Ancient Africa Murals

Students have spent a few days learning about and discussing the ancient African civilizations of Ghana and the Nok cultures that gave rise to the Bantu language.  Working in groups, they created "murals" based on what they learned.  Today, we hung their art work in the school cafeteria.  They are unique, beautiful, full of meaning and symbolism.  Take a look.

I-EARN Heroes Project

Sixth grade students are participating with students from around the world in an I-EARN project about heroes. Here are comments that students put on the I-EARN Heroes Project website about what they've learned about their African heroes: Isaiah - 11/18/2009 at 7:11:32 AM. My hero is: stephen biko. I just recently did a report on him and he is amazing. he was born on Dec. 18, 1946 in King Williams town, south Africa. he enrolled in medical school and founded the Black Peoples Convention. he was kicked out of medical school when the white members didn't aprove of his actions against apartheid. he was taken into police custody and tortured many times but still kept on fighting. finaly he was taken into custody for the last time. wile he was being interrogated he suffered a blow to the head. after that he was unresponsive and often blacked out. police medical investigators examined him and said he needed to be taken to a hospital. instead he was taken, naked, on a 12 hour car ride to the Pretoria Central Prison where he died about 12 hours later on September 12, 1977. Alex -11/18/2009 at 7:09:11 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was a person who fought for what he thought was right. Nelson was born on July 18 1918 in Transkei, South Africa. throughout his life he was in prison for in totle of 27 years for fighting for black African rights. He also won a Nobel prize, and became the first black president of South Africa. Marianne -11/18/2009 at 7:06:09 AM. My hero is: Stephen Biko. Stephen Biko was born on December 18,1946 in Kings William's Town,South Africa. He had three wives and four children. Stephen Biko received an education at the University of Natal and studied madicine. He could speak fluent english. Stephen Biko is considered a hero because he played a big part to help stop apartheid in South Africa. He also started an anti-apartheid movement called the Black Consciousness Movement. Stephen Biko died on September 12,1977 at the age of thirty. More than 10,000 people attended his funeral. He is famous for the saying "black is beautiful." Jack Bu.-11/18/2009 at 7:03:20 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela . Nelson Mandela was born in South Africa on July 18th 1918. His dad was chief of the Tembu tribe.Nelson Mandela went to school at Universitiy College of Fort Hare and the Universitiy of witwatersrand. Nelson won the nobel peace prize in 1993. Jack G.- 11/18/2009 at 7:01:10 AM. My hero is: Stephen Biko. My hero is Stephen Biko. He was born on December 18th 1946, in Eastern Cape, South Africa. He went to school at Lovedale and a boarding school in Natal. He was an only child. He fought for almost his entire life for black rights against Aparthied. He was jailed several times and sadly, on September 12th 1997, he died of severe police beatings. Sarah - 11/18/2009 at 7:00:57 AM. My hero is: nelson mandela. He was born on July 18, 1918 in Transkei.Nelson had been married 3 times and had 6 children 4 girls and 2 boys . Nelson spent almost 27 years in prision befor set free.He spent many years fighting to stop apartheid.Since there many more blacks than whites it was very crule.When apartheid ended Nelson Mandela became president. he did not want to fight he wanted to bring peace.he also tried to help tobring peace to others areas around the world and is always helping others. Neil - 11/18/2009 at 6:59:51 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was born in Trankei,South Africa.He worked to free other peoples rights in a time of struggle.Nelson was the first in his family to attend school.When Nelson got out of school he organized many boycotts.In 1993 he won the Nobel Peace Prize.He was also the first black president.That is my report on my hero. Leah - 11/18/2009 at 6:59:45 AM. My hero is: Queen Nzingha. Queen Nzingha was born in 1582 in Angola and was in the Nbundi tribe, but got captured and brought to Kabasa. Queen Nzingha was known as a hero to a lot of people. she organized a resistance army using mercenaries and Africans the Portugese had trained. She led many battles and peace treaties. She fought for a free and peaceful Angola until she died of age 82 on december 17, 1663. She demonstrated intelliugence, bravery, and is remembered as an Angolan leader who never accepted Potugese authority. Queen Nzingha is a real hero to me. Gillian - 11/18/2009 at 6:58:49 AM. My hero is: Haile Selassie. Haile Selassie was born on july 23, 1892 in Ejarsagoro,Hara,Ethiopia. He was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. Haile was exiled in 1936 and then regained his power in 1941. He died on August 27,1975.He was looked up upon because he was a great emperor and modernized ethiopia.He also led the Resistance against the Italian invasion. Haile Selassie is my African hero. Sharon - 11/18/2009 at 6:58:20 AM. My hero is: Constance Baker Motley. Constance was born on September 14, 1921 in New Haven, Connecticut. She graduated from New York University in 1943. She received her law degree in 1946 from Columbia University. She got married to Joel Wilson Motley. She was chosen to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on January 25, 1966. She became the first African American Women to serve for the Southern District of New York. She died on September 28, 2005, at the age of 84. Caroline - 11/18/2009 at 6:57:14 AM. My hero is: Imhotep. Imhotep was born in 3000 BC. He died in 2950 BC. Imhotep was born in Memphis, Egypt. He was an only child, but he had a mom, dad, and wife (when he was older). His mom's name was Khreduonkh. dad's name was Kanofer, and his wife's name was Ronfrenofert. Imhotep had a liberal education. His accomplishments were that he invented the pyramid, author of ancient wisdom, architect, high priest, physician, astronomer, and writer. Jake - 11/18/2009 at 6:56:55 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was a very great man. He was the first black president of South Afirca. He is a truely amazing man. He freed South Afirca from the terrible times of the Apartheid. Nelson Mandela added up went to jail for 27 years! Just for the freedom of his people. I don't tink anyone would do that for his people. He did though. I think everyone should call him a hero or even more than that. Meredith - 11/18/2009 at 6:56:25 AM. My hero is: Stephen Biko. Stephen Biko was an activist. Stephen Biko was born on December 18, 1946 in King William's Town, South Africa. He died at the age of 30 on September 12, 1977 in Pretoria, South Africa. He had a wife, Ntsiki Mashalaba, and has four children. He attended several schools including Lovedale but he was expelled from his school because of his anti- apartheid views. The next school he attended was St. Francis. Afterward, he wasa student at the University of Natal Medical School. cian steele from cincinnati, OHIO u.s.a- 11/18/2009 at 6:56:03 AM. My hero is: nelson mandela. my hero is nelson Mandela. nelson Mandela was born on July 18 1918 in transkei, South Africa. he was the first president to be elected fully represented by a democratic election. he held office from 1994-1999 in national congress. he served 27 years in jail when the dutch took over. Nelson Mandela wan hundreds of prizes but the best of all he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Michela - 11/18/2009 at 6:55:26 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was worlds famous person because he stood up for aparthate. Although he got caught many times.He was he son of Chief Henry Mandelaof the Tembu Tribe. He became president at the end of aparthate, which hepled South Africa to stop aparthate. Liz - 11/18/2009 at 6:55:20 AM. My hero is: Kofi Annan. Kofi Annan is a Ghanaian diplomat who was Secretary General of the United Nations from Jan.1 1997- Jan1 2007. Kofi Annan is a hero because he played a leading role in 2001 for global action because of 9-11. He has also recieved many degrees from schools all over the world. He is also fluent in many languages. Mallory - 11/18/2009 at 6:54:13 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. He was a person who spoke what he thought was right and who tried to stop slavery. He was arrested for speaking out and when he was released, he kept fighting for what was right. Finally they listened to him and he became president of South Africa. Braedy - 11/18/2009 at 6:53:17 AM. My hero is: haili salase. haili was the eporor of ethiopia. He used nonviolent ways to get help in a war. He was persistant and got the help. Eric - 11/18/2009 at 6:53:01 AM. My hero is: Imotep. He in the 3rd dynasty.He was born near egypt. one important thing he did was raised a temple over his wife's grave William - 11/18/2009 at 6:30:27 AM. My hero is: Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa was the Mansa (king) of Mali from 1312 to 1337. His father was a prince but he was never a Mansa. When he came back from a trip (not known where)she brought back many arabs and archatects. With these people he built up the city. A Muslum exploror said he might have been the best mansa of Mali. He died in 1337 and not t5wo centeries after he died Mali was conquard. By the 18th century Mali had dissapeared. Sierra - 11/18/2009 at 6:28:56 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was born on July, 18, 1918. He was born in Umtata, South Africa. He attended the University College of Fort Hare. Nelson had three wives with which he had 6 children total:4 daughters, and 2 sons. He was the first to be elected in a fully representative demacratic election. He was the leader of a movement against apartheid. He also helped establish the African National Congress(ANC) Youth League. Jack B. - 11/18/2009 at 6:28:03 AM. My hero is: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Nelson Mandela was born July 18th, 1918 in Transkei, South Africa. Nelson is still alive today and his age is 91.His real name is Rolihlahla and Nelson is his english name. Nelson belongs to the Mandela clan and is from the village Mvezo. His great grandfather was the king of the Thembu people. His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, was the chief of Mvezo. Nelson attended a methodist missionary school. Nelson Mandela was a person of royalty and was supposed to become chief when his father died, but instead he chose to fight apartheid. His anti-apartheid activities were sabotage and protests. He later was arrestsed and sent to prison for thes activities, he spent 27 years in prison. After he had been released from prison apartheid had ended and he had been elected the first black president of South Africa from 1994-1999. During his presidency he fought to keep equal rights between blacks and whites. He is a great hero, and he is my hero. Christina - 11/18/2009 at 6:28:01 AM. My hero is: Patrice Lumumba. Patrice Lumumba was born July 2, 1925. He was born Democratic of the Congo. He died February 11, 1961. He died in the same place he was born. Patrice was raised in a catholic family. He was one of four sons. When he got older he got married and had five children. As a kid Patrice Lumumbawent to a Primary School, then he went to a Catholic Missionary School, and then he went to a government post office training school. Patrice became head of the Cercles of Stanleyville. He worked on editing and distributing party literature.He became Prime Minister and accomplished the freedom of the Congo.He helped a lot of people while he was alive. Mollie - 11/18/2009 at 6:27:20 AM. My hero is: Sir Seretse Khama. Sir Seretse Khama he was born in 1921 in Serowe, and he was the son of Sekgona Khama 11. the first president of Botswana. he recieved a B.A at Fort Hare University collage in south africa and went to study at the University of Oxford. khama married married Ruth Williams. Arielle - 11/18/2009 at 6:27:05 AM. My hero is: Patrice Lumumba. Patric Emery Lumumba was an extraoridary person he helped sooo many people then had a major consenquence. Patrice was born July 2nd 1925 in Onaloa, Katakoma. What made him soo amazing was he help win independence from Beligum in 1960. After that he was Congo's Prime Minster. I personally find that a amazing accomplishment! Later the government turned on Patrice and put him in prison. He was sentenced to death. Like I said big accompishment but big consenquence. Thats what made him my hero. I'll look up to him always. Sileye - 11/18/2009 at 6:25:38 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela By;Sileye Sow Summary Nelson Madela is a survivor of hardship. He lived in the time of Apartheid.He had to spend 27 years in jail.When he had gotten out he. decided to make a change,so he decided to run for presedent.....and he acually became the presedent of Africa.He is not the presedent anymore.This shows that no matter what happens you can still make a change. Audrey - 11/18/2009 at 6:25:24 AM. My hero is: Patrice Lumumba. Patrice Emery Lumumba was born in stanlyville (now Kisangani)in Congo's Orientale Province July 2nd 1925 and died January17th 1961. He was raised in a Chatholic family and was one of 4 sons. He was educated at a Protestant primary school, a cathlic missionary school.pattrice was a fine student even though he couldn't study after dark because they didn't have any electricity.also the mission schools had very few text booksand only basic school suplies. his teachers spotted his quick intellegence and let him borrow their books encouriging him to advance. He protested for doing so. he became the first elected Congoleseprime minister in 1960 when his country became independent from belgium. less than seven months later he was assassinated. Beatrice - 11/18/2009 at 6:24:37 AM. My hero is: Kofi Annan. My hero is Kofi Annan. He was the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations serving two terms for 10 years and was the first to emerge from the ranks of the United Nations staff.Annan won the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for this.He served from January 1, 1997 to January 1, 2007. He was born on April 8th, 1938 in Kumasi, Ghana.He is currently married to Nana Maria Annan with three childrn. Also, Annan has his own fondation(Kofi Annan Foundation) that supports leadership and conflict resolution. He is a chairman and board member for multiple groups. He is still working to help the poor and vulnerable in Africa today. Jessica - 11/18/2009 at 6:24:29 AM. My hero is: Haile Selassie. My hero's name is Haile Selassie. He was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1947 which is 43 years. His birth date is July 23rd, 1892. He died on the 27th of August in 1975. He was born in Ejersa Goro, Harar. I believe he was a hero because of all the years he dedicated himself to the government of Ethiopia. He was the leader of many wars and seemed like a really nice man who could keep things under control. His bones were found under a concrete slab on the palace grounds. Mr.Selassie will go down in history! Avary - 11/18/2009 at 6:22:56 AM. My hero is: Queen Nzingha. My heros name is Queen Nzingha, she was born in 1583, she died in 1663. Her place of birth was in Portugal. Queen Nzigha had brothere that was a king and he worked with the slavery. After a while Queen Nzighas brother died. So thats how she got to become Queen Nzingha. Blake - 11/18/2009 at 6:22:47 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. My hero is Nelson Mandela and he was born in transkei, South Africa on July 18,1918. His father was Cheif henry Mandela of the tembu tribe. He was meducated at the University College Fort HARE and the University of Witwaterstrand. Andrew - 11/18/2009 at 6:21:51 AM. My hero is: Osei Tutu. I look at Osie Tutu for two reasons. The first reason is because when he was a kid his unkle died while ruleling so he stood up and took his place as king. The last reason why I like him is because when he was in war with his cousin his cousin was stabbed and killed so he took an army of 300,000 people. I think Osie Tutu was very brave and had lots of courage for loosing his so many family memmbers,and takeing a whole throne. Olivia - 11/18/2009 at 6:21:39 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18,1918. I consider him a hero because he spent 27 years in prison fighting to end apartheid. People in Africa loved him so much that they elected him president!!! He served as president from 1994-99. He currently is an elder statesman who continues to speak out on topical issues. In 1993 he won the Noble Peace Prize. Also, in South Africa he known as Madiba. He has received more than a hundred awards. I think he is brave to stand up for what he believes, even if it means getting in trouble. He risked his life for a lot of people. That is why I consider Nelson Mandela my hero. Kyrah - 11/18/2009 at 6:21:34 AM. My hero is: Nzingha. Nzingha was the Queen of Angola. She was born on December 17, 1583 in a royal family in Angola in Southwest Africa. No one knows what happened to Nzingha's mom, but she had a father who led the Ndongo people, 1 brother who became a king, and 1 sister who suceeded Nzingah. She was a very strong and intellegent girl. After her brother died in 1623, she became queen og Angola. Her country loved her. Unfortunaly since she is a girl, her brother was the favored child. So he was the one who trained to be the next Ngola after his father. But her brother could not accomplish the mission so instead he became a king. Soon Nizingha broke the rules and followed her father's footsteps and became a leader after his death. She soon married a good man and had a baby. Gabe - 11/18/2009 at 6:20:58 AM. My hero is: Askia The Great. He is my hero because he ruled the Songhai Empire nicely. All his people loved him and he set up many schools to educate the children in his Empire. HE also brought a huge increase in trade with Europe and Asia. He made sure that the best scholars came from Mali, which was in his empire. The scholars were so good, they produced some books that are still in use today. Jack Bel - 11/18/2009 at 6:20:32 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela lived in South Africa durring aparthied. He protested against apartheid until he was sent to prison.He was in prison for 27 years. When aparthied ended he became the president of South Africa. Emily - 11/18/2009 at 6:18:58 AM. My hero is: Haile Selassie. Haile Selassie was born on July 23, 1892 in Ejarsagoro Harar, Ethoipia. His mother was Woizero Yeshimebet. He became govenor of Harar at the age of 17. In 1931 he issued a written constitution and retained all major powers. On August 27, 1975 he died because his successor murdered him. Kate - 11/18/2009 at 6:18:06 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. My heros name is Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was a man who fought for his freedom.When the British settelers invated South Africa,the made a new type of govornment called "APARTHEID". This made it so that Blacks and Asians where not able to go into certin public places.Nelson Mandela did not like this! He steped in and took some action. When he did this he got arested by the British. He went to prision for 27 years untill the South African's declared freedom. After he was relesed,he was elected president of South Africa. He then retired and is now living in South Africa today. Marissa - 11/18/2009 at 6:18:01 AM. My hero is: Nzingha. Nzingha was born in 1582. She lived during a time when the Atlantic slave trade was growing quickly. She had two sisters and one brother. She became queen at the age of 41. Nzingha fought the Portuguese for her whole life, keeping her people free from slavery. Later on all of Portugal and most of Europe respected her. Nate - 11/18/2009 at 6:16:54 AM. My hero is: kenneth kaunda. Kennth Kaunda also know as k.k. he was born on April 28-1924. They think he is still alive but No one has seen him. He was the youngest of 8 children, his father was the minister. His mother was a teacher. He went to Lubwa Mission school. He started the Zambia African Union Party. Kennth had 7 children. Harrison - 11/18/2009 at 6:16:51 AM. My hero is: Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela helped the South-African slaves escape slavery.He took down the government in South Africa,and made a better one.Later he became president of South Africa.He made it so there was no more slavery. Cal - 11/18/2009 at 6:12:45 AM. My hero is: Sir Seretese Khama. Sir Seretese Khama is my hero, because he was the first president of Botswana, and gained independence for the country. He was also Prime Minister of Bechuaral in 1962. He gained independence for the people of Botswana. Ben - 11/18/2009 at 6:12:40 AM. My hero is: Kofi Annan. Kofi Annan is a very peaceful guy. Kofi Annan won was born on April 8,1938 in Kumasi, Ghana. Kofi is still living today. In 2001, Kofi Annan and the United Nations jointly were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1958, kofi began studying for a degree in economics at Kumasi of Science and Technology To see other thoughts from our students about heroes, read at the My Hero Forum.

Sharing Our Family Histories

As students study culture, and begin to learn about cultures from around the world and through time, it is important for them to understand their own culture and to become aware of their assumptions about how the world is as viewed through that lens... And so, we take a bit of time to learn of our own families and our community, and to share that history in class. Students tell of where their families came from, what brought them to this region, what keeps them here, and most share some object or story or tradition that is meaningful in their family.

What is "Kind?"

As we begin our study of culture and social justice in social studies class, one of the topics of discussion is how community is formed, and the workings of kindness and civility within a society (such as the classroom). One of the ways to explore the subject of being kind is for students to role play various situations where a kind response can help someone in some way. Walking through the motions of stopping and helping another person in need gives our brains another way to learn this concept... and so, although the pictures are not very good, here are some images of 6th graders demonstrating such behaviors as helping someone pick up books that have been dropped, intervening when someone has been bullied, encouraging a friend who is sad...

Sewing Help Needed

As we begin working to prepare for the 6th Grade International Festival, students will make caftans to wear for the event. Each student has calculated the amount of fabric that she or he needs to make a caftan. We will cut them out on April 28, and will sew them up in class on the morning of Wednesday, April 29. I have a portable sewing machine, but I could use more machines and some helpers to work with students on this project. If you have a portable sewing machine and are available and willing to volunteer on Wednesday 4/29, between 9:00 and 10:30, please call the school office or email me so I can schedule you in. Thanks in advance for your help with this project!

Coup in Guinea

We talked a lot about military takeovers and dictatorships during our study of South America.

Today, there is news of a military takeover (a coup), not in South America, but in the country of Guinea -- in Western Africa. There, President Conte, has died after a 24 year rule that some have called dictatorial. Without any mechanism for naming a successor, the military has stepped into the gap and suspended all the government institutions along with the constitution. This is an opportunity for those who are interested to see this sort of political/governmental process unfold.

It is too early to know what the ultimate outcome of all of this will be, but here are news reports on the event from around the world:

Aljazeera News The Guardian -- UK

Yahoo News

Finding New Species

We've discussed, in both Science and Social Studies classes, the fact that there are many, many species that have not yet been identified. Here's an interesting article about discoveries of previously unknown species found in the last few years in the Mekong region of Thailand... New Species

Field Trip -- On the Metro

It has been too long since I took these pictures while we waited for our bus to go see the production of VOTE? last month. That was a good field trip and a great way to wrap up our work studying the election process.

Brazil!

Studying Brazil and Brazilian culture and history began with a bit of time to listen to some popular music from that country. Here is a sample of what we heard in class:

And, listening to that made it really important that we all get up and dance!

Social Studies Board Games

As students completed their studies about North America in the modern era, they made presentations from the 12-Choice Project menu. Many decided to create board games for their project on this material. We had lots! So, we took a class period, after all the presentations were finished, and played board games. Here are pictures from our "game day."

Just one more election piece... These kids are great

Just in case you haven't had a chance to see them, these young people from Atlanta are fun to watch and point to the real truth of our political process and our American system of government. They are right, however you voted, the truth is that we all had the gift and privelege of casting our vote -- however we liked.

Good job!

Presidential Election Project

During this election season, sixth grade students have been working to understand the 2008 presidential campaign. They have formed teams, selected one of the two major candidates, and taken on the jobs of campaign manager, speech writer, and policy writer. The project link is here: http://msdanielswebquests.blogspot.com/2008/09/presidential-campaign-webquest.html All of their work on this project will be published this week and next on Blogger webpages. If you are interested in looking at what they have written, you can find their work published on these web pages: http://danielgroup1.blogspot.com/ http://danielgroup2.blogspot.com/ http://danielgroup3.blogspot.com/ http://danielgroup4.blogspot.com/ http://danielgroup5.blogspot.com/ http://danielgroup6.blogspot.com/

Social Studies Test -- Study Guide

Study Guide (Chapter 23, Culture, and Social Justice) Students will be responsible for the information contained in this study guide. Supplemental material that may help to enhance understanding can be found in the textbook on pp. 640-641, questions 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16.

• North America is the third largest continent in the world
• Eastern Coastal Mexico has a climate that is similar to tropical Haiti
• Arable means fit or suitable for the planting of crops
• Acid rain is rain that has high amounts of acid caused by pollution
• Toussaint L’Ourverture was a leader in the Haitian fight for independence
• Father Hidalgo called Mexicans to fight for their independence in 1810
• NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement
• Argentina is not part of North America
• The Continental Divide is a stretch of land along the Rocky Mountains that separates streams and rivers that flow east from those that flow west
• Typhoons are a type of natural disaster that would not affect people in North America
• The term culture refers to all the ways that a group of humans has learned to interact, and would include These might include: houses, music, clothing, religion, law, and art, spelling, reading, and math, college, grade school, high school, but would not include specific kinds of jobs like: veterinarians, engineers, and lawyers
• Going to church on Sunday is not an example of Universal Culture among humans
• Catholic social teaching includes doctrines relating to the collective welfare of humanity and the earth. There are seven key themes: § Sanctity of human life and dignity of the person § Call to family, community, and participation § Rights and responsibilities § Preferential Option for the poor and vulnerable § Dignity of work and the rights of workers § Solidarity § Care for God's creation You should be able to describe how a particular news event relates to these themes, and describe some way that you could act or behave in your daily life that would put that social justice teaching into practice.
• Be prepared to write about one thing that members of our class shared about the stories, artifacts, timelines, and traditions of their families, What is one question that you would ask about this if you were thinking about it like an anthropologist studying “culture?”
• Give an example of a subculture
• List three words that describe marriage or kinship relationships
• What could you guess about the culture of the society that created this coin?

• What does the word “tariff” mean?
• Use a product map to determine how many different types of products are produced in an area and make a decision about where you might place a factory.

Elevation Maps

We're working to learn about the geography of North America and the Caribbean. As students explore the impacts of geography on development and events in the modern age in these places, one project we've worked on is creating elevation maps using clay. This is a process that makes the pages from the atlas come to life as students actually build up the relief features represented on the flat atlas page.

Sharing Our Family Stories

We begin our study of social studies with some work to help us all understand what we mean when we talk about "culture." While we are learning about other people and other cultures from around the world, and throughout time, it is important to understand that we are each the product of our own cultures -- learned from those who make up our families and our communities. Students shared family recipes, handmade quilts, timelines of important happenings in their families, lockets, war medals, and lots and lots of stories. Sharing our stories gives us an opportunity to know ourselves, and each other better.

International Fair -- Thoughts

Our biggest project for the end of the year was the International Festival. We focused on the Muslim world, and all the countries that we studied have Muslim populations. We studied China, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, South Africa, Syria, Ethiopia, Jordan, and Palestine. We were able to work with people from our community who actually lived in the countries we were studying, and who volunteered their time to meet with students as they did their research (thanks to the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and The Center for American-Islamic Relations). We also had a visit from author, Freda Crane. Students prepared great displays, made foods to share from each of their countries. Each group gave a presentation about the culture and history of their assigned country. The presentations included folktales, dances, games, language demonstrations, skits, and a variety of other elements. Some student comments about the day were:

• I learned about Palestine. I never even knew Palestine existed. The story about the Palestinian people’s war with Israel is very interesting.
• Teamwork is key in this project. Hard work and listening to your partners are also important.
• We now know a lot more about how to treat people from different countries.
• I realize we are not the only ones out there. There is a lot more to explore.
• It was cool to make food that I had never seen before.
• If we learn more about the customs and traditions of others, the world will be a little more integrated.
• Learning about other cultures will be helpful for traveling later – we’ll know more what to do.
• Ethiopia is starving. They are very poor, and we need to help.
• Always get volunteers from the audience. They love it when you include them in things.
• It was a connection between countries.
• I learned that you can’t judge people based on where they come from.
• I felt like I could reach out to other cultures.
• There are many different cultures in the world, but we can learn about them and understand them and make peace.
• This project makes you think about the world’s opinion and feelings about wars.
• This project was a time for us to grow and change.

The Mosque and Lunch

We traveled together to visit a mosque in our area. Afterwards, we went out for a Mediterranean style lunch at a local restaurant called TAZ. We had a wonderful time.