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Waitara School: Unearthing Our History Through Time and Art
Grade 3EnglishMathScienceSocial StudiesHistoryArtMusicPhysical EducationHealthTechnologyComputer ScienceGeography40 days
★★★★★
4.0 (1 rating)Local HistoryCultural SignificanceStorytellingMappingExhibitionWaharoaTime Capsule
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as historians and storytellers, create an exhibit that explores the history and significance of Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time rock carving, the waharoa and the surrounding area of Waitara and Taranaki?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we use storytelling to share the history of Waitara Central School and the Mother of Time rock carving?
- How does the waharoa at our school gate represent our school's values and history?
- What is a time capsule, and what items would best represent our current lives and the history of our school for future students?
- How can we use maps and spatial reasoning to understand the location and significance of the Mother of Time rock carving and other vital places in our school and community?
- How can we use art and technology to create an exhibit showcasing the history and cultural significance of our school and its surrounding area?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will research and document the history of Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time carving, and the waharoa.
- Students will design and create an exhibit showcasing their research and findings.
- Students will use maps and spatial reasoning to understand the location and significance of the Mother of Time carving and other important places in their school and community.
- Students will develop storytelling skills to share the history of Waitara Central School and the Mother of Time rock carving and waharoa.
- Students will understand the cultural significance of the waharoa and its representation of the school's values and history.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Artifact
The students are invited to an unveiling ceremony of a newly discovered artifact (a replica of the Mother of Time carving). During the event, they find an old map hinting at a buried time capsule, sparking a historical investigation.Message from the Future
Students receive a cryptic message from the future asking for information about Waitara Central School and its history. They must research and create a digital archive to send back to the future.The Talking Waharoa
The waharoa at the front gate 'comes to life' (through a pre-recorded video or a costumed actor) and challenges the students to uncover the stories behind its carvings and the school's history.The Artist's Challenge
A local artist visits the class and shares the story of the Mother of Time carving, challenging students to create their own artwork or performance piece that tells a story about Waitara Central School.Mapping the Past
The class is presented with a blank map of the school and surrounding area. They must research and mark important historical sites, including the Mother of Time carving and the location of the time capsule.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Unveiling the Mother of Time: A Digital Story
Students investigate the significance of the Mother of Time rock carving. They'll research its origins, cultural importance, and the stories associated with it. Students will then create a digital story or presentation to share their findings.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Introduction: Discuss the concept of historical artifacts and their importance.
2. Research: Use online resources, local libraries, and community experts to gather information about the Mother of Time carving.
3. Storyboarding: Plan the structure and content of the digital story, including visuals and narration.
4. Digital Creation: Use digital tools to create the story, incorporating images, text, audio, and video.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA digital story (video, slideshow, or interactive presentation) about the Mother of Time carving, including its history, cultural significance, and local stories.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal: Students will research and document the history of Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time carving, and the waharoa. This activity covers English, Social Studies, History, Art standards related to storytelling, research, and cultural understanding.Activity 2
Deciphering the Waharoa: An Illustrated Guide
Students explore the meaning and symbolism embedded in the waharoa at the school's front gate. They will sketch the waharoa, research the carvings, and write an explanatory piece about what the waharoa represents for the school and community.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Observation: Sketch the waharoa, noting the different carvings and their placement.
2. Research: Investigate the meanings of the carvings through books, websites, and interviews with local carvers or cultural experts.
3. Interpretation: Write a detailed explanation of what each carving represents and how it relates to the school's values and history.
4. Compilation: Combine the sketch and explanations into a guide to the waharoa.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn illustrated guide to the waharoa, including a detailed sketch, explanations of the carvings, and a reflection on its significance to the school.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal: Students will understand the cultural significance of the waharoa and its representation of the school's values and history. Addresses Art, Social Studies, History standards related to cultural symbols and their meanings.Activity 3
Creating Our Exhibit: Sharing Waitara's Stories
Students create a physical or digital exhibit showcasing their research on Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time carving, and the waharoa. This could include timelines, digital stories, illustrations, and models.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Planning: Decide on the exhibit's theme, layout, and content.
2. Creation: Work in groups to create different components of the exhibit, such as timelines, digital stories, illustrations, and models.
3. Assembly: Put all the components together to create a cohesive and engaging exhibit.
4. Presentation: Share the exhibit with the school and community, explaining the history and significance of Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time carving, and the waharoa.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative exhibit that tells the story of Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time carving, and the waharoa. The exhibit can be physical (displayed in the classroom or school) or digital (a website or virtual tour).Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal: Students will design and create an exhibit showcasing their research and findings. Addresses English, Art, Technology standards related to presentation skills, creativity, and digital media.Activity 4
Mapping Our History: Waitara Central School and Beyond
Students will create a map of Waitara Central School and its surrounding area, marking important historical sites, including the location of the Mother of Time carving, the waharoa, and the buried time capsule (hypothetical or actual).Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Base Map: Start with a blank map of the school and surrounding area.
2. Research: Identify important historical sites and their exact locations.
3. Marking Sites: Mark the sites on the map, using symbols and colors to differentiate them.
4. Legend Creation: Create a legend explaining the meaning of each symbol and the significance of each site.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed map of Waitara Central School and its surroundings, with marked historical sites and a legend explaining their significance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goals: Students will use maps and spatial reasoning to understand the location and significance of the Mother of Time carving and other important places in their school and community. Also, they will research and document the history of Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time carving, and the waharoa. Covers Geography, Social Studies, History standards related to mapping, spatial awareness, and local history.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHistorical and Cultural Exploration Rubric for Waitara Central School
Category 1
Historical Research and Documentation
Assesses the ability to research and document historical and cultural information about Waitara Central School, the Mother of Time carving, and the waharoa.Criterion 1
Research Quality
The depth and breadth of research conducted by students to gather historical and cultural information.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough and comprehensive research, utilizing a wide range of resources and community experts to gather detailed and accurate information.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough research, using a variety of resources to gather accurate and relevant information.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic research, using some resources to gather information, which may lack depth and accuracy.
Beginning
1 PointsConducts minimal research with limited use of resources, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate information.
Criterion 2
Documentation and Organization
The ability to organize and document findings effectively in a digital or physical format.
Exemplary
4 PointsSkillfully organizes and documents findings in a structured, clear, and engaging format, demonstrating exceptional clarity and coherence.
Proficient
3 PointsOrganizes and documents findings coherently and clearly, making information accessible and understandable.
Developing
2 PointsOrganizes and documents findings with some coherence, though may lack clarity or completeness.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents findings with limited organization, resulting in unclear or incomplete documentation.
Category 2
Cultural Understanding and Representation
Evaluates the understanding and representation of cultural symbols, such as the waharoa, and their significance to the school and community.Criterion 1
Cultural Symbolism Interpretation
Ability to interpret and explain the cultural significance of symbols like the waharoa within the school context.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful interpretations of cultural symbols, effectively explaining their significance and relation to school values and history.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers clear interpretations of cultural symbols, explaining their significance accurately.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic interpretations of cultural symbols, though explanations may lack depth or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to interpret cultural symbols, providing insufficient explanations of their significance.
Category 3
Storytelling and Presentation
Assesses the creativity, clarity, and effectiveness of storytelling and presentation in sharing historical and cultural narratives.Criterion 1
Storytelling Effectiveness
The creativity, engagement, and clarity of storytelling methods used to convey historical narratives.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses highly creative and engaging storytelling methods that captivate the audience and convey narratives with exceptional clarity.
Proficient
3 PointsEmploys creative and clear storytelling methods that effectively convey historical narratives.
Developing
2 PointsUses basic storytelling methods to convey narratives, which may lack creativity or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to convey narratives clearly or engagingly.
Category 4
Spatial Understanding and Mapping
Evaluates the ability to use spatial reasoning and mapping to understand historical sites and their significance.Criterion 1
Mapping Skills and Interpretation
Ability to create detailed and accurate maps, interpreting spatial relationships and historical significance.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates highly detailed and accurate maps that effectively interpret spatial relationships and convey historical significance clearly.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces clear and accurate maps that interpret spatial relationships and historical significance effectively.
Developing
2 PointsCreates maps with basic details and accuracy, interpreting spatial relationships in a limited manner.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces maps with minimal detail and accuracy, struggling to interpret spatial relationships or significance.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
How did your understanding of Waitara Central School's history and the significance of the Mother of Time carving and waharoa evolve throughout this project?
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Question 2
What was the most challenging aspect of creating the exhibit, digital story, waharoa guide, or map, and how did you overcome it?
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Question 3
In what ways did collaborating with your classmates enhance the final exhibit, digital story, waharoa guide or map?
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Question 4
If you could add one more element or feature to the final exhibit, digital story, waharoa guide or map, what would it be and why?
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Question 5
How do you see the skills you developed in this project—research, storytelling, mapping, exhibit design—being useful in your life beyond the classroom?
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