Asia Pacific International School
Hawaii
Agents of Change and Activism
Authors: Matthew Manley, Jonathan McHugh, McKenzie Kessel
Grade: 5-8
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Writing
Timeline: 8 weeks
Essential Questions
What is activism?
How do people improve the world?
How does local action impact global systems?
How does change occur in society?
Project Description
Students chose an activism topic about which they were particularly passionate. In three small groups, students learned about these topics more deeply and then brainstormed how they themselves could create change by being an activist. The Environmental activism group used direct action to create new recyclables containers and a metal trash can painted with earth-friendly messages at a bus stop near our school. The LGBTQ rights activism group used CDC and UCLA data to create posters spreading awareness about problems affecting the LGBTQ community such as increased bullying, depression, and criminal penalties in some countries. The gun violence activism group examined the issue of gun-related deaths in the U.S. and complexities of the gun control debate. They promoted dialogue at the Ho’olaulea Festival and asked community members to commit to improving gun safety in some way. Additionally, students read "I am Malala" and participated in literature circles where they discussed and learned about activists of the past and present.
Project Extensions and Real World Connections:
Additionally, the environmental activism group was interviewed by a class in Mexico who was also learning about plastic pollution worldwide! Students were able to share their experiences with pollution on Hawaii and what their activism project did in order to mitigate the local problems they see day to day.
Products and Exhibition
The final exhibition included presentations, musical performances, and dialogue about Hawaiian culture. The 5th and 6th grade students presented their works of art to the community by explaining what thought went into each piece of art. This was followed by a musical performance, both instrumental and choral, using native Hawaiian instruments and lyrics. The exhibition ended with a 'gallery-walk' style experience, where the audience was welcome to ask the students more in-depth questions about their learning and the ideas behind their artwork.
Reflections (student and teacher)
Allowing for students to brainstorm and then vote on the social issues that were most pertinent and interesting to their lives allowed this project to come to life. Students were engaged in their topic and came to class ready to create change on a local scale to the best of their ability!
Standards Addressed:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.7
Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text, including contrasting what they "see" and "hear" when reading the text to what they perceive when they listen or watch.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
LGBTQ Group
Standard 5 (Society and Identity) Students will understand social systems and structures and how these influence individuals.
5.8.c Recognize the foundations of one's own and others' viewpoints.
5.8.d Understand the impact of conformity, and non‐conformity on individuals and groups.
5.8.f Examine how socialization influences choice in personal identity.
Environmental Group
Standard 3 (Geography) Students will understand the interactions and relationship between human societies and their physical environment.
3.8.e Describe ways that human events have influenced, and been influenced by, physical and human geographic conditions in local, regional, national, and global settings.
Humans change environments, which can be beneficial but can also lead to many problems.
Gun Violence Group
1.8.b Apply knowledge of the past to explain current events. 1.8.c Explain the causes of significant historical and current political events and issues.