Temples Through Time: An AR Exhibition
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Temples Through Time: An AR Exhibition

Grade 7EnglishScienceSocial StudiesHistoryArt20 days
In this project, seventh-grade students take on the roles of historians and technologists to create an augmented reality exhibition showcasing the evolution, significance, and sustainable preservation of South Indian temples. Students will explore the historical evolution, social, economic, and cultural roles of these temples, while using AR technology to create an engaging and educational experience. The project incorporates elements of English, science, social studies, history, and art, and emphasizes research, collaboration, and presentation skills, as well as an understanding of sustainable tourism practices.
South Indian TemplesAugmented RealityCultural HeritageSustainable TourismTemple ArchitectureHistorical SignificanceAR Exhibition
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as historians and technologists, create an augmented reality exhibition that showcases the evolution, significance, and sustainable preservation of South Indian temples?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How did the architecture of South Indian temples evolve over time, and what factors influenced these changes?
  • In what ways did South Indian temples serve as centers of social, economic, and cultural life?
  • How can augmented reality (AR) technology enhance our understanding and appreciation of South Indian temples?
  • What are the key architectural elements and symbolism found in South Indian temples?
  • How did different dynasties and rulers contribute to the construction and development of South Indian temples?
  • What are the environmental impacts of temple tourism, and how can we promote sustainable tourism practices?
  • How can we use AR to create engaging and educational experiences that promote cultural heritage preservation?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand the historical evolution of South Indian temple architecture.
  • Analyze the social, economic, and cultural roles of South Indian temples.
  • Utilize augmented reality (AR) technology to create an engaging educational exhibition.
  • Evaluate the environmental impacts of temple tourism and promote sustainable practices.
  • Develop research, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Florida Standards

SS.7.H.1.1
Primary
Analyze historical sources to develop a claim, support the claim with evidence, and draw conclusions.Reason: This standard aligns with the project as students will analyze historical sources to understand the evolution, significance, and sustainable preservation of South Indian temples. They will develop claims supported by evidence gathered from these sources.
SS.7.G.2.2
Primary
Describe the cultural characteristics of various regionsReason: The project requires students to describe the cultural characteristics of South Indian temples.
VA.7.C.1.2
Primary
Analyze the structural and aesthetic characteristics of a variety of art forms.Reason: Students will analyze the structural and aesthetic characteristics of South Indian temple architecture.

Common Core Standards

LAFS.7.SL.1.1
Primary
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.Reason: Students will collaborate to design and develop the AR exhibition, requiring them to engage in discussions, build on ideas, and express their own thoughts clearly.
LAFS.7.W.2.4
Primary
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.Reason: Students will produce written content for the AR exhibition, explaining the history, architecture, and cultural significance of South Indian temples. This requires clear and coherent writing tailored to the audience.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Sacred Soundscape Immersion

The class experiences a curated soundscape featuring traditional music, chants, and ambient sounds recorded in and around South Indian temples. Students analyze the soundscape's elements, research their historical and cultural significance, and discuss how sound enhances the temple experience.

Deconstructing a Temple Blueprint

Students receive a fragmented, incomplete blueprint of a famous South Indian temple. Working in teams, they must research and collaborate to reconstruct the blueprint, learning about architectural elements, spatial relationships, and the temple's overall design.

Mystery Artefact Unveiling

A mysterious, unlabelled artefact (replica of a temple carving or architectural element) is delivered to the class. Students must use observation, research, and questioning to determine its origin, purpose, and significance, sparking interest in South Indian temple architecture.
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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

Socio-Economic Temple Web

Students investigate the social and economic roles temples played in South Indian society. They will map out the relationships between the temple and various aspects of community life.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the social and economic activities associated with South Indian temples (e.g., education, trade, festivals).
2. Identify different social groups that were involved with the temples (e.g., priests, artisans, merchants, devotees).
3. Create a web diagram illustrating the relationships between the temple and these social and economic elements.
4. Write a brief explanation of each connection shown in the diagram.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA web diagram illustrating the socio-economic role of South Indian temples with accompanying explanations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS.7.G.2.2 (Describe the cultural characteristics of various regions) Addresses the learning goal: Analyze the social, economic, and cultural roles of South Indian temples.
Activity 2

AR Feature Focus Group

Students brainstorm and propose specific augmented reality features to enhance the AR exhibition, focusing on educational and engaging elements. This activity encourages creative thinking and technological application.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research existing AR applications in cultural heritage or museum settings.
2. Brainstorm potential AR features for the South Indian temple exhibition (e.g., interactive models, virtual tours, historical reenactments).
3. Develop detailed descriptions and mockups of the proposed AR features.
4. Present and discuss the AR features in small groups, providing constructive feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of well-defined AR feature proposals with mockups and justifications.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLAFS.7.SL.1.1 (Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions) Addresses the learning goal: Utilize augmented reality (AR) technology to create an engaging educational exhibition.
Activity 3

Sustainable Temple Tourism Campaign

Students develop a campaign to promote sustainable tourism practices at South Indian temples, addressing environmental impacts and cultural preservation. This activity fosters critical thinking and responsible citizenship.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the environmental impacts of tourism on South Indian temples (e.g., pollution, waste management, habitat destruction).
2. Identify sustainable tourism practices that can minimize these impacts (e.g., waste reduction, eco-friendly transportation, responsible visitor behavior).
3. Design a campaign to promote these practices among tourists and local communities (e.g., posters, brochures, social media content).
4. Present the campaign to the class, explaining its goals and strategies.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive campaign promoting sustainable tourism at South Indian temples.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLAFS.7.W.2.4 (Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.) Addresses the learning goal: Evaluate the environmental impacts of temple tourism and promote sustainable practices.
Activity 4

Architectural Analysis Sketchbook

Students create a sketchbook documenting the structural and aesthetic elements of South Indian temple architecture through sketches, diagrams, and written analysis. This activity enhances visual literacy and analytical skills.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Study the key architectural elements of South Indian temples (e.g., gopurams, vimanas, mandapas, sculptures).
2. Create sketches and diagrams of these elements, labeling their features and dimensions.
3. Write analytical descriptions of the aesthetic characteristics of the temple architecture (e.g., symmetry, proportion, ornamentation).
4. Compile the sketches, diagrams, and descriptions into a digital or physical sketchbook.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA sketchbook documenting the structural and aesthetic elements of South Indian temple architecture.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsVA.7.C.1.2 (Analyze the structural and aesthetic characteristics of a variety of art forms.) Addresses the learning goal: Understand the historical evolution of South Indian temple architecture. and Analyze the social, economic, and cultural roles of South Indian temples. and Develop research, collaboration, and presentation skills.
Activity 5

Temple Timeline Builders

Students research and create a timeline showcasing the evolution of South Indian temple architecture across different dynasties. This activity helps students understand the historical context and architectural changes over time.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research various South Indian dynasties (e.g., Chola, Pandya, Pallava) and their contributions to temple architecture.
2. Identify key architectural features and innovations introduced during each dynasty.
3. Create a visual timeline using a digital tool or physical poster board.
4. Include dates, images, and brief descriptions of each temple style.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed timeline illustrating the evolution of South Indian temple architecture.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS.7.H.1.1 (Analyze historical sources to develop a claim, support the claim with evidence, and draw conclusions.) Addresses the learning goal: Understand the historical evolution of South Indian temple architecture.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

South Indian Temples AR Exhibition Evaluation

Category 1

Research and Historical Understanding

Evaluates the depth and accuracy of research conducted on South Indian temples and their historical context.
Criterion 1

Accuracy of Historical Research

Assesses the extent to which students accurately research and understand the historical context of South Indian temples.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides detailed, accurate research with exceptional insight into the historical context of South Indian temples, supported by comprehensive sources.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides accurate historical research with clear understanding and appropriate use of sources related to South Indian temples.

Developing
2 Points

Provides basic historical research with some inaccuracies or incomplete understanding regarding South Indian temples.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides minimal historical research with significant inaccuracies or misunderstandings about South Indian temples.

Criterion 2

Understanding Cultural Significance

Assesses students' understanding of the socio-economic and cultural roles South Indian temples played.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates profound understanding of the cultural and socio-economic roles of South Indian temples, with insightful connections made to current practices.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows comprehensive understanding of cultural and socio-economic roles of South Indian temples, drawing relevant connections.

Developing
2 Points

Shows partial understanding of cultural and socio-economic roles of South Indian temples with limited connections.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows little to no understanding of cultural and socio-economic roles of South Indian temples.

Category 2

Creativity and AR Technology Integration

Evaluates the creativity and effectiveness of integrating augmented reality technology in the exhibition.
Criterion 1

Innovation in AR Features

Assesses the originality and educational value of the AR features designed for the exhibition.

Exemplary
4 Points

Designs highly innovative, engaging AR features that provide profound educational experiences and exceptional creativity.

Proficient
3 Points

Designs creative and engaging AR features that clearly contribute to the educational goals of the exhibition.

Developing
2 Points

Designs AR features with some creative elements; however, educational impact is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Designs AR features with little creativity or educational value.

Criterion 2

Integration and Functionality of AR

Assesses how well AR technology is integrated into the exhibition to enhance learning.

Exemplary
4 Points

Integrates AR technology seamlessly into the exhibition with outstanding functionality and enhances the learning experience.

Proficient
3 Points

Integrates AR technology effectively into the exhibition, enhancing learning outcomes.

Developing
2 Points

Integrates AR technology with some effectiveness; functionality may be limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to integrate AR technology effectively; functionality is poor or missing.

Category 3

Presentation and Collaboration

Evaluates the students' ability to present information clearly and effectively collaborate with peers.
Criterion 1

Clarity of Presentation

Assesses the clarity, organization, and delivery of the final presentation or product.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents work with exceptional clarity, organization, and engagement, facilitating deep understanding among the audience.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents work clearly and effectively, with good organization and audience engagement.

Developing
2 Points

Presents work with some organization issues; clarity and engagement are inconsistent.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to present work clearly; lacks organization and engagement.

Criterion 2

Effectiveness in Collaboration

Assesses students' ability to work collaboratively with peers to achieve project goals.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates outstanding collaboration, leadership, and active participation with peers to achieve project goals.

Proficient
3 Points

Works well with peers, contributing effectively to the collaborative process and project goals.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in collaboration with peers but contribution and effectiveness are inconsistent.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with effective collaboration; minimal contribution to group efforts.

Reflection Prompts

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

How did your understanding of South Indian temples evolve throughout this project?

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Question 2

What was the most challenging aspect of designing the AR exhibition, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 3

To what extent do you feel the AR exhibition effectively communicates the historical and cultural significance of South Indian temples?

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Question 4

Which aspect of the project are you most proud of, and why?

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Question 5

How will you apply the skills and knowledge you gained from this project to future learning experiences?

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