How Can I Effectively Design A Project-based Learning Unit That Incorporates Augmented Reality Technology To Facilitate Students' Exploration Of The Aztec Calendar System, While Also Meeting The ACTFL's 5 C's Of Foreign Language Education (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, And Communities) And Aligning With The AP Spanish Language And Culture Course Framework?
Designing a project-based learning unit that incorporates augmented reality (AR) to explore the Aztec calendar system while aligning with the ACTFL 5 C's and the AP Spanish Language and Culture framework is an innovative approach to education. Below is a structured plan to achieve this:
Unit Title: Exploring the Aztec Calendar Through Augmented Reality
Learning Objectives:
- Communicate effectively in Spanish about the Aztec calendar.
- Understand the cultural significance of the Aztec calendar.
- Connect the calendar to other disciplines like astronomy and math.
- Compare the Aztec calendar with other systems.
- Engage with the community through a project presentation.
Integration of AR Technology:
- Tools: Use HP Reveal or ARKit for a 3D AR experience of the Aztec calendar. Consider existing apps or develop a custom trigger image for scanning.
Project-Based Learning:
- Driving Question: "How does the Aztec calendar reflect the culture and values of the Aztec civilization?"
Project Tasks Aligned with ACTFL 5 C's:
- Communication: Create a virtual tour in Spanish explaining the calendar's features.
- Cultures: Research and present on symbols and their meanings.
- Connections: Link the calendar to astronomy or math concepts.
- Comparisons: Compare with the Gregorian calendar or another ancient system.
- Communities: Present findings to the school or online community.
Assessment and Feedback:
- Rubrics: Develop for each task, including peer reviews and self-assessment.
- Formative Assessments: Regular checks on understanding and progress.
Differentiation:
- Support: Provide scaffolding like sentence stems for Spanish language support.
- Extensions: Offer advanced AR features for tech-savvy students.
Cultural Authenticity:
- Consult authentic sources and collaborate with experts or native speakers.
- Use primary sources in Spanish for research.
Reflection and Feedback:
- Include reflective journals and group discussions for processing learning.
Alignment with AP Framework:
- Themes like Beauty and Aesthetics tie into cultural aspects.
- Science and Technology connects with AR and astronomy.
Unit Structure:
- Introduction to the Aztec calendar.
- Research phase using Spanish sources.
- AR exploration and integration.
- Project work and presentations.
- Reflection and feedback.
Resources:
- Met's Aztec calendar, Spanish language articles, and AR tools.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Ensure access to devices; have backup plans like tablets.
- Evaluate AR integration effectiveness.
Final Note:
This unit plan integrates AR technology, cultural exploration, and language learning, providing a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.