LEARNING MATTERS

YEAR 8 HISTORY: RENAISSANCE DISCOVERY PROJECT CONFERENCE

Year 8 History involves an exploration of the Middle Ages – an era aptly named as it falls between the Ancient and the Modern periods.  Within this subject, one Depth Study focuses on the Renaissance.  For this topic the main assessment task required students to investigate some of the major scientific, political, economic, social and cultural changes that took place in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries.  To present their findings, however, a conference was held to share their research.  8H had their conference on Thursday 29 May and the range of topics was vast, including the Printing Press, Nicolaus Copernicus, Shakespeare, Henry VIII, Humanism, Vasco da Gama, Isaac Newton, Pendulum Clocks and the Flushing Toilet.

The major point of difference for this assignment was that students had to present their findings without actually being there to present them!  Therefore, the students had to make an interactive learning tool that taught others about their topic.  Many engaging and creative formats were used, such as quizzes, pop-up displays, posters, board games, ICT-based interactive presentations, print-making and even a telescope used to view slides about Galileo.  The students were assessed on their ability to creatively design a user-friendly learning tool, using technology, research and collaboration with a partner.

The students had an incredibly successful time researching, collaborating and finally producing their learning tools and enjoyed going around the conference and discovering more about the different topics.  An important part of the process was the peer-review, where students had to evaluate each other's work.  Some of the students even made cupcakes and treats to entice more people to their stand.  Overall, this interactive activity promoted effective research, creativity and collaboration, but more importantly, made learning about the Renaissance a lot of fun.

Josh Cukierman – Year 8 History

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Richard Long – Curriculum Coordinator