Secret Identity: Comics, Culture, and Chromosomes - Humanities

Introduction

Welcome to a dynamic world where comics reveal layers of identity, culture, and genetics. This educational journey invites students to dive into comic book narratives that intersect life sciences, American history, and literature. Participants will engage with legendary characters, exploring their origins and how they mirror societal issues through vibrant storytelling. This interdisciplinary expedition pairing blends STEM and Humanities, allowing students to analyze genetic concepts in comics. They'll see how these scientific elements shape characters, linking to real-world genetics and science.

Through discussions and activities, students will connect their identities with those of their fictional heroes, understanding the influence of cultural expressions like comics on societal values and scientific knowledge. This comprehensive approach bridges art and science, enriching students' learning experiences.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students are highly encouraged to enroll in both the Humanities and STEM expeditions of “Secret Identity: Comics, Culture, and Chromosomes”

Essential Questions

• What shapes how we view ourselves and others?

• How do different parts of our identity combine to make us who we are? 

• How do our identities and lived experiences shape the way we write?

• How does making connections between the text and myself deepen my understanding of my identity?

Learning Objectives

• Better understand how to read and write comics.

• Identify the key literary elements present in comics and how they are used to both create a narrative and express identity.

• Express themselves and their identity through visual storytelling.

• Identify social structures that shape individual and societal identity.

• Make connections and honor differences between their identity and those of others.