History lessons have never been so fashionable • A unique and refreshing project at a school in Haifa

(live here) – Ahuza Real School has embarked on a unique and innovative project that connects history studies with fashion. The sixth-grade humanities teachers, Eliana Gordon and Shira Shoval, chose to change the traditional way of learning and create a vivid and tangible experience for the students.

As part of the project, the students explored the issue of the fusion of cultures in the State of Israel, while designing clothing that represents the different decades in Israeli history.

Changing perceptions in history studies

Gordon and Shovel explain that the goal of the project was to create more meaningful learning, one that would connect directly with the students. "Normally we would focus only on ancient Greece, but this time we decided to link the project to the history of the State of Israel, while examining the cultural tools with which a society builds its culture," the teachers explain. "Together, we explored the concept of the fusion of cultures in ancient Greece, in order to impart the skills required for the second part of the project."

Researchers and creators

Instead of purely theoretical learning, it was decided, in keeping with the school's long-standing approach, to incorporate Project-Based Learning (PBL), an educational approach that emphasizes learning through inquiry, creation, and sharing. Students not only explored history, but also expressed their understanding by designing clothing that reflected the culture of each decade.

The research and design process

The students chose different areas to research – food, fashion, security and major events in each decade – and then interviewed people who lived during the relevant period to obtain authentic information. From their research, they were required to translate their findings into fashion design, similar to the process that designers go through in the “Project Track” program.

"Learning became alive, meaningful, and the students took real ownership of it. Instead of theoretical work, they were required to create a tangible product – a garment that conveys the story of the period," Gordon and Shovel explain.

Highlight event: Historic fashion show

The culmination of the project was a unique fashion show, in which the students presented their creations to an audience of teachers, parents, and experts in the fields of fashion and history. Among the invited judges were stylist Shiri Weitzner, Dr. Meirav Eyal – who specializes in history, fashion, and education, art teacher Iris Paz Chechik, and Reali Ahuza director Ayala Yehuda.

Clothes talk

"It was a very moving event," says Gordon. "The children not only presented the clothes, but also spoke about them in a special speech – 'the clothes speech.' They explained why they chose the particular clothes, how the colors and fabrics they chose reflected the spirit of the era, and what messages they wanted to convey."

Creative and meaningful products

Among the standout items on display was a bag in the design of the Declaration of Independence, the symbolism of which was emphasized by the students. "The idea was that each decade reflects a certain period in the development of Israeli society, and the garment is a tool for understanding history," the teachers explain.

For the students, the experience was extraordinary. "It was a great way to understand the issue of cultural fusion, much more than through a regular test," says one student. "It was exciting to be part of a project like this, where you not only learn but also create something tangible."

Independence Day Exhibition

Following the success of the display, the team of teachers decided to take the project one step further and set up a special exhibition in honor of the upcoming Independence Day. The exhibition will feature all the clothes designed by the students, along with explanations of the period they represent. "This is another way to make history accessible and make it feel close and relevant to the students," conclude Gordon and Shovel.

Learning that changes educational perceptions

The project, which received much praise from parents, students, and teachers, proves that experiential learning can be a powerful tool in understanding complex issues. Beyond studying history, the students learned to work in a team, delegate tasks, and conduct independent research.

"We are proud to see how the students took the project seriously, developed creative skills, and learned about their history in a practical and experiential way," the teachers conclude.