Unveiling Hidden Heroes: An Abstract Exploration
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Unveiling Hidden Heroes: An Abstract Exploration

Grade 12English2 days
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5.0 (1 rating)
In 'Unveiling Hidden Heroes: An Abstract Exploration,' twelfth-grade English students delve into the underrepresented narratives of unsung heroes and overlooked historical events. Through this project, students conduct extensive research to document the lives and contributions of their chosen hero, linking these figures to broader themes found in literature and art, such as resilience and justice. The project culminates in the creation of a 'Historic Detective Diary' where students compile their findings and present their analysis, fostering a nuanced understanding of cultural identity and societal values. This immersive learning experience not only enhances research and presentation skills but also encourages deeper reflection on why certain figures are celebrated in history while others remain in the shadows.
Unsung HeroesCultural IdentityNarrative AnalysisResearch SkillsHistorical ImpactStorytellingSocietal Values
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.What can the hidden narratives of unsung heroes and overlooked historical events reveal about cultural identity, societal values, and human innovation?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • Who are some historical figures and events that have significantly impacted society but are often overlooked in traditional narratives?
  • How can these unsung heroes or hidden histories connect to broader themes in literature, such as resilience, justice, and cultural identity?
  • What criteria do we use to determine who is worthy of being remembered in history, and how does this reflect societal values?
  • In what ways has the portrayal of historical figures and events changed over time, and what does that say about evolving cultural identities?
  • What role does storytelling, including literature and art, play in preserving or illuminating hidden histories and cultural narratives?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will research and analyze the contributions of lesser-known historical figures, developing an understanding of their impact on society.
  • Students will connect historical narratives to broader themes in literature and art, demonstrating critical thinking and analysis.
  • Students will develop their research and presentation skills through the investigation of unsung heroes.
  • Students will critically evaluate what makes certain historical figures more memorable than others.
  • Students will explore the role of storytelling in preserving hidden histories and develop new narratives to highlight these figures.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7
Primary
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: The project requires students to conduct research on unsung heroes and hidden histories, demonstrating their understanding through their findings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.9
Primary
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.Reason: Students will analyze texts to draw connections between historical figures and broader themes in literature or art.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4
Secondary
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.Reason: The project involves presenting research findings to an audience, following a cohesive line of reasoning.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Web of Connections

In a classroom turned into a giant web with ropes and strings, students attach names and clues of unsung heroes to intersecting points. As they map these connections, they explore concepts like 'Interdependence,' 'Influence,' or 'Legacy,' sparking an inquiry into how these figures are intertwined with better-known historical events and ideas.
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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

Historic Detective Diaries

Students create research diaries on unsung historical heroes, fostering an investigative approach to uncover hidden histories and connections to broader themes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select an unsung historical hero to research based on interest and relevance to inquiry framework.
2. Gather and document information from reputable sources about their life, achievements, and historical context.
3. Organize findings into a research diary with sections for introduction, main achievements, historical significance, and personal reflection.
4. Identify and link themes from literature or art that resonate with the individual’s life and achievements.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive research diary documenting the life and contributions of a chosen unsung hero.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Historic Detective Diaries Rubric

Category 1

Research and Analysis

Assess students’ ability to conduct thorough research and analyze historical significance of their chosen hero.
Criterion 1

Depth of Research

Extent to which the student has used a variety of reputable sources to gather information about the unsung hero.

Exemplary
4 Points

Uses a wide range of reputable sources, including primary and secondary, providing a rich and nuanced context for the unsung hero's contributions.

Proficient
3 Points

Uses multiple reputable sources, with clear documentation of the hero's contributions and historical context.

Developing
2 Points

Uses few sources or lacks diversity in sources, resulting in a basic understanding of the hero's story.

Beginning
1 Points

Relies on minimal and/or unreliable sources with insufficient context for the hero's contributions.

Criterion 2

Connection to Themes

Ability to connect the historical narrative to broader literary or artistic themes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Insightfully connects historical narratives with multiple relevant themes, demonstrating advanced critical analysis.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively connects historical narratives with at least one relevant theme, showing clear analysis.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to connect narratives with themes but lacks clarity or depth in analysis.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to make connections between historical narratives and themes.

Category 2

Presentation and Reflection

Evaluates the coherence, organization, and reflection in presenting the research diary.
Criterion 1

Organization and Coherence

Clarity and logical flow in presenting research findings within the diary.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates outstanding structure with seamless organization that enhances understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents information in a well-organized manner, making information accessible and engaging.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some organizational structure but lacks coherence in parts.

Beginning
1 Points

Lacks clear organization and coherence, making findings difficult to follow.

Criterion 2

Personal Reflection

Personal insights and reflection on the significance of the hero's contributions in relation to the student’s understanding.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides deep and insightful reflection, connecting personal learning to broader societal values.

Proficient
3 Points

Offers thoughtful reflection with clear connections to personal or societal values.

Developing
2 Points

Includes basic reflection with limited connections to personal learning.

Beginning
1 Points

Reflection lacks depth and connection to personal learning or values.

Reflection Prompts

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

How did researching an unsung historical hero and connecting their story to broader themes enhance your understanding of history?

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