Glen Allen HS

Harmony & Hardships: Voices of Resilience

Henrico Learner Profile (HLP) 6C Focus

Multi-grade Level - Social Studies

SOL/Standard -

African American History:

Modern Black America
America In Flux
Seasons of Hope

Learning Experience

"How do historical and contemporary systems of power and justice in America influence the experiences and perspectives of African Americans, and how can these insights shape our understanding of equity and justice in modern society?" The guiding question of this project required students to analyze and synthesize complex ideas about power, justice, and equity. Students created podcasts where throughout the students made decisions by processing and evaluating information from various sources, seeking patterns and connections between historical events and contemporary issues, and applying this knowledge in authentic contexts. This role is central to the project as it challenges both the creators and the audience to think deeply about the subjects discussed, encouraging a nuanced understanding of how systems of power and justice shape experiences and perspectives.

What did the student(s) learn about this experience:

"We noticed students coming into our class late and also saw teachers complaining about the time missed in class. That’s what sparked the idea for our podcast. We used our creativity to make the script informational but interesting at the same time. We were creative in who we talked to and who we interviewed. This way, our views could see the range of who these buses were affecting." - Caroline

What did the teacher enjoy about this experience:

"Each year, I am continually astounded by the boundless creativity and skills demonstrated by our students. As educators, it's not uncommon to feel hesitant about incorporating projects involving unfamiliar technology. However, my experience has shown me that when we trust our students and empower them with the opportunity to explore, they not only embrace the challenge but also create exceptionally innovative and impressive projects. Witnessing their ability to navigate and master new technologies reminds me of the incredible potential each student holds, and it's a journey I'm grateful to be a part of every time. " - A. Carroll