Proposal submitted by Maggie Tarbox
CultureQuest India!
CultureQuest China!
Objectives:
· CultureQuest projects should foster inquiry, analytical and research skills. Students plan and carry out a research project, evaluate findings, ask deeper and broader questions about the topics they are studying, continuously inquire, and develop critical thinking habits of mind.
· CultureQuest projects should enhance literacy skills. Students read and evaluate text and web materials related to the country and culture being studied, write (e-mail-epals) to peers and knowledgeable adults; and prepare presentations and text for web site.
· CultureQuest projects should provide opportunities for project-based, collaborative learning. For more on Project-Based Learning (PBL) with Multimedia see: http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide/WhyPBL.html .
· CultureQuest projects should foster student creativity. Students look at aspects of their topics in interesting and original ways and present their work in new and engaging ways.
· CultureQuest projects should provide students with technology skills. Students learn to search the Internet, evaluate web sites and properly cite sources on the Internet. They learn to use software (such as graphic organizers, presentation applications) that are integrated into the instruction and how to design and develop a web site.
· CultureQuest projects should promote better knowledge, understanding and appreciation of other cultures. World peace can be furthered by a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences among peoples and cultures.
· CultureQuest projects should encourage students to reflect on their own culture and their own cultural heritage. Students can gain a perspective on their larger culture as it may compare not only with other cultures but with their own cultural heritage.
Target: Incoming 7th and 8th grade students (10-15 students)
Proposal: Inquiry Project-Based Learning unit that will foster teamwork, appreciation and knowledge of two dynamic cultures, and web design.
The unit is in alignment with English/language arts, Social Studies, and ISTE/NETS Standards.
Procedure:
1. Develop a country “profile.”
2. Introduce the study of culture.
3. Form Groups.
4. Researching aspects of culture.
5. Writing up the research (preliminary web site design.)
6. Complete the project (class web sites.).
7. Present and Publish projects.
The use of computers is essential for this proposed inquiry-based unit. If computer lab time is not available for all class times, students will not be able to effectively complete their CultureQuest projects.
I would like to do this project in collaboration with CultureQuest Connecticut http://www.easternct.edu/depts/edu/dept/culturequest.html and Eastern Connecticut State University.