Victorian Era: A Multidisciplinary Exploration

Created byRoberta Cattani

0 views0 downloads

Victorian Era: A Multidisciplinary Exploration

Grade 12Social StudiesHistoryForeign LanguageOther7 days

In this 12th-grade multidisciplinary project, students explore the Victorian Era through the lenses of social studies, history, and foreign language, focusing on the era's defining characteristics, social challenges, scientific advancements, and the realities of child labor. Through activities like a historical debate, creating a Victorian Era time capsule, presentations on social challenges, designing an infographic of scientific advancements, and writing narratives from the perspective of child laborers, students will critically analyze the complexities of the Victorian period. The project culminates in a portfolio assessed via rubric, alongside reflective prompts that encourage students to consider the era's relevance to the modern world.

Victorian EraSocial ChallengesScientific AdvancementsChild LaborHistorical AnalysisMultidisciplinary Learning

Want to create your own PBL Recipe?Use our AI-powered tools to design engaging project-based learning experiences for your students.

📝

Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.In che modo le luci e le ombre dell'epoca vittoriana, tra progressi scientifici e sfide sociali come il lavoro minorile, plasmano la nostra comprensione del progresso e del benessere umano?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

Quali furono le principali caratteristiche dell'epoca vittoriana?
Quali furono le criticità e le sfide sociali durante l'epoca vittoriana?
Quali progressi scientifici e tecnologici furono realizzati durante l'epoca vittoriana?
Qual era la condizione del lavoro minorile durante l'epoca vittoriana?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

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

Students will be able to identify the defining characteristics of the Victorian era.
Students will be able to analyze the social challenges and criticisms present during the Victorian era.
Students will be able to evaluate the scientific advancements and technological progress made during the Victorian era.
Students will be able to describe the conditions of child labor during the Victorian era.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

'The Crown' Historical Debate

Divide the class into groups representing different perspectives on Victorian society (e.g., industrialists, suffragettes, child laborers). Each group prepares arguments and engages in a debate, fostering critical thinking and historical empathy.

📚

Portfolio Activities

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

Activity 1

Victorian Era Time Capsule: Defining Characteristics

Students will research and compile artifacts, images, and primary source excerpts that represent the defining characteristics of the Victorian era. This activity sets the stage for understanding the era's complexities.

Steps

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

1. Research key aspects of Victorian society, including its social structure, cultural norms, and political climate.

2. Select five to seven artifacts, images, or excerpts that best represent these characteristics.

3. Write a brief explanation (50-75 words) for each item, justifying its inclusion in the time capsule and explaining its significance.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA digital or physical time capsule containing the selected items and their explanations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to identify the defining characteristics of the Victorian era.

Activity 2

Shadows of Progress: Unveiling Victorian Social Challenges

Students will investigate the social criticisms and challenges prevalent during the Victorian era, such as poverty, inequality, and public health issues. This activity encourages critical analysis of the era's darker aspects.

Steps

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

1. Choose one significant social challenge of the Victorian era (e.g., poverty, sanitation, women's rights).

2. Research the causes, effects, and responses to this challenge, using primary and secondary sources.

3. Create a short presentation (e.g., slideshow, video, or poster) that outlines the challenge and its impact on Victorian society.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation detailing a chosen social challenge, its causes, effects, and societal responses.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to analyze the social challenges and criticisms present during the Victorian era.

Activity 3

Innovations Unveiled: Mapping Victorian Scientific Advancements

Students will explore the major scientific and technological advancements of the Victorian era, examining their impact on society and daily life. This activity highlights the era's contributions to modern technology and science.

Steps

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

1. Identify three to five significant scientific or technological advancements from the Victorian era (e.g., the telephone, the steam engine, advancements in medicine).

2. Research the inventors, processes, and applications of these advancements.

3. Design an infographic or interactive map showcasing these advancements and their impact on Victorian society.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn infographic or interactive map illustrating Victorian scientific advancements and their societal impact.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to evaluate the scientific advancements and technological progress made during the Victorian era.

Activity 4

Voices of the Vulnerable: Child Labor in the Victorian Era

Students will investigate the realities of child labor during the Victorian era, exploring its causes, conditions, and consequences. This activity fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of social injustice.

Steps

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

1. Research the types of jobs children held during the Victorian era and the conditions they faced.

2. Find and analyze primary source accounts (e.g., interviews, testimonies, photographs) of child laborers.

3. Write a fictional diary entry or short narrative from the perspective of a child laborer, based on your research.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA fictional diary entry or short narrative from the perspective of a child laborer, grounded in historical research.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to describe the conditions of child labor during the Victorian era.

🏆

Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Victorian Era Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Defining Characteristics: Victorian Era Time Capsule

Evaluates the selection and explanation of artifacts representing key characteristics of the Victorian era.

Criterion 1

Artifact Selection

Assesses the relevance and representativeness of chosen artifacts in reflecting Victorian society.

Exemplary

4 Points

Chooses 5-7 artifacts that are highly relevant and comprehensively represent the defining characteristics of the Victorian era, demonstrating deep understanding and insightful selection.

Proficient

3 Points

Chooses 5-7 artifacts that are relevant and represent the defining characteristics of the Victorian era, demonstrating a good understanding of the topic.

Developing

2 Points

Chooses fewer than 5 artifacts or artifacts that are only somewhat relevant to the defining characteristics of the Victorian era, demonstrating a basic understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

Chooses artifacts that are largely irrelevant or do not represent the defining characteristics of the Victorian era, demonstrating a limited understanding.

Criterion 2

Explanation and Significance

Assesses the clarity and justification provided for each artifact's inclusion in the time capsule.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides clear, concise, and insightful explanations (50-75 words each) that thoroughly justify each artifact's inclusion and its significance in representing the Victorian era.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides clear and concise explanations (50-75 words each) that justify each artifact's inclusion and its significance in representing the Victorian era.

Developing

2 Points

Provides explanations that are somewhat unclear or incomplete, or do not fully justify each artifact's inclusion or significance.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides explanations that are unclear, irrelevant, or missing, failing to justify the artifact's inclusion or significance.

Category 2

Social Challenges: Shadows of Progress Presentation

Evaluates the analysis of a chosen social challenge, its causes, effects, and societal responses during the Victorian era.

Criterion 1

Challenge Identification and Research

Assesses the selection of a significant social challenge and the depth of research into its causes and effects.

Exemplary

4 Points

Selects a highly significant social challenge and conducts thorough research using diverse primary and secondary sources to comprehensively analyze its causes and effects.

Proficient

3 Points

Selects a significant social challenge and conducts thorough research using primary and secondary sources to analyze its causes and effects.

Developing

2 Points

Selects a social challenge but conducts limited research, with a superficial analysis of its causes and effects.

Beginning

1 Points

Selects a vague or insignificant social challenge and conducts minimal research, with little to no analysis of its causes and effects.

Criterion 2

Presentation Clarity and Impact

Assesses the clarity, organization, and impact of the presentation in conveying the chosen social challenge.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a highly engaging, well-organized, and impactful presentation (slideshow, video, or poster) that clearly outlines the social challenge, its causes, effects, and societal responses with sophisticated insights.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates a clear, well-organized, and engaging presentation (slideshow, video, or poster) that outlines the social challenge, its causes, effects, and societal responses.

Developing

2 Points

Creates a presentation that is somewhat disorganized or unclear, with limited detail on the social challenge, its causes, effects, or societal responses.

Beginning

1 Points

Creates a presentation that is disorganized, unclear, and lacks essential information about the social challenge, its causes, effects, or societal responses.

Category 3

Scientific Advancements: Innovations Unveiled Map

Evaluates the identification, research, and presentation of significant scientific and technological advancements during the Victorian era.

Criterion 1

Advancement Identification and Research

Assesses the selection of significant scientific advancements and the depth of research into their inventors, processes, and applications.

Exemplary

4 Points

Identifies 3-5 highly significant scientific or technological advancements and conducts thorough research into their inventors, processes, and applications, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

Identifies 3-5 significant scientific or technological advancements and conducts thorough research into their inventors, processes, and applications.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies fewer than 3 advancements or advancements that are not highly significant, with limited research into their inventors, processes, or applications.

Beginning

1 Points

Identifies vague or insignificant advancements and conducts minimal research, lacking detail on inventors, processes, or applications.

Criterion 2

Infographic/Map Design and Impact

Assesses the clarity, visual appeal, and effectiveness of the infographic or interactive map in showcasing the advancements and their societal impact.

Exemplary

4 Points

Designs a visually stunning and highly informative infographic or interactive map that clearly showcases the advancements, their inventors, processes, applications, and profound societal impact with exceptional clarity and creativity.

Proficient

3 Points

Designs a clear and informative infographic or interactive map that effectively showcases the advancements, their inventors, processes, applications, and societal impact.

Developing

2 Points

Designs an infographic or interactive map that is somewhat cluttered, unclear, or lacks detail on the advancements, their inventors, processes, applications, or societal impact.

Beginning

1 Points

Designs an infographic or interactive map that is disorganized, visually unappealing, and lacks essential information about the advancements or their impact.

Category 4

Child Labor: Voices of the Vulnerable Narrative

Evaluates the research, empathy, and narrative skill in portraying the conditions of child labor during the Victorian era from a child's perspective.

Criterion 1

Research and Historical Accuracy

Assesses the depth and accuracy of research into child labor conditions during the Victorian era.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts extensive research using diverse primary sources to accurately and sensitively portray the realities of child labor during the Victorian era, demonstrating profound historical understanding and empathy.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts thorough research using primary sources to accurately portray the realities of child labor during the Victorian era.

Developing

2 Points

Conducts limited research, resulting in some inaccuracies or generalizations about child labor conditions during the Victorian era.

Beginning

1 Points

Conducts minimal research, resulting in significant inaccuracies or a superficial understanding of child labor conditions during the Victorian era.

Criterion 2

Narrative Voice and Empathy

Assesses the authenticity, emotional impact, and narrative skill in creating a fictional diary entry or short narrative from the perspective of a child laborer.

Exemplary

4 Points

Writes a compelling and emotionally resonant diary entry or short narrative with authentic voice, vividly portraying the experiences and emotions of a child laborer in a way that fosters deep empathy and critical reflection.

Proficient

3 Points

Writes a clear and empathetic diary entry or short narrative portraying the experiences and emotions of a child laborer.

Developing

2 Points

Writes a diary entry or short narrative that is somewhat superficial or lacks emotional depth, with limited insight into the child laborer's experiences.

Beginning

1 Points

Writes a diary entry or short narrative that is uninspired, lacks historical context, or fails to capture the perspective or emotions of a child laborer.

Reflection Prompts

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

Question 1

How has your understanding of the Victorian era changed after completing these projects?

Text

Required

Question 2

Which project was the most impactful for you and why?

Text

Required

Question 3

To what extent do you think the Victorian era's blend of progress and social issues is reflected in today's world?

Scale

Required

Question 4

What is one thing you would like to explore further about the Victorian era, and why?

Text

Required