Get a glimpse of the fifth graders' journey to create a mural that showcases their thought process and work. It was an opportunity to create a rich learning experience by integrating social studies with art, music, along with members of the Nashville community. Much of the student learning progression involved different collaborative hands-on learning activities that are briefly summarized and depicted in short video clips on the website. The website’s home tab introduces the extended student project. The other tabs lay out each of the project's phases using the “design thinking” framework: launch, deep dive, brainstorming/ prototyping and product.

• Participate in an authentic investigation out in the field to collect first-hand accounts and observe how the growth of Nashville has impacted traditionally African American neighborhoods.
• Use primary and secondary sources to understand how infrastructure and zoning decisions can segregate a city in racial, social, and economic ways.
• Learn what it takes to translate concern into action.
• Engage in project management and grit.

• How does a history of a place shape its identity?
• When do changes in communities cause a loss of cultural experience?
• In what ways can Nashville's growth cause demographic shifts within the city?
• Can Nashville be a safe and welcoming place for all people?

Students created solutions represented in a communal art mural based upon their deep dive and the needs they uncover. The mural presents relevant information and shares the community's needs in a compelling way by telling the stories of those directly affected. Students make connections to historical events with evidence of what a community needs to grow or push back when a situation jeopardizes its identity.