Pandora’s Box Project: Creativity Meets Reflection in Grade 6

In Language Arts, our Grade 6 students have been diving into the themes of fate and free will, connecting the Torah’s teachings with the timeless lessons of Greek mythology. After studying the infamous myth of Pandora, students tackled their newest thought-provoking creative project: designing their very own Pandora’s Boxes.

A Modern Take on Pandora’s Box

For this assignment, each student had the task of reimagining the concept of Pandora’s Box. This was a great opportunity to reflect on today’s challenges and hopes. While conceptualizing modern day miseries that plague today’s society, our students also explored concepts of hope that inspire resilience.

Artistic Highlights

• Exterior Design: Our students were tasked with design their boxes to draw viewers into Pandora’s world of curiosity and wonder. Students used vibrant colors, bold patterns, and intricate details to make their creations impossible to ignore. Some students chose to add intriguing messages around the exterior of their boxes to entice viewers to open them. While some designs felt welcoming, others leaned into themes of conspiracy and reverse psychology. These methods meant to cleverly lure viewers in with a sense of mystery.
• Inside the Box: Symbols, Images and Objects. Inside the box, five modern day miseries are chosen to reflect the struggles of today’s world. These could be represented by printed or drawn images, or by objects. Amidst these miseries, stands a “glimmer of hope.” This is meant to serve as a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope can illuminate a path forward.

This assignment sparked rich conversations and showcased the students’ creativity and critical thinking. Our students blended art, literature, and social consciousness into a meaningful exploration of the human experience. 

These boxes currently adorn our school hallways, enticing each student as they walk past. One of our writers, seated across from the display, has noted the immense entertainment in observing the irresistible urge of nearly every passerby to lift the lid of at least one box.