Manifest Destiny

Last week the ASPIRE 5 scholars created a Manifest Destiny cause and effect model to learn about westward expansion of the United States.  First, the students were allowed to choose which region they wanted to explore.  Choices included Oregon Country, Mexican Cession, Louisiana Purchase, Texas Annexation, Gadsden Purchase, and Florida Acquisition.  All scholars were required to make a multi-flow map to show cause and effect, and answer 2-4 depth and complexity cards, which include high-level questions that you can taylor to fit almost any topic.  Scholars were also allowed to choose 2 more elements to present from a list that included before and after pictures and drawings, positive and negative effects of their land acquisition, "what if" scenarios that required them make implications, and a William and Mary reasoning web.  For their presentations, students were required to use at least 3 different types of media.

We were very impressed with the student products.  The aspect we were the most proud of was their ability to take a large amount of information and synthesize it in a way that it is easy for their audience to understand.  Every group captured the essence of their topic, and presented it clearly and effectively.  As a group, the ASPIRE 5 scholars have shown tremendous progress in this area throughout the year.  I frequently say that ASPIRE is at it best when the students are learning from each other, and this was a prime example of how it can be be successful.

Another area the scholars have shown growth in is the sophistication of their products.  The quality of the content and visual aesthetics of their presentations showed evidence of thought, effort, and creativity.  The multi-media approach to this project allowed them to showcase a variety of skills such as app mastery and artistic layout and design.  In addition, the students demonstrated their learning with a variety of high-level thinking strategies, including black, yellow, and green hats, inferencing skills, and depth and complexity icons.

Overall, I believe this was a very successful project.  The scholars explored a complex topic, and contributed to the learning of the entire class.  In the weeks ahead, students will have more opportunities to synthesize information and to learn from each other through the design of sophisticated products.  We are very excited about how far they have progressed in this style of learning, and we are looking forward to even greater examples as we continue to grow together.