Final Exam Project at SCECHS: Celebrating Caribbean Creativity

As we wrapped up the first semester for the school year 2024-2025 at St. Croix Educational Complex High School on December 13, 2024, my Basic Art students embarked on an exciting creative journey that brought Caribbean culture to life! Their final exam project was more than an assessment—it was an opportunity to explore and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean through art and storytelling.

The Challenge

The task? Design a mask inspired by a Caribbean country's national flag, flower, and bird, and present their research in an 8-slide PowerPoint. Talk about a creative combo! 🇯🇲 I even joined the fun by creating my mask using Jamaica's flag as an example. Can you guess which flags they chose for their projects? These young artists wowed me with their hard work and creativity. From sketching their mask designs to researching and crafting their PowerPoints, they poured their hearts into showcasing the islands' unique beauty.

Featuring the Talented Artists

A massive shoutout to the talented students who made this project unforgettable:

• Ayana Figueroa, Roan Griffiths, Emanuel McIntosh, A'nyah Santiago, Kayden Theodore, Elisabeth Vitte, Arrielle Brown, Tai Sealey, Isaac Alicia, Darnell John, Elijah Joseph, Te'Quan Rawlins, Jairalys Sanes, Brandon Springer, Gabriella Martial, Janiery Adams, Jeremiah Valentin, Je'Shel Williams, Tristan Nicholas, Roniese All, Allem Bert, Jaxiaii Bartlett, Laiyla Johnson, Jahnai Brooks, and many more!

Their effort and enthusiasm reminded me why I love teaching.

Dive Into the Lesson Plan

For anyone looking to recreate this inspiring project, here's the entire lesson plan:

Essential Art Final Exam: Exploring Caribbean Culture through Masquerading and National Symbols

Objectives:

Students will:

• Understand the significance of Caribbean masquerading and national symbols.

• Create a mask inspired by a Caribbean island's flag, flower, and bird.

• Develop and present an 8-slide PowerPoint covering the island's cultural and historical highlights.

  
  

Materials:

• Art supplies: construction paper, paint, markers, etc.

• Computers with PowerPoint

• Research resources: internet or library

• Examples of masquerading masks

Lesson Breakdown:

Active Engagement:

Kick things off with a bell work prompt: "What do you know about Caribbean culture, especially Carnival and masquerading traditions?" This gets students thinking about their connections to the islands.

Direct Instruction ("I Do" ):

Teach students about Caribbean masquerading, its roots, and the significance of national symbols. Use vibrant examples from islands like Jamaica or Trinidad & Tobago.

Guided Practice ("We Do" ):

Students brainstorm mask designs and begin researching their chosen island for their PowerPoint. Please provide feedback and resources as they work.

Independent Practice ("You Do" ):

Let the creativity flow! Students construct their masks and design their PowerPoints independently, incorporating cultural elements with artistic flair.

Assessment:

• Mask Design (50%): Creativity, cultural representation, and craftsmanship.

• PowerPoint (30%): Clarity, visual appeal, and accuracy.

• Presentation (20%): Confidence, clarity, and grammar.

Reflection and Wrap-Up:

End with a class discussion on what students learned and share their work. The pride they feel when showcasing their masks is genuinely priceless.

Why This Project Matters

Art isn't just about creating—it's about connecting. This project allowed students to dive deep into the rich cultures of the Caribbean, celebrating the symbols that define each island's unique identity. Every detail reflected their growing appreciation for the region's heritage, from vivid masks to compelling presentations.

BIG THANKS to my outstanding students for making this project such a success! I'm already looking forward to seeing what we create together next semester.

What do you think? Are you inspired to try a project like this? Let me know in the comments!