The Interdependence Hexagon

Project VII

An International Arts Project

Designed to Engage Youth in Real-World Issues

Using the HEXAGON as Metaphor for Interconnectedness

A small shape

with

BIG IDEAS

Presented byEmily Erickson Cook, NBCA, Art Teacher, NCBT

and Amy Weiss, Global Perspectives TeacherSouth Middle SchoolArlington Heights, IL

AndBeth Burkhauser,M.Ed,Chair, Hexagon Project

Keystone College, La Plume, PA

www.interdependencedaynepa.org

“Teaching and Learning for Global Understanding and

Engagement”

Presentation Goals1. Introduction and Description ( Beth)

1. Exemplary Practices (Emily and Amy)

2. Describe Diverse Teaching Strategies

3. Invite Collaboration

4. Host Questions, Comments, Survey

www.interdependencedaynepa.org

The Themes and

Content of

Interdependence

“To create a memorable

design you need to start

with a thought that’s

worth remembering”Thomas Manss

Interdependence Themes

(Hexagon Project)

DIVERSITY

Freedom for and acceptance of religious, ethnic, backgrounds, cultural identities, abilities.Personal and group dignity

HUMAN RIGHTS of every personWe are one human family. Examine

Consumerism vs. having enoughBeing more vs. having more

Interdependence

Goals:

1. To see ourselves as citizens of one civilized world, recognizing responsibilities to the common goods and liberties of humankind as a whole. 2. To explore these themes through “activist” art-making

ENVIRONMENT

We need a safe, sustainable global environmentWe are one communityWe only have one earth to protect or destroy

GOVERNANCE

We need to understand peoples’ rights to govern themselves in a manner that allows them to flourish. Democratic rights and responsibilities.

COMMONALITIES

& IDENTITY

HavingEmpathy-We are similar and

share common experiences. We can

connect to issues that are

personal and local with issues that are global.

CHILDREN

We need to protect children’s rights and goods

and insure they obtainHealth and education

TECHNOLOGY

Use positively and ethically to create informed global communities

Global

Interdependence

and Education: Where

Hexagons Make the

Connection

“In this increasingly interdependent world, your ‘allies’ can hurt you as much as your ‘enemies’…..threaten you as much by collapsing, as by rising…how do we create healthy interdependencies so we rise together rather than unhealthy…so we fall together?”

Thomas L. Friedman, NY Times 9/8/12

Interdependence

Day History

Art by Student from Provo HS, Utah

Interdependence Day was launched in Philadelphia on September 12, 2003 as a post 9/11 symbol of regeneration, as a time to reflect on the tragedy of the incidents of terror in the US and worldwide, and to ask, “What next?”

It seemed critically important to acknowledge the inevitability and significance of interdependence in our time, and set out to buildconstructively, and civilly, andculturally, a global civil society.

Co-Founders:Mrs. Sondra MyersSenior Fellow forInternational Civic and CulturalProjectsUniversity ofScrantonwww.interdependencedaynepa.org

Dr. Benjamin Barber, Walt Whitman

Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, Rutgers University and Senior Research Scholar, Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, CUNY Graduate Center, NYC

www.interdependencemovement.org

...the need for global cooperation and democracy…citizens without borders……

…a metaphor for our interconnectedness

WHY the HEXAGON?

The Hexagon is a composition of complex relationships, interdependent lines, like

bonds of human connection, strengthened in multiples into an endless network of connections.

It maintains its own presence as a shape, symbol of light and life, yet structurally, destined to be part of a

whole—a splendid architectural element, both natural and human-made, infinitely expandable…

The ARTIST

synthesizes,makes conclusions,

takes a stand, must come to terms

with content andmaterials,

collaborates……can change

the world!

…and so, too, the student artist-in-

process!

Art by Student from Apex School, Nepal

The Hexagon Project …

•Formulating Essential

Questions, Big Ideas

•Personal to Global Issues

•21st Century Skills ( www.p21.org )

•Overarching Themes

•Interdisciplinary strategies

•Empathy

Student from Tunkhannock Area

High School, PA

We live in an Interdependent World

There are no more borders.

We are all responsible. We all have commonalities.

Civic Responsibility

All of us are global citizens.

Responsibility

PromoteTolerance

Appreciate Diversity

Solve ProblemsTogether

Learn About

Intolerance

Why is this so important for us to teach?

Global Education is here, but what is it?

Technology helps eliminate ignorance through letting students explore their world.

How does this fit into

The Hexagon Project … ?

Educates about global awareness

Assists in eliminating biases

Promotes critical thinking

Who is in charge of the learning?

STUDENTS!

Students are in control of their own:

TopicsResearchExpression of ideas through artworkWritten expression via the blog

Through images and words the artist createsa visual representation

of their thoughts and feelings about these issues.

Their works of art prompt us to ask questions,

to confront the issues expressed and in many cases move us to action.

Art Goals for Student Achievement

1. Identify a World Issue of Personal Significance2. Identify necessary elements to convey a message by

considering imagery, color schemes, symbolism, text and media

3. Create a Hexagon shaped work of art to demonstrate how works of art communicate and motivate the viewer

4. Create an artist statement to reflect on their work of art.5. Exhibit their work both physically and

digitally

Lesson/Unit Plans

Unit Created by Emily Erickson Cook, NBCT Art Teacher

Amy Weiss, Global Perspectives Teacher

South Middle School

Arlington Heights, IL

ecook@sd25.org

Part One:

Single Hexagon

Focus on a

theme/issuePart Two:

Hexagon Book

Focus on solutions •Introductory PowerPoint

•Motivational videos

•Research Packet

•Templates

Emily Erickson Cook, NBCT Art Teacher in collaboration

with

Amy Weiss, Global Perspectives Teacher

South Middle School

Arlington Heights, IL

ecook@sd25.org

Part Two: Hexagon Book -Solutions

Digital Gallery and Interactive Blog

Created by

Emily Erickson Cook, NBCT Art Teacher

in collaboration with

Amy Weiss, Global Perspectives Teacher

South Middle School

Arlington Heights, IL

ecook@sd25.org

To Post:

http://www.weebly.com

Log in username: ecook@sd25.orgPassword: cardinal

To Comment: http://www.thehexagonprojectblog.weebly.com

Do Your P”Art Foundation

Collaboration

http://www.interdependencedaynepa.org•Prospectus•All Templates, release forms, registration information•Lesson Plans, Blog•Research bibliography, PowerPoints, Examples

Resources:Resources:

•Facebook Page, Twitter, Google Drive, Artsonia, ArtEd2.0, NAEA Secondary and Middle Teachers Blogs (search “Hexagon Project”)

•The Interdependence Handbook:Looking Back, Living the

Present, Choosing the Future Edited by Sondra Myers and Benjamin R. Barber

• essays, discussion questions• Declarations of Interdependence

by UN, other groups

Resources:

What is the Interdependence

Hexagon Project?

• Students, ages 10 - 18, create in any media using a downloadable hexagonal template as their format

• Students respond to a relevant theme and do research

• Students may work collaboratively or alone on one or multiple hexagons

• Deadline for participation in the Exhibit in Scranton, PA is June 30

• Online registration begins May 1 or before• Exhibit: September for Interdependence Month

Exhibit Openingon First Friday in

September, Interdependence

Month

2011: ArtWorks Gallery

2012: Library Express

Music, hands-on

workshops, interactive displays

2013:

• Chicago Area -Do Your P’ART

Foundation

• Virtually???

Butwal, Nepal

Global Recognition

Events

Scranton, PA

Chicago in 2013

and….???