These digital learning stories contain a range of work. There are two examples of the work of fourth graders. The first is mentioned above, and the second piece presents an interview with Sir Isaac Newton that covers his life as well as his scientific work.
The work of three fifth graders is also included. One of these fifth graders was interested in a more in depth study of Columbus than what was provided in his school materials, and so undertook his own investigation. After exploring the Rethinking Columbus book (Bigelow and Peterson), the work of Dominican priest, Bartolome de Las Casas, and related materials online, he was inspired to conduct a 60 Minutes style interview with the iniquitous explorer exposing the results of his avarice and work to colonize these islands. Of particular note is the student's reflection on his project. The Aphrodite interview is also notable in the whimsical and airy tone of the interview that really captured the student's analysis of the character and personality of Aphrodite.
The interviews by 6th Graders have been conducted over a period of years by students in Forest Grove teacher Charlie Graham's classes. Each year students were given the option of producing an interview with an historical figure. These interviews have included a range of figures including sports personalities and individuals who worked for social justice. I would like to describe three of these in particular.
-Charlie Graham is a highly skilled teacher who has been implementing authentic environmental curriculum for over a decade (formerly a teacher at Forest Grove Community Charter School). One of his class projects involved raising trout and salmon in his classroom, and through this work students studied the life of these fish in great detail. One of his students chose to conduct an interview with a trout as a means of displaying his insight into the life of a trout from its perspective. It is quite a unique DLS.
-Another student choose to explore the life of César Chávez. One of her desires was to conduct the interview in English, however to utilize her bilingual skills and provide answers from César in both English and Spanish. This extra layer of work was readily undertaken as she was motivated by a desire to represent César speaking in his native language. During the process of conducting this project it was marvelous to see the transformation of this student's self-concept and self-esteem as she came to recognize herself as a skilled and creative student.
-How to interview Helen Keller was a question faced by another 6th grader. Since she was blind and deaf, the process of conducting this interview was itself a challenge. Take a look at the student's interesting solution.
-Interviews with Larry Bird and Babe Ruth covered such topics as the sports star's opinion on current sports controversies including the use of steroids. An interesting aspect of the Bird interview is that it involved the collaboration of two boys, one as Larry and the other as the interviewer.
-The Writing of J.K. Rowling has entranced a generation of readers. This interview with the author covered a range of topics regarding her life and craft.
-Recently, interviews were conducted with Anne Frank and Oskar Schindler. The Shindler interview is posted below and addresses a range of powerful issues regarding his life and efforts to save his factory workers. I would like to point to the thoughtful reflections the student provided on her process of learning this material and developing the project.
Recently I added an interview with Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe conducted by an 8th grader. In the video the chief reflects on the tribe's attempts to retain some dignity in the face of increased pressure to assimilate and move. He traces the interaction with the military, his tribe's flight from Oregon and last stand in Montana, as well as final reflections on a life in transition.
Additionally a group of graduate students have developed a series of Podcasts examining historical figures. These podcasts are an ongoing assignment to explore the life of an individual who spent a life working for equity and social justice.
