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Smoky Mountain Mystery

Grade 6Social StudiesScienceHistoryArt1 days

Students unravel a mystery within the Smoky Mountains National Park using scientific investigation, historical analysis, and artistic expression. They analyze a park ranger's journal, conduct experiments based on clues, and create artwork reflecting the park's environment and the ethical implications of human interaction. Through these activities, students explore the interplay of nature, culture, and history within a national park setting, developing critical thinking and creative skills.

MysterySmoky MountainsScientific InvestigationHistorical AnalysisArtistic ExpressionEthical ConsiderationsNational Parks

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use historical clues, scientific evidence, and artistic expression to solve a mystery tied to the unique natural and cultural environment of the Smoky Mountains National Park, while considering the ethical implications of human interaction with this environment?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How does the natural environment influence the cultural stories and traditions of the Smoky Mountains?
What distinguishes a fact from a fictional account when exploring historical events or mysteries?
How can artistic expression, such as photography, painting, or writing, effectively capture the essence of a place and its unique features?
How do scientific methods contribute to understanding and preserving the natural wonders of national parks like the Smoky Mountains?
What social and economic factors affect national parks, and how do park management strategies address these?
What role does geography play in the formation of unique habitats and the distribution of wildlife within the Smoky Mountains?
How can historical clues and evidence be used to construct narratives and potentially solve mysteries tied to a specific location?
What ethical considerations should guide human interaction with natural environments such as national parks?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to analyze historical sources related to the Smoky Mountains National Park to identify key events, figures, and cultural influences.
Students will be able to apply scientific methods to investigate a simulated mystery within the park, using observation, data collection, and analysis to form hypotheses and draw conclusions.
Students will be able to create an artistic representation (e.g., photograph, painting, written piece) that captures the unique natural and cultural aspects of the Smoky Mountains, demonstrating an understanding of perspective and artistic expression.
Students will be able to evaluate the ethical considerations related to human impact on the Smoky Mountains National Park environment, considering diverse perspectives and proposing responsible solutions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Ranger's Lost Journal

Students receive a park ranger's lost journal detailing strange occurrences, initiating an investigation into unexplained phenomena within the park. This involves deciphering cryptic clues, analyzing historical records, and conducting scientific experiments to determine the truth behind the ranger's entries.

Secrets of the Hidden Society

Students stumble upon a hidden compartment in an old park cabin containing a collection of artifacts and coded messages from a secret society. They must decipher the codes, interpret the historical significance of the artifacts, and uncover the society's connection to the park’s mysteries.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Smoky Mountains Science Lab

Students will conduct simulated scientific investigations based on clues found in the ranger's journal. This will involve formulating hypotheses, gathering data through observations and experiments, and drawing conclusions about the mysterious events.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select a specific clue from the annotated journal that can be investigated using scientific methods.

2. Formulate a testable hypothesis based on the selected clue.

3. Design a simple experiment to test the hypothesis, gathering data through observations.

4. Analyze the data and determine whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis, recording observations and results.

5. Write a lab report summarizing the investigation process, including the hypothesis, methods, data analysis, and conclusions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA lab report detailing the scientific investigation process, including the hypothesis, materials and methods, observations, results and analysis of the findings, and conclusions regarding the mystery.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will be able to apply scientific methods to investigate a simulated mystery within the park, using observation, data collection, and analysis to form hypotheses and draw conclusions.

Activity 2

Mystery in the Mountains: An Artistic Narrative

Students will use artistic expression to communicate the essence of the mystery and its connection to the Smoky Mountains. This could be through creating a visual representation (painting, photograph), a narrative story based on the mystery, or a combination of mediums. They will also incorporate their understanding of the ethical implications of human interactions with the park environment into their artistic piece.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Choose an artistic medium (painting, photography, creative writing, etc.) that best suits your style and the narrative you want to convey.

2. Develop a concept for your art piece that encapsulates the mystery, draws inspiration from the park’s environment, and reflects ethical considerations regarding human impact.

3. Create your art piece, incorporating elements from the ranger's journal, historical research, and scientific investigations.

4. Write a short reflection piece explaining the symbolism and meaning behind your art, highlighting its connection to the mystery, the park’s unique characteristics, and your ethical considerations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA finished art piece, accompanied by a short written reflection explaining how it represents the mystery, the cultural/natural significance of the park and how it integrates ethical considerations related to human impact on the park.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will be able to create an artistic representation (e.g., photograph, painting, written piece) that captures the unique natural and cultural aspects of the Smoky Mountains, demonstrating an understanding of perspective and artistic expression. Addresses learning goal: Students will be able to evaluate the ethical considerations related to human impact on the Smoky Mountains National Park environment, considering diverse perspectives and proposing responsible solutions.

Activity 3

Ranger Journal Decoder

Students will analyze excerpts from the ranger's journal, focusing on specific details and clues related to the mystery. They will identify key terms, people, and events mentioned in the journal and research their historical significance within the context of the Smoky Mountains.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Read the assigned excerpts from the ranger's journal, highlighting any unfamiliar terms, people, or events.

2. Research the historical context of the highlighted terms, people, and events using provided resources.

3. Write a brief explanation for each term, person, or event, explaining its significance to the Smoky Mountains and its potential connection to the mystery.

4. Annotate the journal excerpts with your explanations, creating a comprehensive understanding of the historical context.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn annotated copy of the journal excerpts with explanations of key terms, people, and events, and their historical relevance to the Smoky Mountains.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will be able to analyze historical sources related to the Smoky Mountains National Park to identify key events, figures, and cultural influences.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Smoky Mountains Investigation Rubric

Category 1

Scientific Investigation

Assessment of students' ability to apply scientific methods to investigate a mystery, including hypothesis formation, experimentation, and data analysis.

Criterion 1

Hypothesis Development

Measures the clarity and testability of the hypothesis formulated based on a clue from the ranger's journal.

Exemplary

4 Points

The hypothesis is clear, innovative, testable, and strongly connected to the selected clue.

Proficient

3 Points

The hypothesis is clear, testable, and appropriately connected to the selected clue.

Developing

2 Points

The hypothesis is partially clear, somewhat testable, or only loosely connected to the selected clue.

Beginning

1 Points

The hypothesis is unclear, not testable, or unrelated to the selected clue.

Criterion 2

Experiment Design and Execution

Evaluates the appropriateness and creativity of the experiment designed to test the hypothesis, including data collection.

Exemplary

4 Points

The experiment design is highly innovative, methodical, and includes comprehensive data collection aligned with the hypothesis.

Proficient

3 Points

The experiment design is methodical and includes adequate data collection aligned with the hypothesis.

Developing

2 Points

The experiment design is basic with limited innovation, and data collection is incomplete or misaligned.

Beginning

1 Points

The experiment design is unorganized, lacks creativity, and data collection is minimal.

Criterion 3

Data Analysis and Conclusion

Assesses the student's ability to analyze data and draw valid conclusions from their investigation.

Exemplary

4 Points

Data analysis is thorough, conclusions are insightful, well-supported by data, and connected to the hypothesis.

Proficient

3 Points

Data analysis is complete, and conclusions are logical, supported by data, and connected to the hypothesis.

Developing

2 Points

Data analysis is basic, and conclusions are partially supported by data or only loosely connected.

Beginning

1 Points

Data analysis is minimal, and conclusions are unsupported or unrelated.

Category 2

Artistic Expression

Evaluation of students' ability to convey the essence of the mystery and its connection to the Smoky Mountains through artistic expression, integrating ethical considerations.

Criterion 1

Concept Development

Assesses the creativity and depth of the artistic concept related to the Smoky Mountains mystery and ethical considerations.

Exemplary

4 Points

The art concept is highly creative, deeply connected to the mystery and ethical considerations, showing advanced understanding and reflection.

Proficient

3 Points

The art concept is creative, connected to the mystery and ethical considerations, showing clear understanding.

Developing

2 Points

The art concept shows some creativity and connection to the mystery and ethical considerations.

Beginning

1 Points

The art concept lacks creativity and clear connection to the mystery or ethical considerations.

Criterion 2

Artistic Execution

Evaluates the effectiveness and skill in the execution of the artistic piece.

Exemplary

4 Points

The artistic piece is executed with outstanding skill, effectively communicates the mystery, and is aesthetically impactful.

Proficient

3 Points

The artistic piece is well-executed, effectively communicates the mystery, and is aesthetically pleasing.

Developing

2 Points

The artistic piece shows basic execution, partially communicates the mystery, and is somewhat aesthetically pleasing.

Beginning

1 Points

The artistic piece is poorly executed, does not effectively communicate the mystery, or is aesthetically lacking.

Criterion 3

Reflection and Symbolism

Assesses the understanding and explanation of symbolism and meaning in the artistic piece.

Exemplary

4 Points

The reflection piece provides deep insights, with rich symbolism and clear connections to the mystery and ethical context.

Proficient

3 Points

The reflection piece provides clear insights, with meaningful symbolism and connections to the mystery and ethical context.

Developing

2 Points

The reflection piece provides basic insights, with some symbolism and connections to the mystery.

Beginning

1 Points

The reflection piece lacks insight, symbolism, or connection to the mystery and ethical context.

Category 3

Historical Analysis

Assessment of students' ability to interpret historical sources, identify key events and figures, and explain their significance to the Smoky Mountains mystery.

Criterion 1

Source Analysis

Measures students' ability to analyze historical sources and identify their significance to the mystery.

Exemplary

4 Points

Analysis is thorough, with insightful identification of significant historical elements, and clear integration into the mystery.

Proficient

3 Points

Analysis is clear, with accurate identification of significant elements and logical integration into the mystery.

Developing

2 Points

Analysis shows partial understanding and integration of significant elements.

Beginning

1 Points

Analysis is minimal with lack of clear identification or integration of historical elements.

Criterion 2

Annotation and Explanation

Evaluates the clarity and thoroughness of journal annotation with historical explanations.

Exemplary

4 Points

Annotations are detailed and thorough, with clear explanations showing deep understanding of historical context and connection to the mystery.

Proficient

3 Points

Annotations are clear and thorough, with accurate explanations showing understanding of historical context.

Developing

2 Points

Annotations are basic, with partial explanation and understanding of the historical context.

Beginning

1 Points

Annotations lack detail and clarity, with insufficient explanation and understanding.

Reflection Prompts

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

Question 1

Reflect on the process of scientific investigation you undertook in the "Smoky Mountains Science Lab" activity. What challenges did you encounter when formulating your hypothesis and designing your experiment? How did you address these challenges?

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Question 2

How did your artistic representation in the "Mystery in the Mountains" activity capture the essence of the mystery and the unique natural and cultural environment of the Smoky Mountains National Park?

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Question 3

In the "Ranger Journal Decoder" activity, what historical insights did you gain about the Smoky Mountains National Park? How did these insights contribute to your understanding of the mystery presented in the ranger's journal?

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Question 4

Considering all the activities, what is your overall interpretation of the mystery in the Smoky Mountains National Park? What evidence supports your conclusion?

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Question 5

On a scale of 1 to 5, how effectively did the combined activities contribute to your understanding of the natural and cultural environment of the Smoky Mountains National Park? (1 = Not at all effective, 5 = Extremely effective)

Scale

Required

Question 6

Which activity did you find most engaging and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Smoky Mountains Science Lab

Mystery in the Mountains: An Artistic Narrative

Ranger Journal Decoder

Question 7

What ethical considerations related to human interaction with the Smoky Mountains National Park did you uncover during this project?

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