Project Abstract
"The Poe Project" is an introductory project in 9th Grade Humanities that introduces students to the various aspects of production and the processes of producing live stage performances. Students adapt seven poems by Edgar Allan Poe in form of short plays. They then construct a stage set, write a workable stage script and perform their adaptations in front of a live audience during the Dia de Los Muertos Exhibition held at the end of October.
What did you teach and how did you teach it?
The content focus for this project was centered around literary and social science aspects. Students studied and researched the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to connect the author's personal life to the conveyance of mood in their live productions. Students also scanned various works of poetry for literary devices such as alliteration, figures of speech, diction and tone.
The production process was taught through the use of different technology programs. Students wrote professional stage scripts using a screen writing software called Celtx and created blueprint models for set designs using Google SketchUp.
I differentiated instruction and the structure of the project through student choice. Each student was asked to choose their role or job title for the production (production manager, stage director, head writer, head editor, carpenter, set designer, costume designer and tech designer). Each student was responsible for being the point person for their particular job, but all students were required to participate in all aspects of the project. This was demonstrated and assessed through the use of project binders and peer evaluations.
My major learning goal for my students was to expose them to the process of project-based learning through the medium of stage production.
What concepts and skills did the students gain in this class through this project?
I use the format and structure of "The Poe Project" for my first semester 9th graders because it is a natural environment to incorporate High Tech High Chula Vista's invaluable Habits of the Heart and Mind.
Students understand and actively practice cooperation with their group members, compassion as leaders, supplying evidence through organized project binders, honoring and recognizing multiple perspectives of their classmates, using the process of protocol and critique in order to make beautiful work via refinement, mindfulness of supplies and time management and finally the ability and importance of seeing a project through to the end by demonstrating perseverance.
Students also learn the skills of using power tools, the proper use and conservation of supplies and effectively using and incorporating programs such as Google SketchUp and Celtx for professional set design and stage scripts.
How is the curriculum for this project academically rich and grade-level challenging?
The curriculum for this project is academically rich and grade-level challenging because students understand the power of analysis in literature in order to connect with the mood of the piece. Edgar Allan Poe's work is a great example for students to see the connection between and author's personal life to the work they create. These connections help students to see the real world view of literature rather than just an intangible work produced hundreds of years ago.
The project is also very grade-level appropriate because students coming into the High Tech High mode of school get introduced to the process of project work and the structure of cooperative learning. My 9th graders learn the power of communication and the professional registers needed to convey their thoughts and opinions while creating beautiful work.
To what extent was there integration across disciplines in your class through this project?
This project integrated math and physics through the building process as well as the set designs. Students built and created a professional stage using power tools, measuring lumber and sizing set pieces to fit the alloted space.
Which Habits of Heart and Mind (HoHM) and Design Principles were utilized in this project?
As stated before, the beauty of this initial project for my 9th graders has the Habits of Heart and Mind naturally built into the success of the product. My students use the 7 Habits to reflect on their work after the project is completed. Below is a link to a student Digital Portfolio page reflecting on their work through the use of the Habits.
How did you incorporate refinement through this project?
I incorporated refinement through writing workshops for student scripts. The students read each script and followed an editing protocol. Students rehearsed their scripts and the action on stage everyday in front of student audiences and received feedback based on both discussions of their strengths and the areas of improvement.