NYC Neighborhood Projects and Presentations
Leslie A. Martino-Vélez
Social Science
Elements of Sociology
Activity Description: Provide a brief description of the activity
This is a semester long project that is integrated into an introduction to Sociology course. It revolves around the theme of transportation (subways), using the text, International Express about the 7 line in New York City neighborhoods. These projects, using the text, will be implemented throughout the semester and be used as a supplemental text to cover several main ideas in an introductory course. (https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/citytech-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5276006).
Project 1: Observation on the subway
Students will ride the subway and write a detailed ethnographic observational paper. It will reinforce research methodology learning.
Project 2 : Field Trip to the local Transit Museum in downtown Brooklyn
Students will learn about the history of the transit system. They will write a reflection of the trip. It incorporates experiential learning as well as historical and contemporary learning about the transit system.
Project 3: Neighborhood Project and Presentation
In pairs, the students will chose one of the neighborhoods the 7 train runs though. They will conduct neighborhood research over time as well as present their research to the class at the end of the semester. They will gather demographic information, history of the neighborhood, using internet resources and Census information. They will also use maps, as well as other visual materials such as photographs and videos.
This will incorporate many skills: in-depth research skills (data analysis), public speaking, mapping skills, and will also reinforce collaborative learning skills.
Learning Goals: What do you aim to achieve with this activity?
This activity will cover many learning goals, through the reading of the text International Express, the projects as well as a field trip to the Transit Museum.
It focuses on using Integrated Learning principles: Integrative learning is an understanding that a student builds across the curriculum, from making connections among ideas and experiences to synthesizing and transferring learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus.
Timing: At what point in the lesson or semester do you use this activity? How much classroom time do you devote to it? How much out-of-class time is expected?
This will be integrated throughout the semester.
Logistics: What preparation is needed for this activity? What instructions do you give students? Is the activity low-stakes, high-stakes, or something else?
There are a variety of low stakes and high stakes assessments. It will also incorporate close reading of a text, as well as experiential learning through the subway observation and the field trip to the Transit Museum. Research and presentation skills will also be used. There will be detailed assignments for the students to follow and a scaffolded project schedule.
Assessment: How do you assess this activity? What assessment measures do you use? Do you use a VALUE rubric? If not, how did you develop your rubric? Is your course part of the college-wide general education assessment initiative?
There will be low stakes/completion assessments as well as formal assessment of the neighborhood project. Students will be given a rubric and detailed guidance.
Reflection: How well did this activity work in your classroom? Would you repeat it? Why or why not? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you address them? What, if anything, would you change? What did students seem to enjoy about the activity?
I have not yet taught this, but anticipate that though these activities, the students will gain practical, applied knowledge about topics they may already have some understanding about (subways, neighborhoods).
Additional Information: Please share any additional comments and further documentation of the activity – e.g. assignment instructions, rubrics, examples of student work, etc. These can be links to pages or posts on the OpenLab.
Please share a helpful link to a pages or post on the OpenLab
