Date: January 20,1998

Grade Level(s): 3, 4

Subject(s):

• Social Studies/World History
• Educational Technology

Students recognize varying social groupings and institutions, customs, norms, roles, equity, order, and change. Students interact effectively and work cooperatively with the many ethnic and cultural groups of our nation and world.

Overview

In this age of constant change students are rarely given the opportunity to reflect on their past or family history. They are bombarded by events of preparation, whether it be school or family chores, rarely are there times when students can pause and inquire about their history. By researching their families country of origin students will be able to reestablish their tie with history. By developing this connection, students can learn to appreciate the factors that went into the development of their family and its chronology. By using www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations, students will learn more about their country of origin and the factors that make each of them unique, and record them in a log. They will share these findings with the entire class, and in turn their sense of historical pride will surface. They will research factors such as:

• Facts at a glance (economic, religious, government, etc.)
• Money and costs (a comparison of exchange rates)
• Attractions (events, festivals)
• Activities (places to see and go)

Learner Outcomes

After this lesson students will:

• Develop an appreciation for their country of origin.
• Learn facts about their, and other classmates country of origin.
• Develop an appreciation for diversity.
• View diversity as a starting ground for dialogue rather than a matter right or wrong.

Procedure

1. Students, through parent/guardian guidance will determine their country of family origin.

2. Students may work individually or in pairs depending on whether or not they share the same country of origin.

3. After determining their country, students will log on to www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

4. Students will click on the continent in which their country is found.

5. Students will then click on their country.

6. Students will then be given a map of the country, and from there they must click on the countries name.

7. From the information that is listed as hyperlinks students will research and record:
  1.) Facts at a glance,
  2.) Money&Costs,
  3.) Attractions, and
  4.) Activities.

8. Students then will be asked to compare and contrast their findings to the United States as provided by the instructor.

9. Students will then match up with a classmate who has a different country of origin and discuss and record how they are the same and how they are different.

Extensions

• Children could correspond with actual students of other countries.
• Have a luncheon of diverse foods and clothing.

• Note the accuracy in their research facts.
• Note their use of superlatives, or the lack of when analyzing their records of step 9.
• Have students note three facts they learned about someone else's country of origin
• Ask students to briefly write on how this research has made them feel. Note words such as pride, interest, appreciate, etc.