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Created byChristian Stähler
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Discovering 'Weiße Rose': Student Wall Poster Project

Grade 11HistoryPhilosophyPsychology1 days
The 'Discovering Weiße Rose' project engages 11th-grade students in a comprehensive exploration of the Weiße Rose resistance group during Nazi Germany. Through analyzing primary and secondary sources, students investigate the historical, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of the group's resistance against fascism. The end product is a creatively designed wall poster that communicates the values and significance of the Weiße Rose, showcasing students' research, synthesis, and presentation skills. This project emphasizes the understanding of historical contexts, the application of philosophical and psychological insights, and effective communication through visual design.
Weiße RoseResistanceHistoryPhilosophyPsychologyVisual Communication
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a compelling wall poster that effectively communicates the values, philosophical foundations, and historical significance of the 'Weiße Rose', while exploring their psychological motivations and the socio-political climate they resisted?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • Who were the 'Weiße Rose' and what did they stand for?
  • What were the social and political conditions in Germany during the rise of the Weiße Rose?
  • How did the actions of the Weiße Rose reflect philosophical ideas about resistance and morality?
  • In what ways can psychology explain the behaviors and decisions of the individuals within the Weiße Rose?
  • What impact did the Weiße Rose have on anti-fascist movements during and after World War II?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Weiße Rose and their resistance against fascism in Nazi Germany.
  • Analyze the social, political, and historical context of Germany during the time of the Weiße Rose.
  • Explore philosophical ideas of resistance and morality through the actions of the Weiße Rose.
  • Apply psychological principles to understand the motivations and decisions of the Weiße Rose members.
  • Create and communicate findings through a visually engaging and informative wall poster.
  • Demonstrate research skills by gathering, synthesizing, and presenting historical and psychological information.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1
Primary
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.Reason: Students will need to research and analyze historical texts and sources on the Weiße Rose to develop their wall poster.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7
Primary
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: The project requires students to conduct research on the Weiße Rose and synthesize the information for their wall poster.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4
Primary
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.Reason: Students will present their findings in a compelling way through the creation of a wall poster, requiring clear communication of ideas.

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

NCSS.2.1
Secondary
History: Demonstrate an understanding of the historical context of the events, actions, and ideas associated with the people and groups studied, and how these have shaped the present.Reason: The project involves understanding the historical significance of the Weiße Rose and their influence on history.

American Psychological Association Guidelines

APA.1.1
Supporting
Understand and apply psychological principles to explain behavior and mental processes.Reason: Students will explore psychological motivations behind the Weiße Rose members' actions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Hidden Letters

Students begin by receiving copies of secret letters from members of the Weiße Rose group, hidden in various objects around the classroom. This scavenger hunt mimics the covert operations of the resistance group and sparks a discussion on the bravery and risks involved in their actions.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Uncovering History: The Weiße Rose Letters

This initial activity involves students finding and analyzing secret letters from the Weiße Rose members. It's designed to immerse students into the historical context by evoking the urgency and secrecy that surrounded these brave individuals. By engaging in this scavenger hunt, students not only learn about historical events but also develop keen analytical skills needed for their research.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Distribute hidden letters from the Weiße Rose throughout the classroom.
2. Guide students to uncover these letters as part of a scavenger hunt, helping them understand the covert operations of the resistance movement.
3. Facilitate a discussion on the bravery and the risks taken by the Weiße Rose members, using the letters as primary sources to uncover insights.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAnnotated collection of letters with student reflections on the significance of each letter.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1 as students are tasked with analyzing primary sources and connecting insights to broader historical understanding.
Activity 2

Contextual Research: Germany in Crisis

Students investigate the socio-political climate of Germany during the rise of the Weiße Rose. This research activity encourages students to delve deeper into the historical events surrounding the group's activities, helping them build a contextual foundation for their wall poster.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce students to various secondary sources detailing the socio-political conditions in Nazi Germany.
2. Assign research teams to different aspects of the era (political, social, economic) to specialize in their investigation.
3. Guide students to synthesize information from these sources, focusing on how it influenced the Weiße Rose resistance movement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityResearch reports that detail the specific socio-political conditions and their influence on the Weiße Rose.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7 by requiring students to conduct and synthesize research from multiple sources.
Activity 3

Philosophical Inquiry: Morality and Resistance

This activity engages students in philosophical discussions about the ethical and moral implications of resistance movements. Through analyzing the Weiße Rose's beliefs, students learn to ponder deeper philosophical questions about morality.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Facilitate a seminar on philosophical concepts of morality and resistance, guiding students to reflect on these ideas.
2. Analyze the philosophical writings and pamphlets produced by the Weiße Rose, using them as primary texts for the discussion.
3. Encourage students to debate the moral justifications of the Weiße Rose's actions and document these discussions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityPhilosophical essays exploring the moral principles behind the actions of the Weiße Rose.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRelates to CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 as it involves presenting ideas and arguments clearly during discussions.
Activity 4

Psychological Perspectives: Understanding Motivations

In this psychological exploration, students apply theories to comprehend the motivations and thought processes of the Weiße Rose members. This helps students connect personal motivations with broader historical contexts.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce psychological theories relevant to understanding human behavior and motivations.
2. Conduct a case study analysis focusing on individual members of the Weiße Rose, utilizing psychological principles to interpret their actions.
3. Facilitate group discussions on the psychological findings and their implications on resistance movements.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityCase study presentations that apply psychological principles to the study of the Weiße Rose members.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with APA.1.1 by applying psychological principles to understand the actions of historical figures.
Activity 5

Creative Communication: The Weiße Rose Wall Poster

The culminating project where students compile their research and insights into a visually striking wall poster. This activity emphasizes effective communication and creative presentation, encapsulating what they have learned throughout the project.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Have students brainstorm design ideas that effectively convey the Weiße Rose's values and significance.
2. Guide students in selecting quotes, images, and information to include on the poster, ensuring clarity and engagement.
3. Assist students in organizing their content visually, considering the flow of information and aesthetic appeal.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed and visually engaging wall poster that communicates the story and significance of the Weiße Rose.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 by requiring students to present findings clearly and persuasively.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Weiße Rose Project Rubric

Category 1

Historical Research and Understanding

Assessment of students' ability to research, interpret, and apply historical context in their projects.
Criterion 1

Historical Context

Understanding and articulation of the historical background of the Weiße Rose and its significance.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and articulates the significance of the Weiße Rose with deep insights.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows thorough understanding of the historical context and significance of the Weiße Rose with clear articulation.

Developing
2 Points

Displays a basic understanding of the historical context, with some gaps in articulating the significance.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows limited or minimal understanding of the historical context and significance of the Weiße Rose.

Criterion 2

Research Skills

Ability to gather, synthesize, and present historical and psychological information effectively.

Exemplary
4 Points

Effectively gathers, synthesizes, and presents comprehensive historical and psychological information with strong evidence.

Proficient
3 Points

Gathers and presents historical and psychological information clearly, with substantial evidence.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to gather and present historical and psychological information, but with partial success.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to gather and present historical and psychological information effectively.

Category 2

Communication and Presentation

Evaluation of how effectively students communicate their findings and insights through the wall poster.
Criterion 1

Visual Design

Effectiveness of the visual presentation in enhancing the communication of ideas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates an exceptionally well-organized and visually appealing poster that enhances understanding of the Weiße Rose.

Proficient
3 Points

Design is well-organized and visually engaging, supporting clear communication of ideas.

Developing
2 Points

Design is somewhat organized but lacks visual engagement and clarity in some areas.

Beginning
1 Points

Design is poorly organized and lacks clarity and visual appeal.

Criterion 2

Clarity of Communication

Clarity and impact of presenting information and ideas accurately through the poster.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents ideas and information with exceptional clarity and impact, engaging and informing the audience effectively.

Proficient
3 Points

Communicates ideas clearly with good impact, effectively informing the audience.

Developing
2 Points

Communicates ideas with partial clarity, somewhat informing the audience.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to communicate ideas clearly, affecting audience understanding.

Category 3

Philosophical and Psychological Analysis

Assessment of students’ analysis of philosophical and psychological aspects of the Weiße Rose movement.
Criterion 1

Philosophical Insight

Analysis of philosophical concepts of morality and resistance related to the Weiße Rose.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates deep analysis and synthesis of philosophical concepts, providing insightful connections to the Weiße Rose.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides solid analysis of philosophical concepts with clear connections to the Weiße Rose.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to analyze philosophical concepts, with partial connections to the Weiße Rose.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal analysis of philosophical concepts with limited connections to the Weiße Rose.

Criterion 2

Psychological Understanding

Application of psychological principles to understand motivations and behaviors of the Weiße Rose members.

Exemplary
4 Points

Applies psychological principles with exceptional insight, deeply exploring the motivations of the Weiße Rose members.

Proficient
3 Points

Applies psychological principles effectively, exploring motivations of the Weiße Rose members.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to apply psychological principles, with partial exploration of members' motivations.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to apply psychological principles to explore members' motivations effectively.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on your understanding of the Weiße Rose. How has your perception of their resistance against fascism evolved through this project?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how effectively do you feel you were able to communicate the values and significance of the Weiße Rose through your wall poster?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which part of the project did you find most challenging and why?

Text
Optional
Question 4

Consider the psychological perspectives on the motivations of the Weiße Rose members. How did this understanding affect your view of their historical significance?

Text
Required
Question 5

From the following learning goals, which do you feel you achieved the most successfully?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Understanding the Weiße Rose and their resistance
Analyzing historical contexts
Exploring philosophical ideas
Applying psychological principles
Creating the wall poster