Youth lens: A world through our eyes

What is this project about?

"Youth Lens: A World Through Our Eyes" invites students to explore their community and educational environment through the lens of a camera. This project encourages students to document their perspectives on what education means to them and how they envision the future of learning. The culmination of this project will be a virtual photo exhibition held on International Youth Day, where students will showcase their work to a global audience.

Age group: 6-8, 9-12, 13-15
Project Duration: 4 weeks
Language: English, Spanish, Danish

This project contributes to the following global goals

Learning Outcomes

Develop visual storytelling skills by capturing images that reflect their daily educational experiences and aspirations.

Enhance understanding of diverse educational contexts through viewing and discussing peers’ photographs.
Cultivate technical skills in photography and digital presentation.
Foster a sense of global connection and empathy by sharing and reflecting on peers' educational experiences from around the world.

Evaluate

Skills to develop

Intercultural Communication

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Global Awareness

Collaboration & Teamwork

Digital Literacy

Adaptability & Leadership

Project Timeline

Week 1

Presentation

Phase:Presentation & Dissemination

Step 1: Introduction and photography basics

Introduction to the project and basic photography lessons (focusing on composition, lighting, and storytelling).
Search for a teacher partner on the Class2Class.org platform who is interested in collaborating on this project. Reach out to potential partners and discuss project goals, timeline, and expectations.

Step 2: Photo capturing phase

Students take photographs that represent their views on education, their school environment, and their hopes for the future.

Step 3: Photo selection and peer review

Students select their best photos and receive feedback from their international peers.
Facilitate the exchange of photos between the partner classes using the Class2Class.org platform or other agreed-upon methods.
Encourage students to provide constructive feedback and engage in meaningful discussions about their peers' work.

Step 4: Virtual exhibition and reflection

Coordinate with the associated teacher to organize a virtual exhibition of students' photos, either on the Class2Class.org platform (using the project board) or using other online tools (e.g., virtual gallery software, shared presentation).
Students will present their photos in a virtual gallery on International Youth Day and participate in a reflective discussion about the project and what they have learned from their peers.

Collaborative activities

Photography challenges. Weekly themes to guide the photography process, such as "My School", "My Favorite Learning Space", and "Education in My Community".
Photo swaps. Exchange photos with international peers to see different educational settings and discuss the stories behind the photos.
Virtual gallery walk. An online event where students present their photographs and discuss their work with peers from around the world.

Assessment and reflection ✍️

Teachers assess the photographs based on creativity, adherence to themes, and photographic techniques.
Students write a short reflection on what they learned about the role of education in different parts of the world and how it affects their peers.

Teacher tips 💡

Provide clear guidelines and support for taking and uploading photographs.
Provide clear guidelines and expectations for respectful communication and collaboration. We suggest you review the coexistence policies of Class2Class.org.
Encourage respectful and constructive feedback during peer reviews.
Help students articulate the stories behind their photographs to enhance their narrative skills.

Engage your students in this creative and meaningful project to celebrate International Youth Day, helping them to express their views on education and connect with peers globally. Through "Youth Lens: A World Through Our Eyes", students will not only develop photography and storytelling skills but also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse ways education shapes lives around the world.