Project Based Learning

1. Project Based Learning The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian By Ann Gentile

2. Unit SummaryThe Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie • Learn about other ethnic groups • Research the Indian populations in the United States. • Share findings about the data in an “ethnic fair” type setting to share with • Display exhibits

3. Vision of what we hope to accomplish Students will be able to: · Creatively display projects. ·Make connections with the modern day Indian reservations. · Work in a group which requires flexibility and adaptability · Develop social and cross-cultural skills · Lead group activities and be responsible for results

4. Internet Resources • http://agenti01.wordpress.com/ is the blog spot that we will be using to communicate during this project. • This site will lead the students through the necessary steps and teach the necessary skills to develop a questionnaire.

5. Gauging student assessment – Journal Write Pre-Assessment • Purpose of the Assessment To determine what students know about ethnic minorities in the United States, especially Native Americans. Determine what kind of writing skills the students have at the time of the pre-journal. • What I want to learn from my students? How this project teaches them to expand their thinking and what ideas they formulate to combat prejudice. • How I have tried to promote higher-order thinking? Students will begin the project by journaling about some abstract questions, their method of research will show how they objectively survey their student and teacher populations, students will transfer their writing skills to a display project that will convey the information that they have learned. • How the assessment information helps me and my students plan for upcoming activities in the unit? Writing is an essential part of Language Arts, the students will improve their writing and creative thinking abilities while using their skills to share information they have gained as part of this unit.

6. Curriculum framing questions Essential Question How can literature help us to understand the different ethnicities in the United States and address the issue of prejudice?

7. Unit Questions • Can literature help us to understand the plight of modern American Indians? • What does prejudice look like to you? • Is it important to associate with a group?

8. Content Questions: • What are minority groups in the United States? • Where American Indians live in the U.S.? • Do you think the main character works through his problems in an effective manner? • What is Sherman Alexie’s role in helping students realize the problems of minorities?

9. Final Project – Ethnic Fair • Research your ethnic background or one that fascinates you – two groups will choose American Indians • Create an interactive project using software to teach others what you have learned • Create a display to introduce your fellow students, teachers, and community members what you have learned – project will include presentation, food samples, appropriate dress etc.