Mission INFOgraphic Posters
Student will learn about all 21 of the California Missions through a collaborative research project. Teams of 3-4 students will be assigned one of the 21 California Missions, then use print and digital resources to learn and take notes. They will show off their new knowledge in the form of an infographic poster, with writing, artwork and (maybe) photographs. Students will use a "jigsaw" approach to teach each other about the mission that they focused on.
Teams will begin by reading Marley Tubach fourth grade experience at the mission to which they are assigned.
As an extension opportunity, teams can get together outside of school to create an artistic display for their mission. This might be a model of the mission (like most California's in my generation made while in fourth grade), a model of an artifact from mission life, or a special art piece. if students are ambitious enough, they might also consider writing original songs or poetry, then performing them outside of school. Videos could be shown during Fall Exhibition.
Mission Teams 2024
Mission Journals
Students will learn about the mission system, including indigenous life, and create journals based on their imaginary travel (or actual travels, if their family takes the time to visit extra missions). They will read passages about life in the missions, then compose a first-person nonfiction narrative account. These journals will be made to look 250+ years old, bound with twine and faux aged leather.
The MockTrial of
FATHER JUNÍPERO SERRA
In the summer of 2020, several statues of Father Junipero Serra were removed or vandalized. Father Serra's life, and the California Mission system, have become controversies in the Golden State. This project is NOT about what anyone should believe. Instead, it is an introduction to critical thinking, trial procedures, different types of evidence and arguments, and the life and times of Father Serra, who some refer to as California's founding father. Our goal is not to celebrate or dishonor, but to think and discuss.
Missions Field Trip
Mission San Juan Bautista 30 miles
Mission Carmel 63 Miles
Mission Santa Cruz 38 Miles
Mission San José 30 Miles
Mission Santa Clara de Asís 20 Miles
Mission San Francisco de Asis 63 Miles
Books on Indigenous Peoples and Spanish Missions:
We are the Land, by Damon B. Akins and William J. Bauer Jr.
Junipero Serra: California's Founding Father, by Steven W. Hackel
A Cross of Thorns, by Elias Castillo
Journey to the Sun, by Gregory Orfalea
Alta California, by Nick Neely
Remembering the California Missions, by Janice Stevens (art by Pat Hunter)
PROJECT RUBRICS
COLLABORATION
COMPLEX COMMUNICATION
CREATIVITY
CRITICAL THINKING
SELF-DIRECTION
