Intro
After reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson in my AP Language class, we researched social justice issues of our choice to create argumentative papers and creative tasks. For my topic, I chose Homelessness in Atlanta, Georgia, because it is one of the most significant problems in Atlanta today. Furthermore, this issue troubles me deeply. Often I find people, including myself, taking the basic privileges that they have for granted. Throughout my research, I discovered how severe the issue is and some solutions that have been proposed over time. The most interesting thing that I found was that there are over 2500 homeless families in Atlanta Public Schools, as seen in my interview documentation with Dr. Howard Grant--Vice President of External and Governmental Affairs of the Atlanta Housing Authority. Natalyn Archibong, our Atlanta City Council Representative, also visited us, who shared some insights on how these issues are affecting our city and what is being done about it.
After I concluded my research, I wrote an in-depth argumentative paper on the subject. My final position for the paper was that the government's lack of support for homeless people in the metropolitan area is the direct cause and effect of homelessness. I supported this position by arguing that the government not doing anything for families affects many other people, including the families' children. This then causes a cycle of homelessness in communities. The paper was very informational to write, and the most challenging thing was finding attempted solutions by the government.
After I concluded my research, I wrote an in-depth argumentative paper on the subject. My final position for the paper was that the government's lack of support for homeless people in the metropolitan area is the direct cause and effect of homelessness. I supported this position by arguing that the government not doing anything for families affects many other people, including the families' children. This then causes a cycle of homelessness in communities. The paper was very informational to write, and the most challenging thing was finding attempted solutions by the government.
Language and Engineering
To complete the project, we were tasked with creating a STEAM product that represented my paper's concepts and position. I chose to create a 3D political cartoon because I wanted to make a direct visualization of the issue. I first brainstormed and sketched out some ideas and discussed the concept with my peers. After their feedback, I made sure to include enough detail to interpret the model without dialogue in my final product. The purpose of the model is to demonstrate the need for government help with the issue. I incorporated STEAM skills by 3D printing the model. I used my skills learned in engineering to express the inequalities that homeless people face.