Exploring Black Excellence in Science and Health

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Exploring Black Excellence in Science and Health

Grade 7English2 days

The "Exploring Black Excellence in Science and Health" project for 7th graders aims to highlight the significant contributions of Black individuals in Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, and Healthcare. Students work collaboratively to research historical and contemporary figures, using their findings to create an interactive visual timeline and engage in panel discussions, ultimately producing reports that connect past contributions to future innovations. The project aligns with Common Core Standards, focusing on research, informative writing, and effective communication, while encouraging students to reflect on the impact of Black contributions in these fields.

Black ExcellenceNatural ScienceHealthcareDisaster PreventionInnovationResearch SkillsCollaboration

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways have individuals from the Black community made significant contributions to the fields of Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, and Emergency/Health Care, and how can these contributions be used to inspire future innovations and solutions in these areas?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How have individuals from the Black community contributed to the fields of Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, and Emergency/Health Care?
What are some key historical and modern examples of Black excellence in these areas?
How can the understanding of Black contributions to these fields help shape future endeavors and innovations?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will analyze the historical and contemporary contributions of Black individuals to the fields of Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, and Emergency/Health Care.
Students will develop and refine their research skills by conducting short research projects using multiple sources.
Students will enhance their informative writing skills by organizing and conveying their research findings effectively.
Students will participate in collaborative discussions, sharing insights and building upon the ideas of others within their group.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2

Primary

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.Reason: The project requires students to write in-depth explanations about the contributions of the Black community in various scientific fields, aligning with this standard's requirements for informative text composition.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7

Primary

Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.Reason: Students will conduct research on specific individuals and their contributions, aligning with the standard's emphasis on research projects and inquiry-driven learning.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1

Primary

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.Reason: The project's collaborative aspect requires students to engage in discussions about their findings and ideas, fulfilling the requirements of this standard.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Disaster Response Role-Play

Kick off with an emergency simulation where students take roles in Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, and Healthcare. As 'researchers,' they discover how Black professionals have historically shaped these fields, fostering curiosity through real-time decision-making and problem-solving activities.

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Portfolio Activities

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

Activity 1

Collaborative Visual Timeline of Black Scientific Contributions

Students will work together to create an interactive timeline showcasing notable contributions of Black individuals in the fields of Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, and Health Care. This activity encourages students to collaborate in researching, organizing, and presenting information as a collective visual project.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific time period or area within Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, or Health Care.

2. Conduct research using online and library resources to find notable Black figures whose contributions align with the assigned focus.

3. Each group selects key figures and events to highlight, compiling relevant facts and achievements.

4. Collectively organize the information into a chronological timeline format, ensuring clarity and coherence in its presentation.

5. Use digital tools to create an interactive visual timeline, incorporating images, descriptions, and multimedia elements where possible.

6. Present the timeline to peers through a group presentation, facilitating discussion and feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn interactive digital timeline that visually and chronologically represents significant achievements of Black individuals in selected scientific fields.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7 by requiring research and organization of information, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2 by emphasizing clear writing and informative presentation.

Activity 2

Influential Figures News Interview

In this activity, students will engage in a news interview role-play, with some students taking on the roles of journalists while others personify influential Black individuals in Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, or Health Care. The purpose is to deepen students' understanding of these figures' contributions and encourage them to communicate findings through a creative and dynamic format.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Divide students into pairs or small groups, and assign each group an influential person or figure relevant to the project topic.

2. Assign roles within each group, designating who will be the 'journalist' and who will take on the persona of the influential individual.

3. Journalists develop a set of interview questions based on their research, focusing on the individual's contributions and impact on their field.

4. Those acting as influential figures prepare by researching their assigned person's background and notable achievements.

5. Conduct the interview in front of the class, with journalists asking questions and historical figures responding in character.

6. Facilitate a reflection discussion about the experience and the insights gained from embodying these figures and engaging in dialogue.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA live news interview role-play, showcasing the students' research and comprehension of influential Black figures in the relevant fields.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 by involving students in collaborative discussions and role-play interactions, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2 through preparation requiring clear expression of ideas.

Activity 3

Inspirational Innovations Report

Students compile a report identifying how the studied historical contributions can inspire future innovations, emphasizing the relevance of these contributions in today’s challenges.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review all research findings and discussions held during previous activities.

2. Identify key themes and innovations that emerge from the contributions studied.

3. Draft an outline for the report, organizing it into sections such as 'Historical Contributions,' 'Current Relevance,' and 'Future Innovations.'

4. Write the report, incorporating citations from research conducted earlier.

5. Finalize and share the report with peers for feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report outlining how historical contributions inspire new innovations and addressing their contemporary relevance.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2 by focusing on informative writing and organization; aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7 by integrating research findings.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Black Contributions in Science and Health Assessment Rubric

Category 1

Research and Analysis

Assessment of students’ abilities to research independently and analyze the contributions of Black individuals in their selected fields.

Criterion 1

Research Depth

Evaluates the thoroughness of the research conducted, focusing on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information gathered.

Exemplary

4 Points

Research is thorough and accurate, providing a comprehensive overview of Black contributions with multiple credible sources cited.

Proficient

3 Points

Research is clear and mostly accurate, with a good range of sources that cover significant contributions.

Developing

2 Points

Research is limited or occasionally inaccurate, with a narrow range of sources and some relevant contributions identified.

Beginning

1 Points

Research is minimal with significant inaccuracies, few sources cited, and little understanding of contributions.

Criterion 2

Analytical Clarity

Assesses the clarity with which students synthesize their research findings into coherent and insightful analyses within their projects.

Exemplary

4 Points

Analysis clearly and insightfully synthesizes research into well-structured narratives, offering deep insights into historical contexts and future implications.

Proficient

3 Points

Analysis is structured and insightful, effectively summarizing research and contextual importance.

Developing

2 Points

Analysis is somewhat structured but lacks depth, with partial integration of research findings into coherent narratives.

Beginning

1 Points

Analysis lacks structure and depth, with minimal integration of research findings.

Category 2

Collaboration and Communication

Assessment of students' abilities to effectively communicate and collaborate during group activities and discussions.

Criterion 1

Collaborative Engagement

Measures the extent of active participation and contribution within group settings.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates leadership in collaboration, actively contributing and facilitating productive discussions.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively participates and contributes to discussions and group tasks.

Developing

2 Points

Participates in discussions but may need encouragement to contribute consistently.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows minimal engagement in group activities, requiring substantial support to participate.

Criterion 2

Communication Clarity

Evaluates how clearly and effectively students articulate their ideas in both written and oral formats.

Exemplary

4 Points

Communicates ideas clearly, fluently, and persuasively in both written and oral formats, with compelling arguments and engaging delivery.

Proficient

3 Points

Communicates ideas clearly and effectively, with well-reasoned arguments in presentations and writings.

Developing

2 Points

Communicates ideas with some clarity but may lack precision or strength in argumentation.

Beginning

1 Points

Communicates ideas unclearly, with minimal coherence or engagement.

Category 3

Time Management and Presentation

Assessment of students’ ability to manage time effectively and present their findings creatively and coherently.

Criterion 1

Timeline Construction

Evaluates the ability to construct an informative and interactive timeline illustrating Black contributions effectively.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents a comprehensive and highly engaging timeline with rich content and multimedia elements, effectively integrating all research findings.

Proficient

3 Points

Constructs a clear and informative timeline with relevant content and multimedia.

Developing

2 Points

Constructs a basic timeline with limited content and multimedia integration.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents an incomplete timeline with little content or multimedia.

Criterion 2

Presentation Skills

Measures students’ ability to present their work in a structured and engaging manner.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents work with exceptional clarity, engagement, and use of presentation aids, thoroughly explaining all concepts.

Proficient

3 Points

Delivers a clear and structured presentation, effectively using presentation aids.

Developing

2 Points

Presents work with some clarity and structure but may lack engagement or effective use of aids.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents with minimal clarity, structure, and engagement, with ineffective use of aids.

Reflection Prompts

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

Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of Black contributions to Natural Science, Disaster Prevention, and Healthcare has evolved throughout this project.

Text

Required

Question 2

How confident do you feel in conducting research and presenting your findings on historical contributions after completing this project?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which activity did you find most engaging or enlightening during this project?

Multiple choice

Optional

Options

Collaborative Visual Timeline

Persuasive Panel Discussion

Inspirational Innovations Report

Question 4

In your opinion, what is one key takeaway from learning about Black excellence in these scientific fields?

Text

Required