PROJECT STATEMENT
Ongoing series of work cataloging an Art Teacher's inquiry based exploration of cryptocurrency and it's community
To understand why cryptocurrency exists and how it works
In order to immerse myself in this body of work I will plan and produce pieces that chronologically document my research of cryptocurrency and the systems associated with how users interact with the currency. I will engage the community by minting my works as NFTs on the Rarible network (Non Fungible Tokens that can be sold and resold for some specific cryptocurrencies ). My NFTs will link to this page and a link to my Rarible listings can be found below.
While I know very little about the topic I feel that this series would appeal to those that already trade in cryptocurrency. Every person who holds one of these currencies has been through their own version of this Sustained Investigation. It is my hope that people enjoy watching my understanding of this space develop as much as I am enjoying the research
Background - Where it began
This series starts with interest and total lack of understanding.
I was drawn to cryptocurrency after weeks of reading about redditors from r/wallstreetbets driving the price of Gamestop stock up in retaliation to hedge funds and large financial institution's ability to control a supposedly free market and the businesses associated with those stocks. While I find the narrative extremely compelling; a classic David and Goliath scenario, I have little understanding of how the stock market works or can be predicted.
I called a friend of mine to ask him what he thought of GME and reddit investors. He quickly revealed that he had been trading cryptocurrency for a couple years and was excited to talk to me for hours at a time about crypto and its potential for the global economy.
Rationale
To create a model for my students
I teach art at a High School in the United States. This series was produced following the Sustained Investigation format from the College Board AP Studio Art Portfolio requirements to serve as an example for my students taking AP 2-D Design. The Sustained Investigation is part of the newer AP Curriculum rolled out last year (2019-20) and this series will help me gain a more meaningful understanding of the thought process students have to go through in order to create these portfolios.
I will use this page as a presentation model showcasing each piece in the series and to highlight the planning process and research that go into the production of each piece for my classes.
To help me be a better teacher
The Sustained Investigation section of the AP Portfolio consists of 15 submissions that showcase a students long term inquiry based investigation or exploration of a given topic. Images should portray the students ability to synthesize materials, processes, and ideas, into a cohesive body of work. The Sustained Investigation starts with questions students have about their selected topics, the works in the series documents their attempt to understand and answer those questions. New questions about the same or related topics often emerge through production of this series and students are encouraged to explore related topics as they generate questions.
While I have a pretty solid understanding of the objective requirements for this section of the AP Portfolio I often struggle helping students generate meaningful ideas that they are passionate enough about to sustain a year long investigation. It is my hope that this project will help me be a better teacher with a more informed approach to the development of students AP Portfolios.
More information on the Sustained Investigation and the AP Portfolio can be found on the AP College Board Website which is linked below.
WORKS IN SERIES
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