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Exploratorium - Agenda for August 24th -27th, 2015
Big Question: How do gifted learners develop the critical and creative thinking skills
required to successfully navigate the 21st century?
Words to Think About:
“Heroism is not only in the man, but in the occasion.” Calvin Coolidge
“We don't tend to write about disease in fiction - not just teen novels but all American
novels because it doesn't fit in with our idea of the heroic romantic epic. There is room
only for sacrifice, heroism, war, politics and family struggle.”
John Green
Statements to think about and add to:*
A 21st century learner needs to be self-aware.
The origins of an individual identity are complex.
Understanding your concept of heroism connects to your identity
Questions for August:
What is identity? What is myth? What are the narratives and myths
that influence your identity?
What can we learn from Greek mythology about the power of myth in shaping identity?
What is a hero? Do heroes reflect the culture that selects them?
The Story So Far …
Dining on ambrosia and nectar while checking our “Fakebook” walls ended a
busy week immersed in Greek mythology. We finished the week looking for modern
versions of Jungian archetypes found in Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey. We
struggled with the technological challenges of changing formats for digital products.
And Now:
We continue on The Hero’s Journey in Reader’s Theater versions of the story of
that model Greek heroism, Perseus. We wrap up an informational power point about the
Jungian Archetypes found in a single story from today. We end with reflections on myth,
story, heroes, and more and how they shape an individual identity.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE for August:
This is a general overview. More data is coming.
Week 1:
Story - We are shaped by the stories we tell and the stories we hear. Since recorded
history and probably since the beginning of man, story has been a defining characteristic
of being a human.
Generate questions about the story of you.
Why do we need story?
Who tells the story of you?
How does media impact the message? What are some 21st century media that are both
gifts and curses in your story?
Week 2 and 3:
Myth: - By studying the myths of a culture, you can learn how people in that culture
thought, lived and expressed themselves.
Generate questions about both Greek myths and personal myths.
What is a myth?
How are stories and myths different?
What is a hero? What is “the hero’s journey?”
Week 4: This work will be completed the week of September 1st – 4th
Individual Endeavor: Story, Myth and Identity - Go deeper. Find something
you want to know more about. Ask a question. Present your answer in class
on Friday, September 4th.
TASKS: Complete all in class assignments. Check Schoology for details.
DON’T PANIC! Have you submitted the following?:
1.
Your “FakeBook” page?
2.
Your Powerpoint about the Hero’s Journey?
ARE YOU keeping up with your reflective journal? Are you checking Schoology daily? Nightly?