative portrayals publicly, aligning with presentation skills outlined in this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1
Secondary
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.Reason: Students will need to support their portrayals with evidence from research, which is essential for portraying historical accuracy.
Next Generation Science Standards
NGSS.MS-ESS3-3
Supporting
Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.Reason: While not directly related, designing museum displays could involve understanding the impacts of display environments, offering an interdisciplinary link.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsVirtual Reality Portal
A virtual reality setup transforms the classroom into a different era, allowing students to 'meet' their historical figure. As they interact with the environment, they pick up clues about the individual's life and context, prompting them to explore deeper and craft their museum narrative.Time Capsule Discovery
Students receive a mysterious time capsule, supposedly buried by one of the historical figures they will be studying. Inside, they discover artifacts, personal notes, and 'unfinished business' tasks left by the figure, challenging them to solve these puzzles and complete the story for the museum event.đź“š
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Historical Figure Treasure Hunt
Students embark on a creative and investigative activity to gather initial clues about their chosen historical figure. This activity is designed to initiate interest and provide a foundational understanding of the historical figure's life, setting the stage for deeper research.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Select a historical figure from the provided list that piques your interest.
2. Participate in a virtual reality session that provides an immersive experience of the era in which the figure lived.
3. During the VR session, take notes of key elements related to the figure’s life and achievements.
4. Collect artifacts from the virtual module that will serve as primary sources for further exploration.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn initial research outline highlighting potential areas of exploration about the historical figure.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1 by encouraging initial research and evidence collection to support subsequent analyses.Activity 2
Character Context Chronicle
Students dive deeper into the life and setting of their historical figure, developing a rich, context-based narrative framework for their portrayal. This exercise focuses on understanding the historical and geographical context of their figure’s life.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research the historical, geographical, and social context of your figure using a variety of sources (books, articles, documentaries).
2. Write a short essay detailing the environment and conditions surrounding your figure's life.
3. Create a timeline of major events in the figure’s life and how these influenced their actions.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive contextual essay and timeline that sets the backdrop for each student’s narrative portrayal.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsContributes to CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2 by promoting the creation of informative texts conveying ideas through organized content.Activity 3
Narrative Techniques Workshop
In this collaborative workshop, students learn narrative techniques to develop engaging stories about their historical figures. This activity aims to transform raw historical facts into compelling narratives.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Participate in a class discussion on different narrative techniques (such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, and descriptive language).
2. Analyze example narratives of historical figures to identify effective techniques.
3. Practice crafting a short narrative incorporating these techniques with peers.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of short narrative drafts utilizing various storytelling techniques for each historical figure.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3 by guiding students in using narrative skills to detail imagined events based on historical facts.Activity 4
Artistic Interpretation Studio
Students explore artistic elements to enhance their portrayal, bridging history with creative expression. This session emphasizes the integration of visual arts to manifest aspects of the figure’s story into tangible displays.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research artistic styles that were prevalent during your figure’s time period.
2. Plan and design an art piece that reflects your historical figure's life or a significant event.
3. Create the art piece using materials available in the classroom art supplies.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual art piece reflecting the life or achievements of the historical figure, to be displayed in the museum event.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsConnects with NGSS.MS-ESS3-3 by applying creative principles to design expressive artistic methods.Activity 5
Museum Exhibit Presentation Prep
This final preparatory activity focuses on refining presentation skills to effectively communicate research findings and narratives. Students will prepare to present their exhibits as though they are curators at a museum.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Organize your research, narrative, and artistic work into a cohesive presentation.
2. Practice public speaking techniques; pay attention to eye contact, volume, and clarity.
3. Conduct a mock presentation for peers for feedback and refinement.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA fully-prepared museum exhibit presentation showcasing the student’s research, narrative, and artistic interpretations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4 by developing skills needed for effective public presentation of claims and findings.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHistorical Figure Portrayal Project Rubric
Category 1
Research Quality
Assesses the depth and accuracy of research conducted on the historical figure, including the use of primary and secondary sources to support analysis and portrayal.Criterion 1
Depth of Research
Evaluates how thoroughly the student researched the historical figure, examining both breadth and depth of information gathered.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent thoroughly investigates numerous credible sources, providing comprehensive insights into the historical figure's life and context, supported by rich detail.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent researches multiple credible sources, presenting detailed and accurate information about the historical figure.
Developing
2 PointsStudent investigates several sources but may rely heavily on a few, resulting in uneven coverage of the historical figure's life and context.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent uses minimal sources, and the information collected offers only a basic overview of the historical figure's life.
Criterion 2
Use of Primary and Secondary Sources
Evaluates the selection and integration of primary and secondary sources to support the portrayal of the historical figure.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent expertly selects and integrates a balanced mix of primary and secondary sources, enhancing the portrayal with powerful evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent effectively uses a combination of primary and secondary sources to support the portrayal with substantial evidence.
Developing
2 PointsStudent uses sources but tends to focus on one type over the other, providing some evidence but with noticeable gaps.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent relies mostly on general secondary sources with little attention to primary evidence, limiting the richness of the narrative.
Category 2
Narrative Development
Assesses the use of narrative techniques to create an engaging and authentic portrayal of the historical figure's life and achievements.Criterion 1
Use of Narrative Techniques
Evaluates the application of narrative elements such as descriptive language, sequence events, and storytelling techniques.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent skillfully employs narrative techniques to create a vivid, engaging, and coherent story that accurately reflects the historical figure's life.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent uses narrative techniques effectively to create an engaging and coherent story of the historical figure.
Developing
2 PointsStudent attempts to use narrative techniques but with inconsistent effectiveness, resulting in a partially coherent portrayal.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent minimally employs narrative techniques, leading to a disjointed or incomplete portrayal.
Category 3
Artistic Integration
Assesses the student's ability to creatively incorporate artistic elements that enhance the portrayal of the historical figure.Criterion 1
Artistic Creativity
Evaluates the creativity and relevance of artistic media chosen to represent the historical figure's context or achievements.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent creates a highly creative and relevant art piece that enhances the portrayal and engages the viewer.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent produces a creative and relevant art piece that complements the portrayal effectively.
Developing
2 PointsStudent generates an art piece with some creative elements but inconsistent relevance to the portrayal.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent produces an art piece with minimal creativity or relevance, limiting its impact on the portrayal.
Category 4
Presentation Skills
Assesses the effectiveness and clarity of the presentation, including organization, public speaking techniques, and engagement with the audience.Criterion 1
Public Speaking Effectiveness
Evaluates the use of public speaking skills such as eye contact, volume, clarity, and engagement during the presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent commands the audience with clear, well-paced speech, excellent eye contact, and engaging delivery throughout the presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent delivers a clear and engaging presentation using effective public speaking techniques.
Developing
2 PointsStudent attempts public speaking skills with mixed effectiveness, resulting in variable engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent's presentation lacks clear articulation and engagement, often requiring support to maintain audience interest.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflect on the various narrative techniques you learned during the workshop. Which technique did you find most useful in crafting your historical figure's story, and why?
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Question 2
On a scale from 1 to 5, how effective do you feel your artistic piece was in conveying the life or achievements of your historical figure?
Scale
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Question 3
Which skills did you develop or enhance during the preparation of your museum exhibit presentation? (Select all that apply)
Multiple choice
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Options
Research skills
Narrative writing
Artistic creation
Public speaking
Organizational skills
Question 4
How did engaging in the 'Historical Figure Treasure Hunt' enhance your understanding of your selected figure's achievements and contributions?
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Question 5
Reflect on the challenges you faced while organizing your research, narrative, and artistic work for your presentation. How did you overcome these challenges?
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