Zeit Kapsel Projekt: Private Expression

Synopsis: In the Private Expression scenario, students will illustrate historical aspects during the Holocaust through photo albums, letters, and diaries.

I. Creating A Photo Album Sub Scenario:
Imagine that you are a photographer during the Holocaust.  Your goal is to portray family life during the Holocaust through a photo album.

Objectives:
Research must be conducted on background information about life in the 30s and presented in class.  Students may choose various ways to present the information using any visual items such as Microsoft Power Point, posters, diagrams, etc.  It is not required to have the presentation or any visuals used in the presentation “auf Deutsch.”
After researching, students may begin composing drafts and brainstorming outlines “auf Deutsch” to prepare the photo album.

II.  Composing a Letter to President Roosevelt Sub Scenario:
Imagine that you are a teenage victim fleeing Germany from persecution on board the St. Louis, and you are given the opportunity to write a letter and send it.  Your ultimate goal is to communicate with the United States and persuade President Franklin D. Roosevelt to intervene in the crises.

Objectives:
Research must be conducted on background information about the St. Louis and presented in class.  Students may choose various ways to present the information using any visual items such as Microsoft Power Point, posters, diagrams, etc.  It is not required to have the presentation or any visuals used in the presentation “auf Deutsch.”
After researching the St. Louis, students may begin composing drafts and brainstorming outlines “auf Deutsch"

In your letter :
Give a description of yourself and a brief family history
The names of actual victims on board with you
The conditions on board the ship
Your experience while fleeing Germany on board the St. Louis
And, most important, reasons for the President to intervene and actions the United States could take during the Holocaust to alleviate or rid the crises.  Remember that you are trying to persuade the President of the United States; therefore, give a thorough description of the problems on board.

III. Diary Sub Scenario:
Imagine that you are a victim during the Holocaust and the only thing that you have to express your emotions and  historical events is a diary.

Objectives:
Research must be conducted on background information about historical and social events and presented in class.  Students may choose various ways to present the information using any visual items such as Microsoft Power Point, posters, diagrams, etc.  It is not required to have the presentation or any visuals used in the presentation “auf Deutsch.”
After researching, students may begin composing drafts and brainstorming outlines “auf Deutsch” to prepare the photo album.

Tips
Creativity and accuracy are important throughout this scenario.
Research must be done before working on the sub scenario.
Various drafts are required to show student’s progress at different stages of the project.
A presentation of your material and research must be presented in class.
Letter needs to be typed and presentable.
Remember to use correct sentence structures, vocabulary, tenses, and grammar while writing “auf Deutsch.”
Remember that an envelope included with your letter may be beneficial!

Grading
All brainstorming, drafts, and finished work must be "auf Deutsch" with an English translation.  Fifteen points will be deducted from a hundred point grading scale if work is done in English only.

Back to ScenariosBack to Scenarios