A US History Relating Civic Action Project Designed for My School’s APGov Students

With the goal of bringing benefit to many — the school’s APUSH students, especially

AP Gov teachers, are you looking to place before your students a unique and engaging civic action project this fall, one that should benefit many at your school and especially your school’s APUSH students?

If so, I have one for you, with me planning to put this civic action project before my school’s AP Gov students in September, even though I won’t be teaching the course.

Below, you will find the key elements and steps involved in this project:

Obtaining the Support of the School’s AP US History Teachers

This civic action project kicks off with me inviting my school’s APGov students to form five “CAP Teams,” with each team consisting of 3–6 students and CAP Team #1 tasked to persuade the school’s AP US History teachers to:

• Allocate sufficient class time for their students to create a digital museum wall exhibit related to US History.
• Play a mentorship, tutoring, and/or coaching role when it comes to the digital museum wall exhibit-creating process.

Acquiring the Needed Funding

Next up, I’ll direct CAP Team #2 to advocate for funding from the school and district administrators to purchase a 32' touchscreen floor-standing digital kiosk.

The kiosk will be used to showcase the school’s APUSH student-produced museum exhibits.

To acquire the needed funding, CAP Team #2 will need to present a compelling case highlighting the educational value and impact of the kiosk.

Establishing an Organization or Club

CAP Team #3 will then be directed to create a school organization or club that will annually focus on curating and selecting the APUSH student-produced museum exhibits to be showcased on the kiosk. This organization could include representatives from different APUSH classes, providing an opportunity for collaboration and a democratic selection process.

Determining the Kiosk Placement

CAP Team #4 will then have to decide on the location where the kiosk will be placed within the school or community. CAP Team #4 should consider areas such as the school library, foyer, district lobby, or even the local city library. The chosen location should have adequate visibility and accessibility for maximum impact.

Negotiating with Relevant Parties:

CAP Team #5 will then need to negotiate with the necessary parties to gain permission for the chosen kiosk placement. This may involve discussions with school administrators, district officials, or library staff, depending on the desired location. Persuasive arguments will need to be made, emphasizing the educational value and community engagement that the kiosk will bring.

Conclusion

I am confident that this project will bring significant benefits to many at my school, particularly the school’s APUSH students. By creating a digital museum wall exhibit related to US History, these students will have a unique opportunity to showcase their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Through engaging in research, critical thinking, and creativity, this project will enhance their learning experience in APUSH and foster a deeper appreciation for historical events and figures.

This project should also have a positive impact on the school’s APGov students by helping them develop essential skills that extend beyond the classroom. Through collaboration, communication, and negotiation, these students will learn how to effectively work as a team, present persuasive arguments, and navigate complex administrative processes. These skills are crucial for their future academic and professional endeavors, empowering them to become effective advocates and leaders in their communities.

The project should also contribute to the overall educational environment of the school. The digital museum exhibits will serve as a catalyst for community engagement, providing a platform for students, teachers, and the broader community to learn and appreciate the rich history of the United States. This initiative may even foster a sense of pride and shared understanding among the school community, enriching the learning experience for everyone involved.

Overall, I think this project holds immense potential to benefit at my school. It seamlessly combines academic learning with practical application, fostering critical skills and knowledge that should have a lasting impact on the educational journey of the students.