Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a historically accurate and respectful monument, based on primary sources, that effectively tells the story of an unsung hero's contributions to the American Revolution and lasting impact?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- Who are some lesser-known figures who played a crucial role in the American Revolution?
- What were their contributions, and why were they significant?
- How can we use primary sources to learn more about these unsung heroes?
- What kind of monument would best represent their contributions and legacy?
- What design elements and symbolism would effectively convey their story to the public?
- How can we ensure our monument design is historically accurate and respectful?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and research an unsung hero of the American Revolution.
- Students will be able to analyze primary source documents to gather evidence about their chosen hero.
- Students will be able to design a monument that effectively represents their hero's contributions and legacy.
- Students will be able to justify their design choices using historical evidence.
Teacher-provided Standard
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Time-Traveling Historian
Imagine a world where history books are blank, and the stories of the American Revolution are lost. You and your team are time-traveling historians tasked with recovering a crucial narrative. Your mission: to uncover the contributions of an unsung hero and design a monument that ensures their legacy lives on.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Unearthing the Unsung
Students will delve into the stories of lesser-known figures from the American Revolution, exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and contributions. They will select one unsung hero to focus on for their monument project.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 research dossier on a selected unsung hero, including biographical information, key contributions, and a preliminary justification for their significance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsStudents will be able to identify and research an unsung hero of the American Revolution.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioUnsung Heroes Monument Design Rubric
Research and Historical Understanding
Evaluates the student's ability to conduct thorough research using primary sources and understand the historical significance of an unsung hero.Identification and Choice of Hero
Assesses the ability to identify and choose a historically significant unsung hero from the American Revolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects an exceptionally relevant and impactful unsung hero, demonstrating deep understanding of the hero's historical significance with a well-justified choice.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects a relevant unsung hero, showing clear understanding of the hero's historical significance.
Developing
2 PointsSelects a hero with emerging understanding of their historical significance; choice is somewhat justified.
Beginning
1 PointsSelects a hero with limited understanding of significance; requires further research and justification.
Use of Primary Sources
Measures the ability to analyze and use primary sources effectively to gather evidence about the chosen hero.
Exemplary
4 PointsExpertly analyzes and integrates a wide range of primary sources, providing comprehensive evidence of the hero's contributions.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively analyzes and uses primary sources, providing clear evidence of the hero's contributions.
Developing
2 PointsAnalyzes primary sources with some effectiveness, though evidence is limited or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to analyze primary sources; limited evidence collected.
Historical Context and Analysis
Assesses the understanding of the hero's role and contributions within the broader context of the American Revolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides sophisticated analysis of the hero's role and impact, contextualizing within the broader historical framework.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear analysis of the hero's role and contributions within the historical context.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic analysis of the hero's role and contributions, with some historical context.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides limited analysis and context of the hero's contributions.
Design and Creativity
Assesses the creativity and effectiveness of the monument design, including symbolism and historical accuracy.Design Innovation and Creativity
Evaluates the originality and creativity of the monument design.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesign is highly innovative and creative, effectively symbolizing the hero's legacy in a memorable way.
Proficient
3 PointsDesign shows creativity and effectively represents the hero's legacy.
Developing
2 PointsDesign has some creative elements but is not fully developed or effective.
Beginning
1 PointsDesign lacks creativity and does not effectively represent the hero's legacy.
Symbolic Representation
Measures the ability to use symbolism to convey the hero's contributions and legacy.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses symbolism masterfully to convey deep insights into the hero's contributions and legacy.
Proficient
3 PointsUses symbolism effectively to represent the hero's contributions and legacy.
Developing
2 PointsUses limited symbolism that partially represents the hero's contributions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use symbolism effectively; representation is unclear.
Historical Accuracy and Respect
Ensures the design is respectful and historically accurate.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesign is meticulously researched and historically accurate, maintaining high respect for the hero's legacy.
Proficient
3 PointsDesign is well-researched and mostly accurate, showing respect for the hero.
Developing
2 PointsDesign has some accurate elements but lacks thorough research.
Beginning
1 PointsDesign is historically inaccurate and lacks research.
Justification and Presentation
Measures the ability to justify design choices using historical evidence and present ideas effectively.Evidence-Based Justification
Assesses the ability to justify design elements with historical evidence.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides compelling, well-supported justifications using a wide array of historical evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear justifications with appropriate historical evidence.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some justifications with limited or partial evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal justifications with little to no evidence.
Presentation and Communication
Evaluates the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation of ideas and designs.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents ideas and designs with exceptional clarity and engagement, effectively communicating the project's significance.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents ideas and designs clearly, communicating the project's significance.
Developing
2 PointsPresents ideas with some clarity, though communication is inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to present ideas clearly; communication is ineffective.