Culminating tasks, also known as final projects, offer a powerful avenue for students to showcase their understanding of key concepts and skills.
In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of using culminating tasks in your curriculum and introduce a set of resources designed to elevate your students' learning experience.
For Grade 7 and 8 Geography and History, these aren't just projects, they're sidekicks that make your teaching adventure a bit less "What in the world is happening right now?" and more "Aha, they're getting it!
The Power of Culminating Tasks
Applying Knowledge: In these final projects, students get to use what they learned in class and see how it fits into real-world situations. They aren't just reading about history or places, they're figuring out how to use that knowledge in everyday life.
Critical Thinking Skills: When students work on these projects, they get to think critically. They will look closely at information, make smart decisions, and think like a historian or a geographer.
Creativity and Engagement: With different final projects, students can be creative in showing what they know. They might draw, build, or perform. There are lots of ways to be creative.
Collaboration and Communication: In some of these projects, students can work together. They can share ideas and listen to what everyone else thinks.
Recommended Culminating Tasks (Linked to the Ontario Curriculum!)
 | ​Museum Exhibition Project: Transform your classroom into a museum where students curate exhibits showcasing key historical events. This project encourages research, presentation skills, and creativity. |
 | Board Game Project: Turn learning into a game! Students design board games that incorporate geographical elements. This project enhances critical thinking, strategic planning, and makes learning enjoyable. |
 | ​Time Capsule Project: Immerse students in a time-travel experience by creating time capsules that encapsulate the essence of a specific historical period. This project develops research skills, historical empathy, and a sense of connection to the past. |
 | ​Energy Sources Project: Explore the world of energy through a project that investigates different energy sources and their impact on the environment. Students can create presentations, posters, or even models to showcase their findings. |
 | ​Design a Sustainable Settlement: Merge geography with urban planning by having students design a sustainable settlement. This project integrates concepts of geography, environmental science, and problem-solving skills. |