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The First Americans Today
Fourth graders identify at least one similarity and at least one difference in the following categories: celebrations, daily activities, values and beliefs, other.
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Greek Gods Who Are They?
Sixth graders research a Greek God with a partner and prepare a presentation for the class. They use the computer and Internet, as a motivator for a Social Studies unit and explore the mythology, legends, values and beliefs of a people.
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Reading Multicultural Literature
Students read several fictional pieces which examine issues of urbanization and rural cultures. They discuss how the place a person lives affects the kind of person they become.
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Quinceaneras
Students explore traditions which are celebrated in Quinceaneras. They examine the Latin American culture, its beliefs and value systems. Students analyze vocabulary words. They write a story about Quinceaneras.
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Looking Through Lenses
Students explore the various societal and cultural "lenses" which color their perspectives and life experiences by reading the short story "What Means Switch" by Gish Jen. They discuss how the cultural ideas and beliefs affect the...
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Hindu Festival - Let's Celebrate Diwali
Students explore characteristics, roles and cultural expressions of Indian community in New Zealand. They describe traditional practices of Diwali Festival, collect and record information, design open-ended questionnaire, create Diwali...
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Should Art Be for Art's Sake?
Young scholars examine how European-America aestheticians (philosophers of art) do not all agree about the value and definition of art. students examine how some cultures do not have a distinct word or definition for art.
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Fieldwork Basics Overview
Put your feet up and grab a cup of coffee before going through this extensive field work unit plan! Based on folklorist studies of traditional culture and ethnography, several activities focus on topics such as cultural sensitivity;...
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What Can We Learn about India from a Ten Rupee Bank Note?
The class finds and cites evidence showing India's unity in diversity and work to recognize some of the complex interactions of a civilized community. They read to understand how geography, history, politics, economics, beliefs, and...
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Art Around the World
The non-fiction book Art Around the World by Heather Leonard serves as inspiration for learning how art reflects cultures and values. New vocabulary and background knowledge are fleshed out before reading the story. Afterward, the class...
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Favorite Sports and Athletes: an Introduction to Sports Media
Even young children watch sports and like team logos and products. It's never too early to think critically about what's onscreen. This exercise develops awareness that media communicate values (i.e. who participates in sports and who...
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Jazz In America
Students gain a fundamental understanding of the role of jazz in the Harlem Renaissance. They explain its historical significance and cultural implications.
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Jazz in America Lesson Plan 7
The student will explore free jazz, fusion, and contemporary jazz. They will listen to avant garde, fusion, and pop recordings. In addition, they participate in a class discussion regarding jazz's contribution to and reflection of...
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To Dig or Not to Dig: The Stadium Showdown
Learners examine an ethical public dilemma. In this cultural resource lesson, students role play to examine their personal beliefs regarding the protection of cultural resources. They evaluate possible actions they can take to protect...
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Ideas and Commodities Cross Cultural Regions
Young scholars compare and contrast how commodities native to certain countries have impacted the economies of other nations. After gathering information regarding how commodities are grown and traded, students use their information to...
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Saris, Kimonos, Tagas and Smocks: Exploring Clothing Across Cultures
Students explore via the internet all types of clothing around the world. Students discuss that the way people dress is an important means of expressing identity. Students collaborate via Internet research the social purposes of clothing.
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Social Studies: Religions and Folktales of India
Students examine the world's major religions, focusing on India as presented in folktales. They take notes while reading the stories and retell them orally. Students research belief systems and write one-paragraph reflections about them.
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Project-Based Learning: Diversity
Ethnic and cultural diversity are explored in a service learning lesson, great for upper graders. They participate in four weekly activities that require them to research ethnic and cultural diversity.
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Systems of Power Against and Within American Indian Communities, 1880-1940
Students explore methods and the struggles of power between the federal policies and Native populations. They discuss the issue of controlling the Native Indian population, driving them from their land, and providing a mandatory...
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Traditional Japanese Dance
Students study introductory history and cultural purposes of selected Japanese dance forms. They analyze the philosophical beliefs, social systems, and movement norms that influence the function and role of Japanese dance in the lives...
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Lesson 9- Billy Wilder: Film Noir Inventor and Genius
Students study what influenced and inspired Billy Wilder while determining the plot, characters, and historical context of the film Double Indemnity. They investigate the stereotypes of Film Noir and how it shows the media messages of...
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History's Heroes
Students compare two people who are considered to be heroes. In this heroes lesson, students read books or selections about two people who accomplished something special. They make a compare and contrast chart that includes nine...
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Japanese Collage
Seventh graders compare and contrast different types of art associated with different cultures. They identify how cultures express their values in art. They create their own collage about Japan.
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Jazz in America
Eleventh graders explore Jazz in America. They examine greats in Jazz, such as Duke Ellington. They are also to discuss the cultural implications of the music itself.