Cultural Revolution Museum: Exhibit Design Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did the Cultural Revolution shape China, and how do its echoes resonate today?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What were the key causes and effects of the Cultural Revolution in China?
- How did Mao Zedong's leadership shape the Cultural Revolution?
- In what ways did the Cultural Revolution impact Chinese society, culture, and politics?
- What were the goals and outcomes of the Great Leap Forward, and how did it relate to the Cultural Revolution?
- How did the Tiananmen Square protests reflect the long-term impact of Mao's policies and the Cultural Revolution?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to explain the causes and effects of the Cultural Revolution in China.
- Students will be able to analyze the role of Mao Zedong's leadership during the Cultural Revolution.
- Students will be able to evaluate the impact of the Cultural Revolution on Chinese society, culture, and politics.
- Students will be able to compare and contrast the goals and outcomes of the Great Leap Forward.
- Students will be able to examine the causes and effects of the Tiananmen Square protests and their relation to the Cultural Revolution.
- Students will be able to assess Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms and their relationship to Maoist policies.
- Students will be able to design a museum exhibit that effectively communicates the key aspects and legacies of the Cultural Revolution.
- Students will be able to present historical information in an engaging and informative manner to a public audience.
Teacher Provided Standard
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Package
A mysterious package arrives containing declassified documents, propaganda posters, and personal letters from the Cultural Revolution era, challenging students to decipher their meaning and significance in preparation for designing their museum exhibit.Echoes of the Revolution
Students participate in a role-playing simulation where they take on the identities of different individuals affected by the Cultural Revolution – students, teachers, farmers, and government officials – to understand the diverse perspectives and experiences that shaped this tumultuous period and inform their exhibit design.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Voices of the Revolution: Primary Source Analysis
Students will analyze primary source documents (e.g., propaganda posters, speeches, personal letters) from the Cultural Revolution and the Great Leap Forward to understand the impact on different segments of Chinese society.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 written analysis of at least three primary source documents, explaining their historical context and significance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 3 (evaluate impact on society/culture/politics), Learning Goal 4 (compare Great Leap Forward goals/outcomes), and Standard SS.9.6.1 (analyze social/economic upheavals like the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution).Curating History: Designing the Museum Exhibit
Students will design a detailed plan for their museum exhibit, including the selection of artifacts, the layout of the exhibit, and the narrative they want to convey. They will create a presentation that showcases their exhibit design.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 museum exhibit plan, including a floor plan, artifact list with descriptions, and a narrative outline. Also, a presentation of this plan to the class.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 7 (design a museum exhibit) and Learning Goal 8 (present historical information). Directly supports Standard SS.9.6.1 by synthesizing knowledge into a presentation format.Cultural Revolution Timeline: Mapping the Unrest
Students research and create a timeline of the Cultural Revolution, marking key events, policies, and figures. This activity builds a foundational understanding of the period.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 timeline of the Cultural Revolution, including at least 10 key events with descriptions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1 (explain causes/effects), Learning Goal 2 (analyze Mao's role), and Standard SS.9.6.1 (analyze major developments, including the Cultural Revolution and Mao's leadership).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCultural Revolution Portfolio Rubric
Primary Source Analysis
Assessment of primary source selection, analysis, and written communication skills in relation to understanding the Cultural Revolution and Great Leap Forward.Primary Source Analysis
Selection and analysis of primary source documents demonstrating historical understanding and critical thinking.
Exemplary
4 PointsInsightfully selects primary sources, providing comprehensive and nuanced analyses that reveal a deep understanding of their historical context and significance. Demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking in evaluating sources and their implications.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects appropriate primary sources and provides thorough analyses, demonstrating a strong understanding of their historical context and significance. Shows effective critical thinking in evaluating sources.
Developing
2 PointsSelects some relevant primary sources but provides incomplete or superficial analyses, demonstrating a basic understanding of their historical context and significance. Shows emerging critical thinking skills.
Beginning
1 PointsSelects inappropriate or irrelevant primary sources and provides minimal or inaccurate analyses, demonstrating a limited understanding of their historical context and significance. Shows minimal critical thinking skills.
Written Communication
Clarity, organization, and depth of the written analysis, demonstrating effective communication of historical insights.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a polished, exceptionally well-organized written analysis with insightful conclusions, demonstrating superior communication skills and historical understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a well-organized written analysis with clear and logical arguments, demonstrating effective communication skills and historical understanding.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a somewhat disorganized written analysis with occasionally unclear arguments, demonstrating developing communication skills and historical understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents a poorly organized written analysis with unclear or illogical arguments, demonstrating limited communication skills and historical understanding.
Museum Exhibit Design
Assessment of exhibit design, artifact selection, narrative development, and presentation skills in relation to creating a compelling museum exhibit about the Cultural Revolution.Exhibit Design Creativity
Creativity and innovation in the design of the museum exhibit, showcasing unique and engaging ways to present historical information.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional creativity and originality in the exhibit design, offering innovative ways to engage visitors and communicate historical information. The design reflects a deep understanding of the Cultural Revolution.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates creativity and thoughtfulness in the exhibit design, offering engaging ways to present historical information. The design reflects a strong understanding of the Cultural Revolution.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates some creativity in the exhibit design, but the presentation of historical information is somewhat basic or conventional. The design reflects a developing understanding of the Cultural Revolution.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited creativity in the exhibit design, presenting historical information in a simplistic or uninspired manner. The design reflects a limited understanding of the Cultural Revolution.
Artifact Selection & Narrative
Thoroughness and accuracy in the selection of artifacts and development of the exhibit narrative, ensuring a comprehensive and informative portrayal of the Cultural Revolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsArtifact selection is meticulously researched and highly relevant, the exhibit narrative is compelling and exceptionally well-developed, providing a comprehensive and insightful portrayal of the Cultural Revolution.
Proficient
3 PointsArtifact selection is well-researched and relevant, the exhibit narrative is clear and well-developed, providing a thorough and informative portrayal of the Cultural Revolution.
Developing
2 PointsArtifact selection is somewhat researched and generally relevant, the exhibit narrative is present but may lack depth or clarity, providing a basic portrayal of the Cultural Revolution.
Beginning
1 PointsArtifact selection is poorly researched and/or irrelevant, the exhibit narrative is weak or missing, providing an incomplete or inaccurate portrayal of the Cultural Revolution.
Presentation Skills
Clarity and effectiveness of the exhibit plan presentation, demonstrating the ability to communicate design ideas and historical knowledge effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents the exhibit plan with exceptional clarity, confidence, and engaging delivery, demonstrating a masterful command of historical knowledge and design principles.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents the exhibit plan clearly and confidently, demonstrating a strong command of historical knowledge and design principles.
Developing
2 PointsPresents the exhibit plan with some clarity, but may lack confidence or engaging delivery, demonstrating a developing command of historical knowledge and design principles.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents the exhibit plan with limited clarity, lacking confidence and/or engaging delivery, demonstrating a limited command of historical knowledge and design principles.
Cultural Revolution Timeline
Assessment of research accuracy, depth, timeline clarity, organization, and visual appeal in relation to mapping the Cultural Revolution.Historical Accuracy
Accuracy and depth of research, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the key events, figures, and policies of the Cultural Revolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptionally thorough and accurate research, revealing a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the key events, figures, and policies of the Cultural Revolution.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough and accurate research, revealing a strong understanding of the key events, figures, and policies of the Cultural Revolution.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates some research, but accuracy and depth may be limited, revealing a basic understanding of the key events, figures, and policies of the Cultural Revolution.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited research, with significant inaccuracies and a superficial understanding of the key events, figures, and policies of the Cultural Revolution.
Timeline Design
Clarity, organization, and visual appeal of the timeline, effectively mapping the key events and developments of the Cultural Revolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a visually stunning, impeccably organized, and highly informative timeline that effectively maps the key events and developments of the Cultural Revolution.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear, well-organized, and informative timeline that effectively maps the key events and developments of the Cultural Revolution.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a somewhat cluttered or disorganized timeline with limited information, providing a basic mapping of the key events and developments of the Cultural Revolution.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents a poorly organized and visually unappealing timeline with minimal information, providing an incomplete mapping of the key events and developments of the Cultural Revolution.