Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as a class, create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda that honors deceased loved ones, reflects the cultural and historical significance of its elements, and effectively communicates its meaning and symbolism in Spanish to our peers, while also exploring how this celebration uniquely frames death and remembrance?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we honor and remember deceased loved ones through the creation of an ofrenda?
- What are the cultural and historical significances of the elements included in a Día de los Muertos altar?
- How can we effectively collaborate to create a meaningful and respectful ofrenda as a class?
- In what ways does Día de los Muertos reflect a unique perspective on death and remembrance compared to other cultural traditions?
- How can we use the Spanish language to describe and explain the symbolism and significance of our ofrenda to our peers?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to collaborate to create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda.
- Students will be able to describe the cultural and historical significance of the ofrenda.
- Students will be able to explain the symbolism of the ofrenda in Spanish.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Box Ofrenda
A mysterious package arrives containing various items commonly found on Día de los Muertos ofrendas, but with no explanation. Students must examine the objects, research their significance, and hypothesize about the purpose of the package and its connection to the upcoming project, sparking curiosity and inquiry.Digital Ofrenda Design Challenge
Challenge students to design a virtual ofrenda using digital tools, incorporating multimedia elements like music, videos, and interactive stories. Students must justify their design choices based on cultural accuracy and personal significance, creating a modern interpretation of the tradition that resonates with a digital audience.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Ofrenda Element Brainstorm
Students will brainstorm and research common elements found on Día de los Muertos ofrendas. This activity focuses on understanding the cultural significance of each element.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 chart for each group, outlining 5 ofrenda elements, their significance, and how they honor the deceased. Charts will be shared with the class to create a comprehensive resource.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to describe the cultural and historical significance of the ofrenda.Symbolism Explanation Draft
Students will draft explanations in Spanish of the symbolism of the elements on the ofrenda. This activity emphasizes using the Spanish language to articulate cultural meanings.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 explanation in Spanish of the symbolism of 3 ofrenda elements. Focus is placed on using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to explain cultural meanings effectively.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to explain the symbolism of the ofrenda in Spanish.Collaborative Ofrenda Design
The class will work together to design the layout and content of their Día de los Muertos ofrenda. This activity promotes collaboration and shared decision-making.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 design plan (sketch or digital mockup) for the class ofrenda, including a list of all elements to be included and their specific placement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to collaborate to create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda.Ofrenda Presentation Script
Students prepare a short presentation in Spanish to explain their ofrenda to their peers. This activity combines language skills with cultural understanding.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 collaboratively written presentation script in Spanish, designed to explain the class ofrenda to their peers. The script should cover the theme, purpose, and key elements of the ofrenda.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will be able to collaborate to create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda; Students will be able to explain the symbolism of the ofrenda in Spanish.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDía de los Muertos Ofrenda Creation Rubric
Collaboration and Teamwork
Assesses students' ability to work effectively in groups to create a cohesive ofrenda display.Participation and Contribution
Measures the level of active participation and the quality of contributions made by each student to their group.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently demonstrates leadership and initiative, actively engages in decision-making, and provides innovative ideas that enhance the group's project.
Proficient
3 PointsActively participates in group activities, contributes relevant ideas, and cooperates effectively with peers to accomplish tasks.
Developing
2 PointsOccasionally participates in group activities, provides some ideas but requires encouragement to engage fully.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely participates in group activities and struggles to contribute any ideas.
Group Dynamics
Evaluates the ability to work harmoniously with others, resolving conflicts and building a positive team environment.
Exemplary
4 PointsFosters an inclusive and productive group environment, adeptly resolves conflicts, and encourages cooperation among all members.
Proficient
3 PointsWorks well with others to maintain a positive atmosphere, occasionally resolves conflicts with assistance.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in group work but struggles to resolve conflicts and maintain positive dynamics consistently.
Beginning
1 PointsFinds it difficult to cooperate with others, often contributing to a negative group atmosphere.
Cultural and Historical Understanding
Assesses the comprehension of the cultural and historical significance of ofrenda elements.Cultural Significance
Measures the understanding of the cultural relevance of selected ofrenda elements.
Exemplary
4 PointsShows a deep understanding of the cultural significance of all selected elements, providing insightful connections to broader historical contexts.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates understanding of the cultural significance of most selected elements, with some connections to historical contexts.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic understanding of the significance of some elements, with limited connections to historical contexts.
Beginning
1 PointsDisplays limited understanding of the cultural significance of the elements, with little to no connection to historical contexts.
Language Proficiency
Assesses the ability to articulate the symbolism of the ofrenda elements in Spanish accurately and clearly.Spanish Language Use
Evaluates the use of Spanish vocabulary and grammar in explanations of ofrenda symbolism.
Exemplary
4 PointsUtilizes a wide range of accurate vocabulary and complex grammar structures to clearly and thoroughly explain the symbolism of the ofrenda elements.
Proficient
3 PointsUses appropriate vocabulary and mostly accurate grammar to explain the symbolism of the ofrenda elements.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to use relevant vocabulary and basic grammar with several inaccuracies in explaining symbolism.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use basic vocabulary and grammar with frequent errors, leading to unclear explanations.
Presentation Skills
Assesses the effectiveness of the presentation, focusing on clarity, pronunciation, and engagement.Clarity and Engagement
Measures the presentation's clarity, speaker's engagement, and audience connection.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents clearly with excellent pronunciation, engages the audience effectively, and maintains strong eye contact throughout.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents clearly with good pronunciation, engages the audience with moderate eye contact.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation lacks clarity in some parts, with uneven pronunciation and limited audience engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear, with poor pronunciation and minimal engagement with the audience.