MAP 11

• American Issues Documentaries: Over the past few months, MAP 11 wrote and filmed a documentary that connected to American history. By applying English skills such as story structure and persuasive communication, along with the filming techniques gained from media arts, students created five-minute documentaries on topics of personal interest. They explored issues within their communities, conducted interviews with professionals in relevant fields, and presented their findings through compelling narratives. This project allowed MAP 11 students to shed light on important topics that are often overlooked today.

• History Trials: In history, students participated in two trials that developed their knowledge of American history while immersing themselves into the controversies of the 1900s. In both “The Trial of Woodrow Wilson” and “The Trial of FDR,” students used their newfound knowledge to either prosecute or defend these presidents for their decisions during the First World War and The Great Depression. 

• Interdisciplinary Days: As part of an event tying together The Great Gatsby unit in English with what they were learning in American History, the MAP 11 students delved into the vibrant culture of the 1920s with fun activities held in the Annex. Students learned swing dancing, explored the Harlem Renaissance, and immersed themselves in the sounds of jazz and blues, gaining a deeper understanding of the era's artistic and social movements. Some students also contributed to the experience by signing up to bring store-bought or homemade food, which they shared during lunch in the Annex.

Following the 1920s Day, students returned to the Annex for an immersive 1930s Day, diving into one of the most challenging periods in American history — the Great Depression. Through interactive lessons and activities, students gained a deeper understanding of the economic hardships and societal changes that defined the decade.

• In Media Arts: classes, students watched Forrest Gump to practice analyzing key elements of storytelling, such as finding the inciting incident and climax. Building on this foundation, they participated in screenwriting lessons in English and Media Arts, in which they developed original film ideas and transformed them into screenplays for their upcoming “American Story” project.