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9th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Global Pen Pals: Letters & Culture Connection

Aatash P
Updated
Take Action
Discover my interests and plan my future
Examine Enduring Problems
Build Civic Knowledge
Make a Positive Impact on my Community
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to enhance students' language skills and cultural understanding through a pen pal exchange with peers in another country. It aims to foster global awareness and communication by exploring cultural differences and similarities. Students will gain firsthand experience in addressing global issues, planning actions, and reflecting on their learning journey.

Learning goals

Students will enhance their language skills and cultural understanding through direct communication with international peers. They will develop the ability to identify and investigate global issues, assess options for action, and apply democratic procedures in civic contexts. Additionally, students will discover personal interests and plan future educational pathways by engaging with university language students and exploring cultural insights.

Competencies
  • Social Studies - Make an Impact - Take Action (SS.3.4) - How well can I plan and take action to address local, national, and global problems by engaging multiple stakeholders and reflecting on key learnings through the experience?
  • Wayfinding - Discover, Plan, and Present My Learning Journey - Discover my interests and plan my future (WF.1.1) - I can discover my interests and passions, conduct research related to postsecondary pathways I am interested in, and create my postsecondary plan.
  • Social Studies - Make an Impact - Examine Enduring Problems (SS.3.2) - How well can I identify and investigate specific problems or issues in my local, national, or global community?
  • Social Studies - Make an Impact - Build Civic Knowledge (SS.3.3) - How well can I assess options for individual and collective action to address local, regional, and global problems?
  • Social Studies - Make an Impact - Make a Positive Impact on my Community (SS.3.1) - How well can I apply a range of deliberative and democratic procedures to make decisions and take action in my classroom, school, and out-of-school civic contexts?

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a series of pen pal letters and video call summaries that document their cultural exchanges. By the end of the learning experience, they will produce a multimedia presentation showcasing their acquired language skills and cultural insights. Additionally, students will compile their daily reflection journals into a cohesive narrative that highlights their personal growth and understanding.

Launch

Begin with an interactive cultural fair where students explore different countries through stations featuring traditional music, food, and artifacts. Invite the local university language students to share their experiences and insights on global cultures. Conclude with a group discussion on initial thoughts about cultural communication and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

Exhibition

Host a "Global Connections Gala," where students present their multimedia projects to peers, family, and community members. The event can feature live video calls with their pen pals, allowing for real-time cultural exchanges and showcasing language skills. Incorporate cultural performances or displays facilitated by the local university language department to enrich the experience and highlight the diverse cultural insights gained during the project.