Refugee Support System: A Sustainable Solution
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as global citizens, design and implement a sustainable and equitable support system that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees in [Specific Region], while fostering cultural integration, economic stability, and long-term well-being for both refugees and the host community?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the main challenges refugees face when seeking support?
- How can we create a support system that addresses the diverse needs of refugees (e.g., housing, healthcare, education, employment) in a specific region?
- What are the key physical, cultural, economic, and political factors that contribute to refugee migrations in the chosen region?
- How can the support system be designed to promote cultural integration and understanding between refugees and the host community?
- How can we ensure the long-term sustainability of the refugee support system, considering economic and environmental factors?
- How can we measure the impact and effectiveness of the support system in improving the lives of refugees and the host community?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will analyze the challenges faced by refugees in a specific region.
- Students will design a sustainable support system for refugees.
- Students will evaluate the impact of human migrations on physical and human systems.
- Students will propose solutions to promote cultural integration and economic stability for refugees and host communities.
- Students will assess the key factors contributing to refugee migrations.
- Students will understand the role of global citizens in addressing refugee crises.
- Students will learn about housing, healthcare, education, and employment needs of refugees.
- Students will analyze the economic and environmental factors affecting the sustainability of refugee support systems.
- Students will learn about ways to measure the effectiveness of support systems.
- Students will present findings and proposed solutions to an audience.
- Students will understand the importance of long term well being for both refugees and the host community
Teacher Provided
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsRefugee Simulation: A Day in the Life
Students participate in a simulation where they are 'randomly assigned' roles as either refugees or members of a host community, experiencing firsthand the challenges of displacement and integration. Following the simulation, they debrief and discuss the systemic issues that arose. This experiential entry event encourages perspective-taking and highlights the interconnectedness of refugee and host community well-being.Data Dive: The Numbers Behind the Crisis
Students are presented with data visualizations illustrating the economic, social, and environmental impacts of refugee settlements in various regions. They analyze trends, identify correlations, and formulate questions about the long-term sustainability of current support systems. This data-driven approach encourages critical thinking and evidence-based problem-solving.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Refugee Region Research Report
Students research and identify the specific challenges faced by refugees in their chosen region, focusing on physical, cultural, economic, and political factors that contributed to their migration. They create a detailed profile outlining these challenges.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 comprehensive refugee profile for the chosen region, including a description of the main challenges and contributing factors to migration.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1 (analyzing challenges), Learning Goal 5 (assessing key factors), and Standard 1 (factors contributing to migration).Sustainable Support System Brainstorm
Students brainstorm and propose initial ideas for a sustainable support system that addresses the challenges identified in Activity 1. They focus on housing, healthcare, education, and employment needs, considering the impact on both refugees and the host community.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 preliminary proposal outlining the key components of the refugee support system, including initial ideas for housing, healthcare, education, and employment solutions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 2 (designing a support system), Learning Goal 7 (learning about needs), and Standard 2 (impacts on physical and human systems).Impact Assessment and Mitigation Plan
Students analyze the potential economic and environmental impacts of their proposed support system on the host community. They research ways to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive contributions, considering long-term sustainability.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn impact assessment report outlining the potential economic and environmental impacts of the proposed support system, along with strategies for mitigation and sustainability.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 3 (evaluating impacts), Learning Goal 8 (analyzing economic/environmental factors), and Standard 2 (impacts on physical and human systems).Cultural Integration Plan
Students develop strategies to promote cultural integration and understanding between refugees and the host community within their support system. They consider educational programs, community events, and communication initiatives.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 cultural integration plan outlining specific strategies and initiatives to foster understanding and collaboration between refugees and the host community.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 4 (promoting cultural integration), Learning Goal 6 (role of global citizens), and Standard 2 (impacts on physical and human systems).Refugee Support System Presentation
Students create a presentation to showcase their comprehensive refugee support system. The presentation includes the refugee profile, proposed solutions, impact assessment, and cultural integration plan. They also develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of their support system.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 comprehensive presentation of the refugee support system, including all components and metrics for measuring its effectiveness.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 9 (measuring effectiveness), Learning Goal 10 (presenting solutions), and all standards through synthesis of project.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioRefugee Support System Rubric
Refugee Region Research
This category assesses the quality and depth of the research conducted to create a comprehensive refugee profile for the chosen region.Research Depth
Depth of research into the physical, cultural, economic, and political factors contributing to the refugee situation in the chosen region.
Beginning
1 PointsResearch is superficial and lacks depth. Key factors are missing or misunderstood.
Developing
2 PointsResearch is adequate but lacks detail in some areas. Most key factors are identified, but understanding could be improved.
Proficient
3 PointsResearch is thorough and demonstrates a strong understanding of the key factors contributing to the refugee situation.
Exemplary
4 PointsResearch is comprehensive and insightful, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the complex interplay of factors contributing to the refugee situation. Goes beyond required elements.
Refugee Profile Quality
Accuracy and completeness of the refugee profile, including challenges related to housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
Beginning
1 PointsRefugee profile is incomplete and contains significant inaccuracies. Fails to address key challenges.
Developing
2 PointsRefugee profile is partially complete and contains some inaccuracies. Addresses some key challenges but lacks detail.
Proficient
3 PointsRefugee profile is accurate and complete, addressing all key challenges related to housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
Exemplary
4 PointsRefugee profile is exceptionally detailed and insightful, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by refugees. Includes relevant data and compelling narratives.
Report Clarity & Organization
Clarity and organization of the report, including the effective use of evidence and supporting data.
Beginning
1 PointsReport is poorly organized and difficult to understand. Lacks evidence and supporting data.
Developing
2 PointsReport is adequately organized but could be clearer. Limited use of evidence and supporting data.
Proficient
3 PointsReport is well-organized and clearly written. Effectively uses evidence and supporting data to support claims.
Exemplary
4 PointsReport is exceptionally well-organized, clear, and compelling. Masterfully uses evidence and supporting data to create a persuasive narrative. Demonstrates synthesis of information.
Sustainable Support System Brainstorm
This category assesses the creativity, feasibility, and coherence of the proposed solutions for the refugee support system.Solution Creativity & Feasibility
Creativity and feasibility of proposed solutions for housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
Beginning
1 PointsProposed solutions are unrealistic, impractical, or do not address the identified challenges.
Developing
2 PointsProposed solutions are somewhat feasible but lack originality and may not fully address the identified challenges.
Proficient
3 PointsProposed solutions are creative, feasible, and address the identified challenges effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposed solutions are innovative, highly feasible, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges. Solutions are well-justified and demonstrate a sophisticated approach.
Sustainability & Cultural Integration
Consideration of sustainability and cultural integration in the proposed support system.
Beginning
1 PointsSustainability and cultural integration are not considered in the proposed support system.
Developing
2 PointsSustainability and cultural integration are mentioned but not fully integrated into the proposed support system.
Proficient
3 PointsSustainability and cultural integration are thoughtfully integrated into the proposed support system.
Exemplary
4 PointsSustainability and cultural integration are central to the design of the proposed support system, demonstrating a commitment to long-term well-being and harmonious relations. Demonstrates innovative strategies.
Proposal Clarity & Coherence
Clarity and coherence of the preliminary support system proposal.
Beginning
1 PointsProposal is poorly written and difficult to understand. Lacks a clear focus.
Developing
2 PointsProposal is adequately written but lacks clarity and coherence in some areas.
Proficient
3 PointsProposal is well-written, clear, and coherent, outlining the key components of the support system.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposal is exceptionally well-written, clear, and compelling, presenting a vision for a comprehensive and effective support system. Demonstrates synthesis of ideas.
Impact Assessment and Mitigation Plan
This category assesses the analysis of potential economic and environmental impacts and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies.Impact Research Depth
Thoroughness of the research into the potential economic and environmental impacts of the support system.
Beginning
1 PointsResearch is superficial and fails to identify key economic and environmental impacts.
Developing
2 PointsResearch is adequate but lacks detail in some areas. Some key impacts are identified, but understanding could be improved.
Proficient
3 PointsResearch is thorough and demonstrates a strong understanding of the potential economic and environmental impacts.
Exemplary
4 PointsResearch is comprehensive and insightful, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the complex interplay of economic and environmental factors. Goes beyond required elements.
Mitigation Strategy Effectiveness
Effectiveness of the proposed strategies to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive contributions.
Beginning
1 PointsProposed strategies are ineffective or unrealistic.
Developing
2 PointsProposed strategies are somewhat effective but lack detail and may not fully address the identified impacts.
Proficient
3 PointsProposed strategies are effective and well-justified, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposed strategies are innovative, highly effective, and demonstrate a deep understanding of sustainability principles. Strategies are proactive and forward-thinking.
Report Clarity & Organization
Clarity and organization of the impact assessment report.
Beginning
1 PointsReport is poorly organized and difficult to understand. Lacks evidence and supporting data.
Developing
2 PointsReport is adequately organized but could be clearer. Limited use of evidence and supporting data.
Proficient
3 PointsReport is well-organized and clearly written. Effectively uses evidence and supporting data to support claims.
Exemplary
4 PointsReport is exceptionally well-organized, clear, and compelling. Masterfully uses evidence and supporting data to create a persuasive narrative. Demonstrates systems thinking.
Cultural Integration Plan
This category assesses the creativity, feasibility, and potential impact of the cultural integration plan.Initiative Creativity & Relevance
Creativity and relevance of the proposed initiatives to promote cultural integration and understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsProposed initiatives are generic, irrelevant, or do not address the need for cultural integration.
Developing
2 PointsProposed initiatives are somewhat relevant but lack originality and may not fully promote cultural integration.
Proficient
3 PointsProposed initiatives are creative, relevant, and effectively promote cultural integration and understanding.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposed initiatives are innovative, highly relevant, and demonstrate a deep understanding of cultural dynamics. Initiatives are transformative and promote lasting positive change.
Plan Clarity & Feasibility
Clarity and feasibility of the cultural integration plan, including specific details on implementation.
Beginning
1 PointsPlan is vague, unrealistic, and lacks specific details on implementation.
Developing
2 PointsPlan is somewhat feasible but lacks clarity and specific details in some areas.
Proficient
3 PointsPlan is clear, feasible, and includes specific details on implementation.
Exemplary
4 PointsPlan is exceptionally clear, feasible, and comprehensive, providing a detailed roadmap for successful implementation and impact measurement. Demonstrates strategic thinking.
Understanding of Benefits
Demonstrated understanding of the benefits of cultural integration for both refugees and the host community.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of cultural integration.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of the benefits of cultural integration.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a clear understanding of the benefits of cultural integration for both refugees and the host community.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a nuanced and insightful understanding of the multifaceted benefits of cultural integration, including social, economic, and personal dimensions. Demonstrates empathy and perspective-taking.
Refugee Support System Presentation
This category assesses the quality and effectiveness of the final presentation of the refugee support system.Presentation Comprehensiveness
Comprehensiveness of the presentation, including all key components of the refugee support system (refugee profile, solutions, impact assessment, cultural integration plan).
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is incomplete and missing key components.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation includes most key components but lacks detail in some areas.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is comprehensive and includes all key components of the refugee support system.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptionally comprehensive and insightful, providing a seamless and compelling overview of the entire refugee support system. Demonstrates synthesis of information.
Presentation Delivery
Clarity and effectiveness of the presentation delivery, including visual aids and communication skills.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is poorly delivered and difficult to understand. Visual aids are ineffective or missing.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is adequately delivered but lacks clarity and engagement. Visual aids are adequate but could be improved.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is clear, engaging, and well-delivered. Visual aids are effective and enhance understanding.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptional, captivating, and demonstrates mastery of communication skills. Visual aids are expertly designed and seamlessly integrated to create a memorable and impactful experience. Demonstrates leadership.
Metrics Appropriateness & Feasibility
Appropriateness and feasibility of the metrics used to measure the effectiveness of the support system.
Beginning
1 PointsMetrics are inappropriate, unrealistic, or not aligned with the goals of the support system.
Developing
2 PointsMetrics are somewhat appropriate but lack clarity and feasibility in some areas.
Proficient
3 PointsMetrics are appropriate, feasible, and aligned with the goals of the support system.
Exemplary
4 PointsMetrics are insightful, highly feasible, and provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the impact and sustainability of the support system. Demonstrates analytical thinking.