Virtual Museum Exhibit: Curate a Historical Online Showcase
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Virtual Museum Exhibit: Curate a Historical Online Showcase

Grade 7EnglishOther5 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)
In this project, 7th-grade students engage in curating a virtual museum exhibit, where they research and organize historical content to create an engaging and informative online showcase. The project focuses on developing students' skills in writing informative texts, using multimedia elements, and maintaining a formal style and cohesive narrative throughout the exhibit. Students also practice using precise vocabulary to enhance their descriptions. The experience is guided by various entry events and portfolio activities, aiming to foster skills in research, narrative structure, and multimedia integration, all while aligning with Common Core Standards for writing and literacy.
Virtual ExhibitHistorical ResearchMultimedia IntegrationInformative WritingNarrative StructurePrecise VocabularyCommon Core Standards
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and curate a compelling virtual museum exhibit that not only informs but also engages and educates our audience on a historical subject?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What elements are crucial in curating a compelling and informative virtual museum exhibit?
  • How does organizing ideas and information enhance the understanding of a historical subject?
  • In what ways can multimedia and visual elements aid in the comprehension of historical topics?
  • Why are facts, definitions, and details important when developing informative content about history?
  • How do transitions contribute to the coherence and clarity of an exhibit narrative?
  • What role does language and vocabulary play in effectively communicating historical information to an audience?
  • How can I ensure that my exhibit is engaging and maintains the interest of my audience throughout?
  • Why is it important to conclude a museum exhibit effectively, and how can a conclusion support and reinforce the information provided?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to research and organize historical information to create an online museum exhibit.
  • Students will learn to use multimedia elements to enhance the presentation of historical content.
  • Students will develop skills in writing clear and informative text, appropriate for a public audience.
  • Students will understand the role of narrative structure in maintaining engagement and coherence in informational content.
  • Students will practice using precise vocabulary and language appropriate for explaining historical topics.
  • Students will be able to effectively conclude an informative exhibit, reinforcing the learning objectives.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2
Primary
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.Reason: This standard aligns with the requirement for students to write informative compositions as part of curating a virtual museum exhibit, focusing on the organization and analysis of historical topics.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.A
Primary
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition and classification; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.Reason: The project requires students to introduce historical topics clearly and use multimedia, directly aligning with the standard's specifications.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.B
Primary
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.Reason: Curating the exhibit involves researching and developing topics using facts and details, as mentioned in the standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.C
Primary
Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.Reason: Using transitions to create a cohesive narrative in the exhibit is essential for clarity and coherence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.D
Primary
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.Reason: Students will need to use precise language to effectively communicate historical information in their exhibits, aligning with this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.E
Secondary
Establish and maintain a formal style.Reason: This standard supports the need for maintaining an appropriate style throughout the exhibit, aligning with the project's goals.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.F
Primary
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.Reason: Concluding the exhibit effectively supports the informative and explanatory aims of the project.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Story Behind the Object

Students start by choosing a personal item from home that has a historical connection and relate its story. This personal connection ignites interest and serves as the basis for a larger exhibit exploring similar real-world artifacts.

Mystery Artifact Challenge

Students are presented with a mysterious artifact with no context. Their task is to research and infer its origins, use, and historical significance, sparking curiosity to create their exhibit based on detailed investigation and storytelling.

Curator for a Day

Invite a local museum curator to discuss exhibit creation. Students participate in a hands-on workshop to curate a small exhibit based on provided artifacts, inspiring them to create unique virtual exhibits online.

Exhibit Remix Competition

Organize a competition where students remix current museum exhibits with new perspectives or artifacts they believe should be included, fostering innovative thinking and multimedia creativity in exhibit presentation.
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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

Fact Finder Chronicle

Students compile facts, concrete details, and quotations relating to their chosen artifact into a comprehensive dossier.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify key information needs related to the artifact.
2. Conduct research using multiple sources to gather details and evidence about the artifact.
3. Organize the gathered information into categories (facts, quotations, concrete details).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed dossier featuring organized facts, quotations, and evidence about the artifact.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.B, focusing on developing the topic with details.
Activity 2

Transition Trailblazer

Students learn to use transitions to create a coherent flow of ideas between informational segments or exhibit sections.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review examples of effective transitions within museum exhibits.
2. Draft transitional phrases or sentences to link different sections of their exhibit.
3. Peer review to ensure coherence and effectiveness of transitions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA mapped narrative with clear and effective transitions between sections of the exhibit.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.C, using transitions for cohesion.
Activity 3

Vocabulary Virtuoso

Focuses on choosing precise, domain-specific vocabulary to enhance clarity and precision in describing historical data.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm domain-specific vocabulary relevant to the historical topic.
2. Integrate appropriate vocabulary into the exhibit descriptions.
3. Revise for clarity and remove redundancy.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn exhibit description enriched with precise vocabulary, suitable for a formal audience.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.D, emphasizing precise language and vocabulary.
Activity 4

Exhibit Style Masterclass

Students focus on establishing an appropriate style that aligns with their exhibit's purpose and audience.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Analyze museum exhibit examples to identify style and tone.
2. Write exhibit sections with attention to maintaining a consistent style.
3. Peer reviews to compare and refine styles.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityExhibit sections with a clear and formal style, guided by audience and purpose.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.E, focusing on maintaining an appropriate style.
Activity 5

Conclusion Crafting Quest

Students design impactful concluding sections that reinforce the entire exhibit's informational narrative.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify key takeaways from each section of the exhibit.
2. Write a draft of the concluding section linking these takeaways.
3. Seek feedback and revise to ensure the conclusion is effective and supports the exhibit content.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-composed conclusion that enhances and summarizes the key points of the exhibit.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.F, focusing on a strong conclusion.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Virtual Museum Exhibit Rubric

Category 1

Content Development

Evaluates the thoroughness and relevance of content gathered and presented.
Criterion 1

Depth and Relevance of Research

Measures how well students conduct research and compile relevant facts and details for their exhibit.

Exemplary
4 Points

Research includes comprehensive, well-validated facts, diverse sources, and a deep understanding of the topic.

Proficient
3 Points

Research includes pertinent facts and a variety of sources, showing a clear understanding of the topic.

Developing
2 Points

Research includes some relevant facts with limited sources, demonstrating emerging understanding.

Beginning
1 Points

Research includes few relevant facts and lacks diversity in sources, showing minimal understanding.

Criterion 2

Use of Transitions

Assesses how effectively transitions are used to connect sections and ideas within the exhibit.

Exemplary
4 Points

Transitions are seamlessly integrated, enhancing comprehension and narrative flow.

Proficient
3 Points

Transitions are clear and functional, aiding in comprehension and narrative flow.

Developing
2 Points

Transitions are present but may be inconsistent, partially aiding comprehension.

Beginning
1 Points

Transitions are minimal or disjointed, leading to a fragmented narrative.

Category 2

Language and Style

Assesses the appropriateness of language and style for the exhibit's purpose and audience.
Criterion 1

Precision of Vocabulary

Measures the accuracy and appropriateness of vocabulary used in the exhibit.

Exemplary
4 Points

Vocabulary is precise, sophisticated, and greatly enhances understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Vocabulary is suitable and clearly enhances understanding.

Developing
2 Points

Vocabulary is appropriate but occasionally lacks precision.

Beginning
1 Points

Vocabulary is overly simple or inappropriate, hindering understanding.

Criterion 2

Consistency of Style

Evaluates the consistency in maintaining an appropriate style throughout the exhibit.

Exemplary
4 Points

Style is consistently formal and perfectly suits the subject matter and audience.

Proficient
3 Points

Style is generally formal and suits the subject matter and audience well.

Developing
2 Points

Style is occasionally inconsistent, somewhat matching the subject matter.

Beginning
1 Points

Style is informal or inconsistent, inadequately matching the subject matter.

Category 3

Synthesis and Conclusion

Evaluates the ability to draw together elements of the exhibit into a coherent conclusion.
Criterion 1

Coherence and Effectiveness of Conclusion

Assesses how effectively the exhibit's conclusion synthesizes content and reinforces the overall narrative.

Exemplary
4 Points

Conclusion is insightful, thoroughly synthesizes content, and powerfully reinforces the exhibit narrative.

Proficient
3 Points

Conclusion effectively synthesizes content and reinforces the exhibit narrative.

Developing
2 Points

Conclusion attempts to synthesize content but may be somewhat vague.

Beginning
1 Points

Conclusion is weak or disconnected from the preceding content.

Reflection Prompts

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

Reflect on the process of curating your virtual museum exhibit. What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects, and how did they impact your understanding of the historical subject?

Text
Required
Question 2

How effectively did you incorporate multimedia elements into your exhibit to enhance understanding and engagement? What might you do differently next time?

Text
Required
Question 3

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about your ability to use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary in future projects?

Scale
Optional
Question 4

What strategies did you find most effective for organizing your historical information and creating a coherent narrative?

Text
Required
Question 5

Which entry event was most memorable for you, and how did it inspire your approach to the virtual museum exhibit?

Multiple choice
Optional
Options
Story Behind the Object
Mystery Artifact Challenge
Curator for a Day
Exhibit Remix Competition
Question 6

Reflect on the feedback you received on your exhibit. How did it guide your revisions and improve the final product?

Text
Required