A social studies lesson and bulletin board project celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through personal storytelling, cultural research, and collaborative display. Students explore diverse Hispanic cultures and create personalized display pennants reflecting roots, traditions, or inspiring changemakers.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa: First Hispanic woman in space; former director of NASA Johnson Space Center.
César Chávez & Dolores Huerta: Civil rights leaders who co-founded United Farm Workers.
Sonia Sotomayor: First Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Sylvia Mendez: Desegregation pioneer in Mendez v. Westminster (1947).
Dr. Mario Molina: Nobel Prize-winning chemist who discovered ozone depletion threats.
Roberto Clemente: Hall of Fame baseball legend and renowned humanitarian.
Popular Dichos (Spanish Proverbs)
"La unión hace la fuerza."
Unity makes strength.
"Querer es poder."
Where there is a will, there is a way.
"Poco a poco se anda lejos."
Little by little, one goes far.
"El saber no ocupa lugar."
Knowledge takes up no space (learning is endless).
21 Nations/Territories: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Project Assessment Rubric
Criterion
Exemplary (3 pts)
Proficient (2 pts)
Developing (1 pt)
Content & Accuracy
Detailed, accurate cultural facts, roots, or changemaker biography.
Basic facts included; mostly accurate and clear.
Minimal information; key details missing.
Visual Design & Symbol
Drawing is vibrant, detailed, and clearly aligned to the heritage topic.
Clear drawing with basic color and identifiable symbol.
Incomplete illustration or uncolored sketch.
Written Reflection
Insightful reflection on cultural value; meaningful quote/dicho provided.
Clear reflection answering prompts in complete sentences.
Brief or incomplete response; lacks depth.
Display Craftsmanship
Carefully cut along borders, legible handwriting, ready for public display.
Generally neat; trimmed adequately for board.
Uneven cutting or difficult to read from distance.
Post-Display Extensions & Family Engagement
Family Viewing & Audio Tour: Have students record a 30-second audio clip describing their pennant. Attach QR codes to each pennant so parents or visiting classes can scan and listen to students explaining their artwork during open house or cultural nights!
