Interactive School Mural Project for K-5 Students
Created byMichelle Schroder
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Interactive School Mural Project for K-5 Students

Grade 5Social StudiesMathEnglishHistoryArtComputer ScienceTechnology5 days
The Interactive School Mural Project engages 5th-grade students in a multidisciplinary task to design and create a mural representing the life and achievements of their school's namesake. Utilizing skills from social studies, math, technology, art, and history, students research historical themes, apply mathematical concepts such as area and perimeter, and integrate interactive technology to make the mural engaging and accessible. Collaboratively, students develop prototypes, conduct peer reviews, and present their final designs, enhancing their understanding of critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management.
MuralInteractiveCollaborationMath ApplicationHistorical ResearchTechnology IntegrationArtistic Storytelling
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we collaboratively design and create an engaging and interactive mural that effectively communicates the life, achievements, and themes of our school’s namesake using art, mathematics, technology, and historical research?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can we design a mural that creatively represents the life and achievements of our school’s namesake?
  • What are the key themes in our school’s namesake's life that should be reflected in the mural?
  • How can we make the mural interactive for students of all ages?
  • How can mathematics principles such as area and perimeter influence the design and layout of our mural?
  • What role do primary and secondary resources play in accurately depicting historical figures and events?
  • How can technology be integrated into our mural to enhance its educational value and accessibility?
  • In what ways can art be used to communicate historical and cultural information effectively?
  • How can we use critical thinking to solve challenges during the design and creation of our mural?
  • What innovative methods can we employ to ensure that our mural is informative yet engaging for the entire school community?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will apply mathematical concepts of area and perimeter to design a physically measurable mural layout.
  • Learners will engage in historical research using primary and secondary resources to accurately represent the life and achievements of the school's namesake.
  • Participants will collaborate using critical thinking to solve practical and creative problems during the mural creation process.
  • Learners will explore art and technology to create an interactive and accessible mural that effectively communicates historical themes.
  • Students will analyze themes from the historical research and incorporate them into the mural design, ensuring it is informative and engaging.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.5
Supporting
Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume.Reason: Volume and spatial understanding are crucial for planning the physical aspects of the mural.
CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.B.3
Primary
Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.Reason: Understanding shapes and their properties is important for designing the mural layout.
CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.5
Supporting
Interpret multiplication as scaling (resizing), by: Comparing the size of a product to the size of one factor on the basis of the size of the other factor, without performing the indicated multiplication.Reason: This standard helps in scaling figures which is essential in mural design.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.1
Primary
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.Reason: Students will use primary and secondary resources to research the school's namesake.

Next Generation Science Standards

NGSS.3-5-ETS1-1
Primary
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.Reason: This standard ties into planning and designing the interactive elements of the mural.

National Core Arts Standards

NCAS.VA:Pr4.1.5
Secondary
Select and analyze works of art and design to make informed connections to personal experiences.Reason: Involves artistic decision making when creating the mural.
NCAS.MU:Pr4.2.5a
Supporting
Analyze how the elements of music are used in music selected for performance.Reason: While this standard specifically addresses music, analyzing creative elements can be applied to interactive elements of the mural.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Mystery of the Empty Canvas

Upon entering the classroom, students find a large blank canvas that acts like a touch screen. Each touch reveals a clue or fragment about the life of the school's namesake. This sparks curiosity and encourages students to delve into research about the person, sourcing material and themes that could be portrayed through the mural.

Unlock the Legend: Interactive Mural Challenge

Kick off the project with a surprise visit from a local mural artist who reveals a locked box containing sketches and stories related to the school's namesake. Students must solve perimeter and area puzzles, and research primary resources to unlock various segments of the box, communicating with the artist through virtual Q&A sessions to guide their creative processes.

Digital Escape Room: Discover the Story

Students participate in a digital escape room where each room challenges them with puzzles linked to the biography, innovations, and impact of the school's namesake. Completing the escape unlocks tools and ideas for designing sections of the mural, integrating technology and mathematics creatively.
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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

Mathematical Mural Sketch

Students apply their understanding of area, perimeter, volume, and shapes to draft an initial sketch of the mural, emphasizing the layout's measurable components.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review mathematical concepts of area, perimeter, and volume.
2. Measure the intended mural space using proper mathematical tools.
3. Create a sketch of the mural layout, ensuring proper scaling and dimensions.
4. Present the sketch to the class for peer review and suggestions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA scaled sketch of the mural layout using precise measurements.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.5 and CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.B.3 by involving real-world mathematical problem solving and understanding of shapes.
Activity 2

Thematic Research Expedition

Students delve deeper into the historical context of the school's namesake, utilizing both primary and secondary resources to uncover significant life themes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify primary and secondary resources available for research.
2. Access and document key information about the namesake's life and contributions.
3. Discuss findings in groups, focusing on recurring themes.
4. Summarize key themes that should be represented in the mural.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA thematic report detailing significant aspects of the namesake's life and contributions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.1 by encouraging in-depth research and theme identification from text.
Activity 3

Interactive Technology Design

Students explore innovative technological tools to incorporate interactive elements in the mural, aiming for accessibility and engagement.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research technologies used in interactive displays (e.g., Augmented Reality, touch screens).
2. Brainstorm how technology can enhance the mural's educational and engagement values.
3. Design a prototype of the interactive component of the mural, factoring in creativity and user accessibility.
4. Test the prototype with peers for feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA prototype of an interactive mural component incorporating accessible technology.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS.3-5-ETS1-1 by addressing design problems with specified success criteria.
Activity 4

Artistic Storytelling

Students learn the art of storytelling through visual means, integrating all researched themes and technologies into the mural's design.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Explore artistic techniques and storytelling methods in murals.
2. Combine research findings and technological designs to create a comprehensive storyboard for the mural.
3. Illustrate the major themes and stories visually in the mural draft.
4. Present and critique the storytelling elements as a class.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed storyboard and visual draft of the mural incorporating researched themes and stories.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity connects with NCAS.VA:Pr4.1.5 by requiring artistic decision-making and connecting art to personal and historical experiences.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Interactive Mural Design Rubric

Category 1

Mathematical Application

Assessment of students' ability to apply mathematical concepts such as area, perimeter, and scaling in the mural design process.
Criterion 1

Understanding of Concepts

Evaluate the students' comprehension of mathematical concepts related to geometry and measurement.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and innovative application of area, perimeter, and scaling concepts.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows thorough understanding and consistent application of area, perimeter, and scaling concepts.

Developing
2 Points

Exhibits emerging understanding and occasional application of area, perimeter, and scaling concepts.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying area, perimeter, and scaling concepts.

Criterion 2

Application of Measurements

Evaluate the students' ability to measure and scale accurately in creating the mural layout.

Exemplary
4 Points

Utilizes precise measurements and exceptional scaling techniques in the mural layout.

Proficient
3 Points

Uses accurate measurements and proper scaling techniques in the mural layout.

Developing
2 Points

Applies measurements and scaling techniques with occasional errors.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with measurements and scaling techniques, often resulting in errors.

Category 2

Historical Research and Interpretation

Assessment of students’ research skills and ability to draw thematic connections from historical texts and sources.
Criterion 1

Research Depth and Accuracy

Evaluate the quality and depth of students' research utilizing primary and secondary resources.

Exemplary
4 Points

Conducts comprehensive research with accurate use of primary and secondary resources, showing exceptional depth.

Proficient
3 Points

Performs thorough research with effective use of primary and secondary resources.

Developing
2 Points

Shows limited research with some application of primary and secondary resources.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates minimal research with inaccurate or superficial use of resources.

Criterion 2

Thematic Connection

Assess students' ability to effectively connect historical research to the themes represented in the mural.

Exemplary
4 Points

Innovatively connects historical research to mural themes, providing insightful interpretations.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively connects research findings to mural themes, with clear interpretations.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to connect research findings to mural themes with limited clarity.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to connect research findings to mural themes, lacking clarity.

Category 3

Artistic and Technological Integration

Evaluation of students’ ability to incorporate art and technology effectively in the mural design to create an engaging and accessible interactive display.
Criterion 1

Artistic Creativity and Storytelling

Assess students' creativity and effectiveness in visual storytelling within the mural design.

Exemplary
4 Points

Displays remarkable creativity with compelling visual storytelling, integrating diverse elements seamlessly.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates good creativity and effective visual storytelling, integrating key elements coherently.

Developing
2 Points

Shows emerging creativity with basic visual storytelling and integration of elements.

Beginning
1 Points

Lacks clear artistic direction and storytelling, with minimal integration of elements.

Criterion 2

Technological Implementation

Evaluate students' application of technology to enhance mural interactivity and accessibility.

Exemplary
4 Points

Implements technology creatively and effectively, resulting in highly engaging and accessible interactivity.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively applies technology, providing functional and accessible interactive features.

Developing
2 Points

Utilizes basic technology with limited effectiveness for interactivity and accessibility.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with technology application, offering minimal interactive features.

Category 4

Collaboration and Problem Solving

Assessment of students’ ability to work collaboratively to solve challenges during the mural design process.
Criterion 1

Teamwork and Communication

Evaluate students’ ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within their group.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits leadership and effective communication, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

Proficient
3 Points

Communicates well and collaborates effectively, contributing positively to team efforts.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in teamwork with basic communication, contributing irregularly to team processes.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with effective communication and consistent contribution within the team.

Criterion 2

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Assess students' ability to think critically and solve practical and creative problems during the mural design and creation process.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking, solving complex challenges innovatively and efficiently.

Proficient
3 Points

Exhibits effective problem-solving skills, addressing challenges with sound critical thinking.

Developing
2 Points

Shows developing problem-solving ability, addressing challenges with basic critical thinking.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with basic problem-solving, requiring support to address challenges.

Reflection Prompts

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

Reflect on the overall experience of designing and creating the mural. What did you learn about collaboration and project management that you can apply in future group projects?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, rate how effectively you think the mural communicates the life and achievements of the school’s namesake.

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which primary or secondary resource discovered during the project had the most significant impact on your understanding of the school’s namesake, and why?

Text
Optional
Question 4

How confident do you feel about using mathematical concepts like area, perimeter, and volume in practical, real-world situations after this project?

Scale
Optional
Question 5

What challenges did you face when integrating technology into the mural, and how did you overcome them?

Text
Optional