Canadian Black History Poster Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a compelling and informative poster that not only highlights the achievements of significant figures in Canadian Black History but also effectively communicates their impact on current societal views and values?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- Who are significant figures in Canadian Black History and what contributions have they made?
- Why is it important to remember and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians in history?
- How can we effectively communicate historical information through media?
- What are the key components of a compelling and informative poster?
- In what ways do historical narratives impact current societal views and values?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to research and synthesize information about key figures in Canadian Black History and their contributions.
- Students will learn to produce a visually appealing and informative poster using media text conventions suitable for their audience and purpose.
- Students will develop skills to integrate text and visual information to create a coherent narrative about historical events and figures.
- Students will understand the importance of historical narratives in shaping societal views and values today.
- Students will enhance their ability to communicate historical information effectively through written and visual means.
Ontario Curriculum - English Grade 7
Ontario Curriculum - History Grade 7
Common Core Standards
Next Generation Science Standards - Social Studies
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsVirtual Reality Journey
Students embark on a virtual reality tour through key moments in Canadian Black History. This immersive experience places them in the shoes of historical figures like Viola Desmond and Carrie Best, making history come alive and sparking curiosity to learn more about their impactful lives.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Historical Figure Research Expedition
Students embark on a research journey to gather information about key figures in Canadian Black History, such as Viola Desmond, Jerome Iginla, and Carrie Best. This activity involves deep investigation into the lives and contributions of these individuals to help students gain a thorough understanding of their impact.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-documented research summary outlining the historical figure's contributions and impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with HIS7.AC.2, as it involves understanding and appreciating the significant narratives and accomplishments of individuals in historical context.Media Techniques Workshop
Students learn to apply media text conventions and techniques to present historical content effectively. This involves understanding how to communicate information through various media formats, ensuring clarity and engagement for the audience.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of small-scale media samples demonstrating effective use of media forms and techniques.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with ENG7.MP.1, focusing on creating media texts with appropriate techniques for communication.Poster Design Blueprint
Plan the structure and design of the final poster. This activity guides students in organizing their research findings and visual elements into a cohesive design that effectively communicates their historical narratives.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint of the poster design, ready for final creation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with both ENG7.MP.1 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.7, integrating media and text for coherent understanding.Final Poster Creation and Presentation
In this culminating activity, students use their research and design plans to create a finished poster. They will incorporate both text and visual elements to effectively convey the narrative and significance of their chosen historical figure.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed poster celebrating a figure from Canadian Black History, demonstrated through an engaging class presentation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity integrates ENG7.MP.1, HIS7.AC.2, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2, focusing on the coherent combination of visual and textual information for understanding and presentation.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCanadian Black History Poster Project Rubric
Research and Content Understanding
Evaluation of the depth of research, accuracy, and synthesis of historical information about the chosen figure.Historical Accuracy and Depth
Measures how accurately and thoroughly the student has researched the historical figure's contributions and impact.
Exemplary
4 PointsResearch is exceptionally thorough, accurate, and insightful. The student has gathered and synthesized both primary and secondary sources effectively to depict a comprehensive picture of the historical figure's life and contributions.
Proficient
3 PointsResearch is thorough and accurate, with the student successfully using various sources to present a clear understanding of the historical figure's contributions.
Developing
2 PointsResearch is somewhat thorough, but lacks depth or contains minor inaccuracies. The student has used only secondary sources or has not fully synthesized the information gathered.
Beginning
1 PointsResearch is minimal and lacks depth, containing inaccuracies. The student relies heavily on limited or unverified sources.
Content Relevancy and Clarity
Assesses the student's ability to select and present relevant information that supports the purpose of the poster.
Exemplary
4 PointsAll information presented is highly relevant and clearly supports the poster's purpose. The student demonstrates a superior ability to discern and focus on significant facts.
Proficient
3 PointsInformation presented is relevant and supports the purpose of the poster. The student shows a good ability to select significant facts.
Developing
2 PointsSome information is relevant, but there are gaps or extraneous details that do not support the poster's purpose sufficiently.
Beginning
1 PointsIrelevant or extraneous information predominates, unclear support for the poster's purpose.
Media Techniques and Creativity
Assessment of the creativity, originality, and appropriate use of media techniques in poster design.Application of Media Techniques
Evaluates the student's ability to understand and apply media text conventions and techniques in their poster design.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student demonstrates advanced understanding and innovative application of media techniques, employing a wide range of design elements effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student demonstrates a solid understanding and appropriate application of media techniques with effective use of design elements.
Developing
2 PointsThe student shows basic understanding of media techniques, with occasional application and design elements used inconsistently.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student demonstrates minimal understanding of media techniques; design elements are poorly executed or missing.
Creativity and Originality
Measures the originality and creative effort invested in the poster and its presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe poster is exceptionally original and creative, showing extensive personal investment and thought in its presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsThe poster is creative and original, with clear thought put into its design and presentation.
Developing
2 PointsThe poster shows some creativity, but is largely conventional in its design and presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsThe poster lacks creativity and originality, with little thought apparent in presentation.
Integration of Text and Visuals
Evaluation of the student's ability to integrate textual and visual elements to convey a coherent and impactful message.Integration of Text and Visual Elements
Assesses how effectively textual and visual elements are combined to create a coherent narrative.
Exemplary
4 PointsTextual and visual elements are seamlessly integrated, with each element enhancing the overall narrative and impact.
Proficient
3 PointsTextual and visual elements are well-integrated, contributing to a clear and coherent narrative.
Developing
2 PointsTextual and visual elements are present but inconsistently integrated, resulting in a less coherent narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsTextual and visual elements are poorly integrated or disconnected, leading to a confused or incoherent narrative.
Visual Appeal and Impact
Evaluates the overall visual impact and aesthetic appeal of the poster.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe poster is visually striking and aesthetically pleasing, with an impactful use of color, layout, and imagery.
Proficient
3 PointsThe poster is visually appealing and well-organized, with effective use of color, layout, and imagery.
Developing
2 PointsThe poster is somewhat appealing but lacks organization or effective use of design elements.
Beginning
1 PointsThe poster is visually disorganized or unappealing, with poor use of color, layout, and imagery.
Oral Presentation and Communication
Assessment of the student's ability to communicate and present their poster and research effectively to the class.Presentation Skills
Measures the effectiveness, confidence, and clarity of the student's oral presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student presents confidently, clearly, and engagingly, demonstrating excellent command over the topic.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student presents clearly and effectively, demonstrating a good command over the topic.
Developing
2 PointsThe student presents with some effectiveness, but hesitations or unclear explanations reduce impact.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student's presentation is unclear, lacking confidence and effectiveness, with little command over the topic.
Engagement and Responsiveness
Evaluates the student's ability to engage the audience and respond to questions or feedback.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student effectively engages the audience and responds insightfully and confidently to questions.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student engages the audience well and responds suitably to questions or feedback.
Developing
2 PointsThe student shows some engagement but struggles to respond effectively to audience questions.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student fails to engage the audience and is unable to respond effectively to questions.