Interactive Digital Family Tree
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create an interactive digital family tree that documents and shares our family history using various multimedia tools, while understanding the cultural and historical influences on our family stories?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is a family tree and why is it important to document our family history?
- How can we gather and present information about our family members in a meaningful way?
- What tools and resources can help us share stories and memories of our family interactively?
- How do cultural and historical contexts influence the structure and stories of a family tree?
- In what ways can creating a digital family tree strengthen our understanding of personal and communal identity?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand the concept and importance of a family tree in documenting family history and identity.
- Students will learn to gather, analyze, and compile information about their family history using interviews and photos.
- Students will develop skills in using digital tools to create an interactive presentation incorporating various media types.
- Students will explore the cultural and historical influences that shape their family's stories and structure.
- Students will strengthen their sense of personal and communal identity through the creation of a digital family tree.
Italian Educational Technology Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsDigital Storybook Creation
Provide students with tablets to create a storybook template, where they begin by adding their name and one story they know about their family. This exercise piques their curiosity about what other stories their digital family tree might uncover, integrating technology with personal history.Family Treasure Hunt
Organize a 'Family Artifact Day' where students bring an item from their family history. Each student presents their artifact and shares its story, inviting classmates to ask questions and explore different cultural backgrounds and histories, sparking curiosity about their digital family tree project.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Family Tree Storyboard
Students will plan the layout and content of their digital family tree. They will outline the family members they wish to include, the stories they want to share, and which multimedia elements (photos, audio, etc.) they will use. This will serve as a blueprint for their digital presentation.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 storyboard detailing the layout and multimedia content for their digital family tree.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with ECC-01 by planning a storytelling project that incorporates multiple media types, supporting multimedia storytelling skills.Interview Insight Explorer
Students will conduct interviews with family members to gather stories and information. They will then select multimedia tools to document these interviews in their digital family tree.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 recorded interviews and selected multimedia elements ready to be integrated into the digital family tree.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports the ECC-01 standard by using digital tools for storytelling and integrating interviews to enhance multimedia content.Digital Tree Builder
Using digital tools, students will construct their interactive family tree by integrating the storyboard, interviews, and multimedia elements into an app or online platform, creating a cohesive interactive presentation.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 fully interactive digital family tree presentation, showcasing family history and stories through various media.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets the ECC-01 standard by implementing an interactive digital story that combines multiple media formats.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDigital Family Tree Project Assessment Rubric
Planning and Storyboarding
Evaluates the student's ability to plan their digital family tree using a storyboard, including layout and multimedia content preparation.Storyboard Completeness
Assesses whether the student has included all necessary elements and family members in their storyboard.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe storyboard includes all relevant family members and multimedia elements, organized in a highly logical sequence. Provides comprehensive planning details.
Proficient
3 PointsThe storyboard includes most key family members and multimedia elements, with minor logical lapses in organization. Planning details are clear.
Developing
2 PointsThe storyboard includes some family members and multimedia elements but lacks logical organization. Planning details are partially clear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe storyboard is incomplete or lacks coherence and organization. Planning details are unclear or minimal.
Multimedia Selection
Assesses the appropriateness and variety of multimedia chosen for the storyboard.
Exemplary
4 PointsA wide variety of multimedia is selected, with each choice enhancing the storytelling. Choices are creative and contextually appropriate.
Proficient
3 PointsA good range of multimedia is selected, with most choices supporting the storytelling effectively. Choices are appropriate.
Developing
2 PointsLimited multimedia selection is evident, with some choices supporting storytelling. Choices are somewhat appropriate.
Beginning
1 PointsVery few multimedia elements are selected; choices do not effectively support storytelling. Choices lack relevance.
Interviewing and Information Gathering
Evaluates the effectiveness of student-conducted interviews and the gathering of family stories.Interview Technique
Assesses the student's ability to conduct interviews using appropriate techniques and gather meaningful information.
Exemplary
4 PointsInterviews are conducted with great skill, yielding rich and detailed information. Uses a wide range of effective interviewing techniques.
Proficient
3 PointsInterviews are conducted competently, yielding useful information. Uses several effective interviewing techniques.
Developing
2 PointsInterviews yield some information but are inconsistent. Uses some interviewing techniques effectively.
Beginning
1 PointsInterviews yield minimal new information and lack effective technique.
Story Selection and Highlighting
Assesses the student's ability to choose and emphasize key stories from the interviews.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects highly engaging and relevant stories, emphasizing key highlights skillfully.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects relevant stories, emphasizing most key highlights effectively.
Developing
2 PointsSelects some interesting stories but highlights have limited emphasis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to select or emphasize key stories and highlights.
Digital Presentation and Interactivity
Assesses the construction of the digital family tree presentation using multimedia elements.Interactive Features
Evaluates the inclusion and functionality of interactive features in the digital family tree.
Exemplary
4 PointsInteractive features are highly engaging and function perfectly, significantly enhancing user engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsInteractive features are engaging and function well, generally enhancing user engagement.
Developing
2 PointsSome interactive features are included but are not fully functional or engaging.
Beginning
1 PointsInteractive features are lacking or do not function properly, resulting in minimal engagement.
Final Presentation Quality
Evaluates the overall quality and coherence of the final digital family tree presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe final presentation is exceptionally well-organized, visually appealing, and cohesive. Content is seamlessly integrated.
Proficient
3 PointsThe final presentation is well-organized and visually appealing. Content is generally well-integrated.
Developing
2 PointsThe final presentation lacks some organization and coherence. Content integration is inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsThe final presentation is disorganized and lacks coherence. Content is poorly integrated.