Tackling Harlem's Community Challenges: Gun Violence, Housing, Green Space

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Tackling Harlem's Community Challenges: Gun Violence, Housing, Green Space

Grade 7Social Studies10 days

This 7th-grade social studies project focuses on empowering students to propose and implement solutions addressing gun violence, housing insecurity, and limited green space in Harlem. Using a variety of entry events like walking tours and guest speaker panels, students investigate these community issues. They conduct comprehensive research, draft proposals, participate in peer reviews, and ultimately present their solutions in a multimedia format. The project emphasizes developing essential skills such as research, argumentation, and effective communication, aligning with Common Core Standards.

Community IssuesGun ViolenceHousing InsecurityGreen SpaceProposal DevelopmentResearch SkillsCultural Sensitivity

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as young advocates and community members, propose and implement effective, sustainable, and culturally-sensitive solutions to address gun violence, housing insecurity, and limited green space in Harlem?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How do social, economic, and environmental factors contribute to community issues such as gun violence, housing insecurity, and limited green space in Harlem?
What historical and contemporary solutions have been proposed to address these issues, and how have they impacted the community?
How can we evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence, improving housing security, and expanding green spaces in urban areas like Harlem?
What role do community organizations, government agencies, and individuals play in developing and implementing solutions to these issues?
How can we propose actionable, sustainable, and culturally-sensitive solutions to address these community challenges?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

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

Students will understand the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on community issues in Harlem.
Students will analyze historical and contemporary solutions to community challenges and their effectiveness.
Students will evaluate existing policies and initiatives on gun violence, housing insecurity, and urban green spaces.
Students will develop skills to propose and communicate effective, sustainable, and culturally-sensitive solutions to community issues.
Students will engage in research and presentation, honing their ability to articulate findings and arguments effectively.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1

Primary

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.Reason: Students will need to research and construct proposals that argue for their solutions to community issues.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.3

Primary

Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).Reason: Understanding the relationships between social, economic, and environmental factors requires the analysis of interactions as described by this standard.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4

Primary

Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.Reason: Students are expected to present their proposed solutions effectively, which aligns with this communication standard.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7

Primary

Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.Reason: Research is a critical component as students explore and develop solutions to community issues.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Community Walking Tour

Kick off the project with a guided walking tour of Harlem, highlighting areas impacted by gun violence, housing insecurity, and lack of green spaces. Invite local community leaders to share their insights and challenge students to identify real-world issues as they consider solutions.

Guest Speaker Panel

Host a panel of diverse guest speakers, including activists, city planners, and residents who have firsthand experience with these issues. Encourage students to develop and ask questions, sparking an authentic inquiry into potential solutions for their community.

Project Pitch Day

Organize a 'Shark Tank' style event where community members present current challenges and ask students to pitch improvement solutions. This will inspire students to connect directly with community needs, prompting innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.

Community Challenge Scavenger Hunt

Design a scavenger hunt that leads students to various spots around Harlem, each representing a challenge related to gun violence, housing insecurity, or green space scarcity. At each location, students receive clues and information prompting them to brainstorm potential solutions.

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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

Neighborhood Exploration Notebooks

Students begin their project by creating 'Neighborhood Exploration Notebooks' documenting their observations from the Community Walking Tour. They will note down areas impacted by community issues and record insights shared by local leaders.

Steps

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

1. Students receive blank notebooks to be used to record observations.

2. During the Community Walking Tour, take detailed notes on observations at each location.

3. Record quotes and insights provided by local community leaders.

4. Identify key challenges faced in each area as noted during the tour.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA compiled set of notes and observations about community issues in Harlem.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity helps develop research skills and introduces students to issues, aligning with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.3.

Activity 2

Community Issue Research Folders

Students dive deeper into one specific community issue – gun violence, housing insecurity, or limited green space. They will collect and organize information using various sources to enhance their understanding of their chosen topic.

Steps

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

1. Choose one community issue to focus on.

2. Conduct research using books, online articles, and community interviews to gather information.

3. Organize research findings into folders categorized based on themes like social, economic, and environmental impacts.

4. Create a summary report highlighting key findings and questions for further investigation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn organized research folder with summaries and potential questions for further inquiry.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7 by teaching students to conduct research and delve into issues deeply.

Activity 3

Solution Proposal Drafting

Utilizing their research, students begin drafting proposals that outline their suggested solutions to the chosen community issue, ensuring to include clear arguments supported with evidence.

Steps

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

1. Review the information gathered in the Community Issue Research Folders.

2. Identify potential solutions considering social, economic, and environmental factors.

3. Write a draft proposal using structured argument writing to suggest solutions.

4. Ensure that each proposed solution is supported by clear reasons and evidence from research.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA drafted proposal that presents solutions to the community issue with supporting evidence.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity supports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1 by focusing on writing arguments with clear reasons and evidence.

Activity 4

Peer Review Workshop

Students exchange solution proposals for peer review. They will provide constructive feedback based on clarity, evidence, and feasibility.

Steps

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

1. Pair up students to exchange Solution Proposal Drafts.

2. Use a provided checklist to evaluate the drafts based on clarity, evidence, and feasibility.

3. Provide written and verbal feedback to peers.

4. Revise proposals based on peer feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityRevised solution proposals based on peer feedback.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1 by refining writing through peer evaluation and revision.

Activity 5

Community Solutions Presentation

Students present their final proposals in a community forum, incorporating multimedia elements to engage the audience and emphasize key points.

Steps

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

1. Finalize the solution proposal with any last revisions.

2. Prepare a multimedia presentation that outlines the problem and proposed solutions.

3. Rehearse the presentation, focusing on clear communication and engagement strategies.

4. Present to classmates, teachers, and community members, receiving real-time feedback and questions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation of the students' proposed community solutions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4 by emphasizing strong presentation skills and coherent communication of ideas.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Community Solutions Proposal Rubric

Category 1

Research and Analysis

Evaluates the students' ability to research, organize, and analyze information related to community issues, as well as their reflection on social, economic, and environmental factors.

Criterion 1

Research Depth

The extent to which students conduct comprehensive research and gather information from diverse sources related to their chosen community issue.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates extensive research using a wide variety of sources; all necessary data is meticulously collected and clearly related to community issues.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts thorough research using a variety of sources; most information is relevant and adequately supports the understanding of the community issue.

Developing

2 Points

Conducts limited research from a few sources; some information supports the understanding of the community issue, but lacks depth.

Beginning

1 Points

Minimal research conducted; lacks sufficient and relevant information to understand the community issue.

Criterion 2

Analysis of Factors

Assessment of the students' ability to analyze and understand the interactions and impacts of social, economic, and environmental factors on the community issue.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides insightful analysis of how various factors interact and impact the community issue, demonstrating sophisticated understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

Analyzes the interactions of multiple factors related to the community issue, showing a clear understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some interactions between factors, but analysis may be superficial or lack depth.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited or no analysis of factors; lacks understanding of how they impact the community issue.

Category 2

Proposal Development

Assesses the students' ability to develop well-structured proposals with clear, supported arguments and actionable, innovative solutions.

Criterion 1

Argumentation and Support

Measure of students’ capability to develop structured arguments supporting their proposal with clear reasons and evidence.

Exemplary

4 Points

Crafts highly convincing arguments with robust evidence supporting the proposed solutions; all points are logically and clearly presented.

Proficient

3 Points

Forms clear arguments with relevant evidence supporting the solutions proposed; the overall structure is coherent.

Developing

2 Points

Presents arguments with some supporting evidence; however, inconsistencies or gaps may be present in the reasoning.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited arguments presented with insufficient evidence; reasoning is unclear or unstructured.

Criterion 2

Innovation and Actionability

Evaluates the creativity and feasibility of the proposed solutions in addressing community challenges.

Exemplary

4 Points

Proposes innovative, creative solutions that are highly actionable and consider cultural sensitivities and sustainability.

Proficient

3 Points

Offers solutions that are actionable with some level of innovation; considers cultural sensitivity and sustainability.

Developing

2 Points

Suggestions show some creativity but may lack feasibility or depth; limited consideration for cultural or sustainable aspects.

Beginning

1 Points

Proposed solutions lack creativity or feasibility; little to no consideration for cultural or sustainability aspects.

Category 3

Communication and Presentation

Examines students’ ability to effectively communicate their proposals using clear language, appropriate presentation techniques, and engaging multimedia elements.

Criterion 1

Presentation Skills

Assessment of the students' presentation clarity, engagement, and use of multimedia to convey their proposal effectively.

Exemplary

4 Points

Delivers an engaging, well-organized presentation with effective use of multimedia; communicates ideas with clarity and confidence.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents organized with clarity; appropriate use of multimedia enhances understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Conveys basic ideas; presentation lacks clarity or coherence, with limited multimedia use.

Beginning

1 Points

Presentation is unclear, poorly organized with minimal or ineffective use of multimedia.

Reflection Prompts

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

Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of community issues in Harlem has evolved throughout this project. What were the most surprising insights you gained?

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how effective do you feel your proposed solutions will be in addressing the selected community issues?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which parts of the project were most challenging for you, and how did you overcome these challenges?

Text

Optional

Question 4

How has participating in this project influenced your views on the role of community members and young advocates in addressing local issues?

Text

Required

Question 5

Which entry event or portfolio activity do you believe was most beneficial in helping you develop your final proposal, and why?

Multiple choice

Optional

Options

Community Walking Tour

Guest Speaker Panel

Project Pitch Day

Community Challenge Scavenger Hunt

Neighborhood Exploration Notebooks

Community Issue Research Folders

Solution Proposal Drafting

Peer Review Workshop

Community Solutions Presentation