Global Folktales: A Cultural Storytelling Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use storytelling to understand and celebrate diverse cultures around the world, while also exploring the mathematical, scientific, and geographical elements within these narratives?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do stories reflect culture?
- How can we compare stories using mathematical concepts?
- How do different cultures explain natural phenomena in their stories?
- How do the settings of stories relate to different environments and cultures?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and describe elements of different cultures as reflected in folktales.
- Students will be able to compare and contrast folktales from different cultures.
- Students will be able to use mathematical concepts to analyze and compare stories.
- Students will be able to explain how different cultures explain natural phenomena in their stories.
- Students will be able to describe how the settings of stories relate to different environments and cultures.
- Students will demonstrate global citizenship by sharing and appreciating folktales from diverse cultures.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'If Folktales Could Talk' Exhibit
The classroom is transformed into an exhibit showcasing inanimate objects 'telling' their folktale. Each object has a QR code that leads to clues or a short video.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Folktale Passport: Cultural Elements
Students begin by selecting a folktale from a different culture. They will identify key cultural elements presented in the story, such as traditions, values, and beliefs.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 'Folktale Passport' entry with descriptions of cultural elements found in the chosen folktale.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to identify and describe elements of different cultures as reflected in folktales. Aligns with the standard of Global Citizenship by promoting cultural awareness.Story Structure Showdown: Comparing Folktales
Students will compare and contrast their chosen folktale with a folktale from another culture or their own culture. They will use a Venn diagram or a similar graphic organizer to highlight similarities and differences in plot, characters, and themes.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 completed Venn diagram and a summary paragraph comparing and contrasting two folktales.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to compare and contrast folktales from different cultures. Aligns with the standard of Global Citizenship by encouraging cross-cultural comparison.Magical Math: Story-Based Problems
Students will create math problems based on elements within their folktale. This could involve calculating distances, quantities, or proportions mentioned in the story.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 math problem with a solution and explanation, all based on the student's chosen folktale.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to use mathematical concepts to analyze and compare stories. Integrates math into the global storytelling project.Nature's Narrative: Scientific Explanations
Students will investigate how their folktale explains a natural phenomenon. They will compare the folktale's explanation with a scientific explanation of the same phenomenon.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 comparison of a folktale's explanation of a natural phenomenon with a scientific explanation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to explain how different cultures explain natural phenomena in their stories. Integrates science into the global storytelling project.Geographic Journey: Mapping the Folktale
Students will explore the geographic setting of their folktale. They will research the real-world location or type of environment where the story takes place and create a map highlighting key locations from the story.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 map of the folktale's setting with captions describing key locations and their real-world geographic context.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to describe how the settings of stories relate to different environments and cultures. Integrates social studies into the global storytelling project.Global Folktale Showcase: Presentation
Students will prepare a short presentation to share their folktale and the insights they have gained throughout the project. They will share their cultural insights, math problems, scientific explanations, and geographic findings with the class.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 short presentation sharing the student's folktale and project insights with the class.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will demonstrate global citizenship by sharing and appreciating folktales from diverse cultures. This activity synthesizes all learning goals and promotes global citizenship.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioGlobal Storytelling Project Rubric
Cultural Elements Identification
Assesses student's ability to identify and describe cultural elements in folktales, reflecting a deep understanding of diverse cultures.Cultural Elements Description
Evaluates the student's ability to accurately and thoughtfully describe the cultural elements depicted in the folktale.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an insightful and thorough description of cultural elements, showing sophisticated understanding and significance in the folktale.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately describes cultural elements with clear understanding and context within the folktale.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic descriptions of cultural elements with limited context or insight into their significance.
Beginning
1 PointsDescriptions of cultural elements are incomplete or lack understanding of their significance.
Comparative Analysis
Evaluates the student's ability to compare and contrast folktales using structured approaches such as Venn diagrams.Comparison and Contrast
Assesses the student's skill in identifying similarities and differences between folktales.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an exceptional understanding of folktale elements by providing insightful and comprehensive comparisons and contrasts.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear and accurate comparisons and contrasts, effectively identifying key elements.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic comparisons and contrasts with some elements misinterpreted or omitted.
Beginning
1 PointsDisplays limited ability to compare and contrast narratives with significant omissions or inaccuracies.
Mathematical Integration
Measures the student's ability to create and solve a math problem based on elements of a folktale.Mathematical Problem Creation
Evaluates the ability to identify a mathematical concept within a folktale and formulate a relevant problem.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a creative and contextually relevant math problem with a clear solution and explanation, showcasing in-depth integration of math and storytelling.
Proficient
3 PointsFormulates an accurate math problem with a clear solution, effectively integrating math and folktale elements.
Developing
2 PointsConstructs a basic math problem but may lack depth or have minor inaccuracies in solution or explanation.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces a math problem with significant inaccuracies or lack of clear connection to the folktale.
Scientific Explanation Comparison
Assesses the student's ability to compare folktale explanations of natural phenomena with scientific ones.Explanation of Phenomena
Evaluates ability to research and articulate both folktale and scientific explanations of a natural phenomenon.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a detailed and insightful comparison of folktale and scientific explanations, showing exceptional understanding of both perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsArticulates clear and accurate comparisons with a solid understanding of both explanations.
Developing
2 PointsOutlines basic comparisons but may lack detail or contain minor inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsDisplays limited comprehension with significant misunderstandings or omissions.
Geographic Context Analysis
Evaluates the student's ability to research and map the geographic setting of a folktale and its real-world implications.Mapping and Contextual Analysis
Assesses ability to accurately create a map and link folktale settings to real-world geography.
Exemplary
4 PointsProduces a detailed map with comprehensive captions that excellently links story settings with real geographic contexts.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates an accurate and detailed map with clear linkage to real-world geography.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic map with some accurate but general geographic connections.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates a map with limited or inaccurate geographic connections and vague captions.
Presentation Skills
Assesses the student's ability to effectively organize and present their project findings to an audience.Presentation Delivery
Evaluates clarity, organization, and engagement during the presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a captivating and well-structured presentation with excellent clarity and audience engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information clearly and concisely, with good organization and audience interaction.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information with some clarity and organization, engaging the audience occasionally.
Beginning
1 PointsDelivers an unorganized presentation with limited clarity and audience engagement.