With our maps finished we've begun our unit on ancient Mesopotamia and the earliest examples of human civilizations.
Alders finished up their world maps this week, and the results are awesome. Along, with our preparation for Roots and Responsibility Day, these maps have been a major project during our Theme class. First we studied some challenges of recreating our 3D globe on a flat 2D piece of paper, and we looked at how different map makers have approached the problem, some maps strech and distort the area or shape of the continents, some are accurate for area, but look distorted, some can be used for navigation, but don't give an accurate view of relative size. Students then picked which type of map they would like to recreate, and worked with partners to create a 2:1 scale version of their map selection. Recreating the the latitude and longitude lines on out maps was a real challenge, especially for the maps with curving longitude lines. After labeling the Equator and Prime Meridian, we had to add in the continents using the grid boxes, plotting points along the coast lines and drawing in by hand. Finally, students had to identify the continents, the five oceans (yes, I said 5...though it was only 4 when I was growing up...we now include the Southern Ocean as the 5th), and use research skills (atlases and computer) to locate and draw on their maps important rivers (Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Yangtze, Danube, Amazon & Mississippi) and mountain ranges (Himalayas,Andes, Alps, and Rockies. With our maps finished we've begun our unit on ancient Mesopotamia and the earliest examples of human civilizations.
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As I am sure you well know, last Thursday was Roots and Responsibility Day at MRA. This year, there were 9 stations that were planned and taught by the Alders. The rest of the students were divided into mixed age groups who rotated through the stations. The Alders planned a lesson at each station, and planned hands-on activities to go with each lessons. The water station taught about water purification, and conservation while decorating rain barrels. The honey group taught everyone about our beehives, and why honey from different regions taste different. The rain dancers taught about indigenous cultures, and performed and taught a rain dance (it worked!). One group adapted the myth of the Minotaur and and the Labyrinth to teach a conflict resolution strategy. The erosion group demonstrated the effects of poor land stewardship, and performed plantings around the play space. We also had the smoothie station and veggie rainbow and ancient grains teaching about healthy eating, and the apple press and pumpkin/sunflower groups celebrated the harvest from our garden.
It was amazing watching the Alders being leaders. For my first Roots day, it was great and reinforced how great of a place MRA is to be a part of. |
Clay P. Bedford -You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. Archives
June 2020
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