Exploring Innovators: Math, Language, History Adventures
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Exploring Innovators: Math, Language, History Adventures

Grade 5EnglishMathSocial StudiesForeign Language14 days
The 'Exploring Innovators' project encourages fifth-grade students to investigate the profound influences of historical inventors and explorers through interdisciplinary lenses. Students engage in activities combining English, math, social studies, and foreign language skills to research figures, sequence historical events, and evaluate their societal impacts. Hands-on experiences, like creating timelines and persuasive presentations, enhance critical thinking while fostering a nuanced understanding of historical contributions to civilization, with a particular focus on Chinese society.
InventorsExplorersHistorical ImpactInterdisciplinary LearningMathematical ApplicationChronological SequencingCultural Context
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How have the contributions of significant inventors and explorers shaped history, and what methods can students use to understand their impact through mathematical, historical, and linguistic lenses?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • Who are some of the most significant inventors and explorers, and what impact have they had on history?
  • How can we sequence historical events and figures accurately, and what tools or language should we use to do so?
  • What are the key characteristics and features of the periods and societies that have contributed to the development of civilization?
  • How do we measure and convert between different units of measurement, and why is this important in understanding historical studies?
  • In what ways do mathematical concepts like geometry and measurement help us understand the world of inventors and explorers?
  • How can understanding angles and shapes aid in solving real-world problems that inventors and explorers may have faced?
  • What are the skills needed to communicate effectively about historical figures and their contributions in multiple languages?
  • How can we analyze and evaluate the impact of inventors and explorers on a specific society, such as China?
  • What methods can we use to share our understanding of historical inventors and explorers through speeches, presentations, and written reports?
  • How can researching diverse views and incorporating them into our conclusions improve our understanding of historical contributions?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to identify and discuss significant inventors and explorers and their contributions to history.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to sequence historical events related to inventors and explorers accurately.
  • Students will connect characteristics and features of specific periods to the contributions of inventors and explorers.
  • Students will use mathematical concepts to interpret historical data and artifacts related to inventors and explorers.
  • Students will improve skills in communicating about historical figures and their contributions in English and a foreign language.
  • Students will analyze and evaluate the impact of inventors and explorers on different societies, focusing particularly on China.
  • Students will develop and present speeches, presentations, and written reports on historical inventors and explorers.
  • Students will enhance their research skills by incorporating diverse viewpoints into their understanding of historical contributions.

Social Studies

6PP101
Primary
Sequence events, people and changes in chronological order using correct language for periods such as ancient, modern, BC, AD, century and decadeReason: Understanding the sequence of events and changes brought about by inventors and explorers is central to understanding their historical impact.
6PP102
Primary
Connect characteristics and features of the periods and societies studiedReason: Linking the contributions of inventors and explorers to the features and developments of specific periods helps contextualize their impact.
6PP103
Primary
Analyse and evaluate the contributions of individuals and groups to the development of Chinese societyReason: Evaluating contributions specific to a society like China aligns with the inquiry into historical impact.

Math

6MMMC1
Primary
Find the difference between a positive and negative integer, or two negative integers, in measurement contextsReason: Essential for understanding mathematical contexts within historical timelines and measurements.
6MMMC2
Primary
Select and use standard metric and imperial units of measurement and convert between metric units using decimalsReason: Key for understanding historical documents and artifacts that have measurements.
6MMMC3
Primary
Read and interpret scales on a range of measuring instruments, recognising that the measurement made is approximateReason: Helps in understanding and interpreting historical maps and tools invented by explorers and inventors.

English

ESA03
Primary
Explain processes or present information, ensuring that items are clearly sequenced, relevant details are included and accounts are ended effectivelyReason: Supports the communication of historical narratives and contributions in a structured manner.
ESA15
Primary
Give short speeches and presentations, expressing their own ideas and keeping to the pointReason: Aligns with sharing understanding of historical figures in spoken form.
EWD03
Primary
Use a range of Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary appropriately, for example, academic, technical and subject-specific vocabularyReason: Essential for researching and presenting findings on historical figures in a sophisticated manner.

Foreign Language

CHID2S102L8
Primary
Can select appropriate and academic organizational skills for organizing information independently and flexibly, depending on the purpose and target audienceReason: Critical for sharing historical research in a foreign language context.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Inventor's Shark Tank

Students simulate a 'Shark Tank' episode where they pitch modern adaptations of historic inventions to a panel of 'investors'. By researching and creatively presenting how inventions from the past can be updated for today's world, students develop critical thinking and persuasive skills.
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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

Timelines of Change

Students create detailed timelines representing significant events in the lives and contributions of famous inventors and explorers. This activity will cultivate students' skills in sequencing historical events using proper academic terminology.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research a significant inventor or explorer from history and gather information on key events in their life.
2. Using BC, AD, or century markers, sequence the events on a timeline, ensuring clarity and chronological accuracy.
3. Draft a short narrative for each event, describing why it was significant and what impact it had on history.
4. Create a visual timeline using poster paper or digital tools, ensuring to label periods such as 'Ancient' or 'Modern' accurately.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed visual timeline of an inventor or explorer, showcasing significant life events in chronological order.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 6PP101 by focusing on sequencing events, people, and changes in chronological order.
Activity 2

Historical Context Chronicles

In this activity, students delve into the eras of their chosen inventors or explorers, investigating the characteristics and features of the societies during those times. By connecting historical context with individual contributions, students will deepen their understanding of how societies develop.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select the period when the chosen inventor or explorer lived and research the societal, political, and technological characteristics of that era.
2. Take detailed notes on how these features influenced the work and achievements of the inventor or explorer.
3. Write a comprehensive report connecting the inventor's contributions to the features of the period.
4. Organize a presentation where you share your findings with the class, using visual aids or multimedia.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written report and class presentation connecting historical characteristics with individual achievements.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports 6PP102 by connecting characteristics and features of the periods and societies studied.
Activity 3

Chinese Contributions Evaluation

Focuses on the contributions of inventors and explorers specifically to Chinese society. Students will analyze texts and resources to evaluate the historical impact of these individuals and formulate evidence-based conclusions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research inventors and explorers who made significant contributions to Chinese society.
2. Collect texts and resources detailing these contributions and the resulting impact on Chinese culture and development.
3. Analyze the collected information and evaluate the contributions of the individuals and groups to Chinese society.
4. Write a detailed evaluation essay, providing a reasoned argument supported by evidence from texts.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive evaluation essay regarding contributions to Chinese society.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTargets 6PP103 by analyzing and evaluating the contributions to the development of Chinese society.
Activity 4

Measurement Mastery Adventure

Students engage in hands-on activities to understand mathematical concepts within a historical context, such as measuring historical artifacts or tools. They'll focus on various measurement conversions and understand how these metrics apply to interpreting historical data.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Gather historical measurements from texts or artifacts related to your chosen inventor or explorer.
2. Practice converting between metric and imperial units, using decimals accurately to reflect historical metrics.
3. Create a chart showcasing different measurements and their corresponding conversions.
4. Reflect on how accurate measurement influenced historical research and how modern technology has improved these processes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA chart displaying accurate conversions between different units for historical measurements.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers 6MMMC2 by focusing on the selection and conversion of standard metric and imperial units.
Activity 5

Persuasive Pitch Performance

Leveraging the 'Inventor's Shark Tank' entry event, students create and refine pitches for updating historical inventions. They'll apply English skills in writing and oral presentations to persuade a panel of 'investors' of the viability and importance of their ideas.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select a historical invention related to your chosen inventor and brainstorm modern adaptations that could solve current issues.
2. Draft a persuasive pitch, focusing on the benefits of the adaptation and how it retains the original inventor's vision.
3. Practice presenting your pitch, paying attention to intonation, tone, and persuasive language use.
4. Deliver your final pitch to a class panel, responding to questions and objections professionally.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-structured oral presentation persuading the audience of a modern adaptation of a historical invention.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with ESA15 by encouraging speeches and presentations, as well as enhancing skills in using technical vocabulary (EWD03).
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Inventors and Explorers Comprehensive Evaluation Rubric

Category 1

Historical Understanding and Chronological Sequencing

Evaluates student's ability to research, sequence, and narrate events, focusing on significant inventors and explorers.
Criterion 1

Research and Gathering Information

Assess the thoroughness and accuracy of the background research on inventors and explorers.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate research with a deep understanding of the inventor's or explorer's contributions and historical context.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates accurate research with a good understanding of the inventor's or explorer's contributions.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic research with some understanding of contributions, but may lack depth or accuracy.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows limited research with minimal understanding of the inventor's or explorer's contributions.

Criterion 2

Chronological Sequencing

Evaluates the ability to sequence key historical events accurately and clearly.

Exemplary
4 Points

Sequences all events accurately with clear labels and academic terminology, demonstrating sophisticated understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Accurately sequences most events with clear understanding and use of proper terminology.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to sequence events but may have some inaccuracies or lack of clarity.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to sequence events accurately and clearly.

Category 2

Connection to Historical Context

Assesses the ability to connect historical inventors' contributions to the socio-political, and technological contexts of their times.
Criterion 1

Contextual Analysis

Evaluates the student’s capability to relate inventors' contributions to the characteristics of their societal period.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides insightful analysis with clear connections to multiple societal features and impacts.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively connects contributions to societal features, demonstrating good analysis.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic connections but lacks depth in understanding societal features or impacts.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal connection between contributions and societal features; lacks coherence.

Criterion 2

Influence of Historical Periods

Evaluates how well students understand the influence of different historical periods on inventors' contributions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates deep understanding of how historical periods influenced inventions, with insightful examples.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows good understanding with clear examples of influence though might lack depth.

Developing
2 Points

Understands basic influences but provides limited examples or insights.

Beginning
1 Points

Limited understanding of influences; lacks supporting examples and clarity.

Category 3

Mathematical Interpretation and Application

Evaluates the ability to use mathematical concepts to interpret historical data effectively.
Criterion 1

Measurement and Conversion Skills

Assesses accuracy and understanding of converting between metric and imperial units used in historical contexts.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates precise and thorough conversion skills, applying them innovatively to historical contexts.

Proficient
3 Points

Accurately uses conversion skills in historical contexts with minimal error.

Developing
2 Points

Shows developing conversion skills with occasional inaccuracies.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with basic conversion skills; multiple inaccuracies noted.

Criterion 2

Mathematical Problem Solving

Evaluates student's ability to use geometric and mathematic principles to solve historical problems.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits advanced problem-solving skills using math to solve complex historical issues.

Proficient
3 Points

Solves historical problems well using mathematical principles, though lacks complexity.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic problem-solving attempts with mathematical principles; incomplete solutions.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal problem-solving demonstrated; inability to apply mathematics effectively.

Category 4

Communicative Skills and Presentation

Assesses the students’ ability to effectively present findings in both written and oral formats with clarity and persuasion.
Criterion 1

Oral Presentation Skills

Evaluates the ability to convey ideas and arguments effectively in an oral format.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents in a highly engaging, clear, and persuasive manner, integrating advanced communication techniques.

Proficient
3 Points

Conveys ideas clearly and persuasively, with effective communication.

Developing
2 Points

Communicates basic ideas inconsistently; lacks persuasive clarity.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to communicate ideas effectively or persuasively.

Criterion 2

Writing and Vocabulary Precision

Assesses the use of appropriate academic vocabulary and clear structuring in written reports.

Exemplary
4 Points

Uses sophisticated vocabulary and structured arguments effectively, demonstrating depth and clarity in writing.

Proficient
3 Points

Uses appropriate vocabulary with well-structured arguments, though may lack depth.

Developing
2 Points

Uses basic vocabulary and somewhat structured writing but lacks sophistication.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal vocabulary use; lacks clear, structured arguments.

Category 5

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Reviews the student’s ability to evaluate diverse viewpoints and integrate them into their analyses of historical contributions.
Criterion 1

Critical Analysis of Contributions

Assesses the depth of analysis regarding the contributions of inventors and explorers to society.

Exemplary
4 Points

Delivers comprehensive evaluations with deep analytical insights into historical contributions.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides solid analysis of contributions, demonstrating essential analytical skills.

Developing
2 Points

Shows emerging analytical skills with limited depth in evaluations.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to analyze contributions deeply; lack of critical insights.

Criterion 2

Integration of Diverse Viewpoints

Evaluates how well students incorporate multiple perspectives into their historical analyses.

Exemplary
4 Points

Integrates diverse perspectives with clarity, enhancing the depth of analysis significantly.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively includes multiple viewpoints, strengthening analysis moderately.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to include diverse views, but integration is limited or lacking impact.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal or no incorporation of differing views in analysis.

Reflection Prompts

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

Reflect on your understanding of how inventors and explorers have influenced historical events. What have you learned about their contributions and their lasting impact on society?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel in using mathematical concepts like measurement and geometry to understand historical artifacts and tools?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which of the following skills do you feel you improved the most during this unit?

Multiple choice
Optional
Options
Historical analysis
Mathematical application
Communication in English
Foreign language skills
Question 4

Consider the inquiry framework and essential questions explored in this unit. In what ways has your ability to connect across multiple subjects improved?

Text
Required
Question 5

How effectively did you utilize research skills to incorporate diverse viewpoints into your understanding of historical contributions? Please provide an example.

Text
Required