Social Studies Idea from J. Chase

The idea below is from a social studies teacher on classroom 2.0 - Really great idea

Each school year my 8th grade social studies students must research a historic person or event and build a 3D Memorial. During the class presentation they are also required to play a dedication song that pays tribute to the person or event being memorialized. Jonathan Chase

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Permalink Reply by Robin Wolf-Smith on February 26, 2009 at 7:35pm

How is this project produced--in school or at home? Also, what is the length of the project from start to finish? It could make for a wonderful cross-curricular project (Social Studies, Reading, Writing, Library). I like the music aspect. My 7th grade nephew is working on a project like this and he is struggling on how to match the past with the present. I can't wait to see what he picks and why.

Permalink Reply by Johnathan Chase on March 4, 2009 at 3:42am

Projects are created at home...great way to promote parental involvement. Over the years I have had several parents actually come to class for their child's presentation. This mostly happens when the student has chosen a family member to memorialize.

I introduce the project in November and presentations occur in February. The students spend several class periods in the library to help get their research started and we will watch several videos about memorials. Amount of class time devoted to the project is about 7 to 10 days and another 7 -10 days set aside for the presentations.

Here is a page with pictures of projects dating back to 2002. Near the top of the page is a link to another teacher's web site and that is where I first got the idea for the project...

Student Memorial Projects

Permalink Reply by J. Cellucci on February 27, 2009 at 6:03am

Maybe it could be some form of a end of the year assessment. The students could pick an person that has caused a positive or negative change in history from the curriculum you have taught or in relation to the curriculum. They could either create the 3D model or for advanced students use animoto to create a video dedication with music. I think the project should also include how the person effects the student in the 21st century to make a connection from past to present. And then have the students nominate the person who they feel had the most influence and create a "hall of fame" and every year add a new inductee.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Luff on February 27, 2009 at 10:38am

Love that idea! I like the connection with the past and present (like Robin brought up). I also like the idea that students will be evaluating each others work. Maybe we could narrow it down to like the top from each class - put those six out on the web and get input the internet universe of people.

Permalink Reply by Michelle Baltz on February 27, 2009 at 2:59pm