Introduction
After discussing what the meaning of peace is, have students generate a list of symbols that represent peace.
What are the causes of conflict (lack of peace)?
How can peace/conflict be resolved?
The primary goal of this lesson is to have children understand that the lack of peace is often caused by lack of education. When people learn about an idea or culture that they don't trust, often the distrust is removed. The hat project is an opportunity for each student to 'educate' others about who he/she is.
Students will:
- Generate a list of 10 "things about ME" in their journals about their cultural identity (ethnic, cultural, social - family, community, etc.)
- Make a sketch in their journal of the kind of hat they want to make and the symbols that they will use to express their cultural identity.
- Pair with another student to make the basic hat.
- Make their hat and have their picture taken for a display of individual and group cultural identity.
Digital Photos, PowerPoint, Internet exploration, Blogging, Sample Hats
http://voicesfromloysville.blogspot.com/
Prerequisite Experience
use of graphic organizers
search for graphic images
photo editing software
collaboration through blog and/or wiki
slide show of the progress of each hat (power point or animoto)
Teacher Prep Time
one hour class time to introduce the lesson (depending on class size)Project
Make a hat and have their picture taken for a display of individual and group cultural identity.This may include use of photoshop or some photo tool. The student will use a digital camera to keep a record of the progress of the hat construction. Could also include creating a slideshow using animotoAssessment/Grading
Student generated rubricLesson Plan Details
Engage
Baseball caps, top hats, cowboy hats, derbies and wizard hats...each style is a cultural statement made by the wearer. Add a sports logo, national flag, patriotic colors and the statement becomes more personal. Design symbols for your own personal cultural identifiers, brainstorm ways in which symbols are used to educate others about an idea or a culture. Then create your own hat to reflect YOUR individual cultural identity.Explore
http://voicesfromloysville.blogspot.com/2008/04/racism-and-prejudice.html
http://voicesfromloysville.blogspot.com/2007/09/international-day-of-peace.html
Explain
How can peace/conflict be resolved?
Compromise, third party intervention,EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION
(Many conflicts are the result of lack of information/education and the fear and mistrust that are produced. The Hats Off to Peace Project will help the student recognize some of his cultural identity. )
List of student generated cultural identifiers
http://tappedin.org/archive/projects/hatsoff/culturalid.htm
Elaborate
Construction of newspaper hat:
1. Lay 3 full sheets of newspaper over student's head
2. Wrap masking tape around crown of head just above ears and eyebrows.
3. Decide what kind of hat is being made and either roll the excess paper into a brim or cut off excess paper approximately 2" from bottom of tape. If the baseball cap is being made, fold the cut edge up and tape securely, covering all edges and wrinkles in the newspaper. Draw or trace the brim of a baseball cap onto a piece of cardboard or chipboard, adding tabs to the part of the hat that will be attached to the hat.
4. Apply gesso to the hat exterior surface to give the paper more body and strength. This also covers all newsprint and provides a more even surface on which to add the desired designs. If a baseball hat is being made, the underside of the brim should also be covered in gesso.
5. Apply the digital images the students found or created and/or draw design on hat and paint with acrylics or tempera paint. If tempera paint is used, a coat of spray varnish is recommended.
Evaluate
Rubric:
Does the hat show the ability of the student to communicate their culture or what they are trying to teach others about who they are?
Was care taken in the construction of the hat? (all seams and edges taped smoothly)
Does the series of photos show the progress of the hat's construction?
Is the final slide show communicating the student's message?
Extend
In what other ways can we learn about peace? There are many sites that offer projects to support peace. Not all of them are based on the topic of "peace through the resolution of conflict." What is the purpose of some of these other sites?
http://www.backflip.com/members/bjberquist/9639445