Envisioning Europe 2035: A Student's Perspective
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a vision of Europe in 2035 that incorporates major social, economic, and political changes while considering historical influences, communication roles, and diverse perspectives?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the major social, economic, and political changes expected in Europe by 2035?
- How do historical events influence future societal changes?
- What roles do language and communication play in shaping the future of Europe?
- How can we critically evaluate different perspectives on Europe's future?
- What skills are needed for effective collaboration and research in envisioning the future?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Analyze major social, economic, and political changes expected in Europe by 2035.
- Understand the influence of historical events on future societal changes.
- Evaluate the role of language and communication in shaping Europe's future.
- Critically assess diverse perspectives on Europe's future development.
- Develop collaboration and research skills for envisioning future scenarios.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsLetters from the Future
Students receive 'letters' dated 2035 from fictional pen pals living in different parts of Europe. Each letter describes daily life, innovations, and societal changes from the perspective of someone in the future. These letters function as springboards for inquiry, sparking curiosity about how current events might evolve.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Future Vision Explorers
In this initial activity, students will delve into the 'Letters from the Future'. These fictional letters serve as a springboard for inquiry into how Europe might look in 2035. Students will analyze the content of these letters to extract key themes and initial visions of future Europe.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 key themes and initial ideas about Europe's future, derived from the letters.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1 by analyzing primary and secondary sources (the letters) to draw evidence about future scenarios.History's Influence Map
In this activity, students will create a map showing how historical events might influence Europe's future changes. This will require research and analysis of past events to predict their future impacts.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 visual map illustrating the influence of historical events on Europe's future.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 by narrating historical events and their potential future impacts.Perspective Analysis Workshop
In this activity, students will critique and evaluate various perspectives about Europe's future, focusing on the role of language and communication. This workshop encourages critical thinking and perspective-taking.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 set of conclusions about the role of language and communication in shaping Europe's future.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 by using informational texts to support analysis and reflection.Collaborative Futures Poster
In this final activity, students will work in groups to create a collaborative poster illustrating a shared vision of Europe in 2035. This will involve synthesizing all previous activities into a coherent visual and explanatory text.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 collaborative poster and presentation illustrating a vision of Europe in 2035.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 by facilitating collaborative discussions, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 by creating informative content.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioVision of Europe 2035 Project Rubric
Historical Analysis
Assesses the student's ability to research and connect historical events to future scenarios.Research Depth
The extent and quality of historical research conducted by the student.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates in-depth and comprehensive research with insightful connections between numerous historical events and future scenarios.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough research with clear connections between several historical events and future scenarios.
Developing
2 PointsPerforms basic research with some connections between historical events and future scenarios.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal research with few or unclear connections between historical events and future scenarios.
Historical Influence Mapping
The effectiveness of mapping historical events to future impacts.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates an insightful map with clear, logical, and detailed connections showing the influence of history on Europe's future.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces a well-organized map with logical connections of historical influences on Europe's future.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a map with some connections, but lacks detail and logical consistency.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces an incomplete map with unclear or incorrect connections.
Critical Perspective Evaluation
Assesses the ability to critically analyze different views about the future of Europe.Diversity of Perspectives
The range and depth of perspectives analyzed in the student's work.
Exemplary
4 PointsAnalyzes a wide range of perspectives with depth and fairness, providing insightful evaluations and comparisons.
Proficient
3 PointsEvaluates multiple perspectives, offering clear comparisons and assessments.
Developing
2 PointsConsiders some perspectives, but lacks depth in analysis and evaluation.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited or biased analysis of a narrow range of perspectives.
Role of Communication
Analysis of language and communication roles in shaping Europe's future perspectives.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly evaluates and clearly articulates the role of communication and language in future visions with nuanced understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes and articulately describes the role of language and communication in future visions.
Developing
2 PointsDiscusses the role of communication and language with some understanding but lacks depth.
Beginning
1 PointsPartly recognizes the role of communication without depth or clarity.
Collaboration and Presentation
Evaluates teamwork, engagement, and effectiveness in presenting ideas.Collaboration Skills
Effectiveness in group work and idea sharing.
Exemplary
4 PointsLeads very effectively in group settings, fostering an inclusive environment and synthesizing ideas collaboratively.
Proficient
3 PointsActively participates and contributes meaningfully in group settings.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in group work but with limited engagement or contribution.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal participation and struggles to engage in group work.
Presentation Quality
Clarity and effectiveness of the final presentation and poster.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers an engaging, clear, and detailed presentation with a high-quality, visually appealing poster.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents clearly with a well-organized and visually effective poster.
Developing
2 PointsOffers a presentation with some clarity issues and a poster lacking visual appeal.
Beginning
1 PointsGives an unclear presentation with a poorly organized and unappealing poster.