GEEO Lesson Plan Database
Subject: Principal | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: Costa Rica 2011
Contributor: Hector Galicia
Lesson Plan
Creating a cultural week or a couple of days at my school. One of the countries that would be included would be Costa Rica. Every department will be able to pick a country, Costa Rica being one. In addition, they will either look at the food/art(elective classes) music (music dept), government (history), eco system (science) and etc.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Prior to my departure I would need to put it on the school calendar. Also, once I arrive in Costa Rica I will see if any of the places that we visit provide me with information or artifacts that I can bring back to my school.
Preparation During Travel
During my visit I will need to look at art, visit authentic resturants with Costa Rican food, or places of entertainment to get an idea of their culture. Finally, I would like to get any information possible or visit a place that would give me an insight of Costa Rican government.
Subject: Music | Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: Costa Rica 2011
Contributor: Megan Ashe
Lesson Plan
I would like to learn traditional Latin American music and have each grade perform a song in the winter concert or spring concert. The performance will be done for two concerts- a school day concert and a concert in the evening for parents and family. I will also display pictures through an online album to share my travel experience with my students so they understand the area of the world where the music comes from and create a few assignments (classroom and homework) based on those pictures. I will also discuss Costa Rica's musical customs and how it is taught in schools over there. A lot of our students are Latina, so I feel it is important they sing music they may be familiar with. On the other hand, it is important that students who are not Latina also have exposure to music from other cultures and feel comfortable speaking in another language- especially since spanish is a major language spoken here in the U.S.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research various traditional holiday songs and pop songs from Costa Rica to have an idea what I should be asking for over there. I am also going to work with a spanish teacher here at school to learn some important phrases to make communication easier.
Preparation During Travel
I would like to attend a couple of music events (i.e. concerts or symposiums) if at all possible so I can see their performance styles and their imstrumentation. I would also like to go to a nightclub that has live bands- some of the best music comes out of a dive nightclub! I would like to meet with a music teacher in Costa Rica and speak with them to learn about music customs and traditions. I will also look for recordings of music as well as sheet music while I am there so I can use it for the performance. It is important the music be as authentic as possible.
Subject: All Subjects | Grades: 5
Location: Argentina/Uruguay/Brazil 2011
Contributor: Chaya Harris
Lesson Plan
In fifth grade in our district, students work on several different types of numeric conversions throughout the year. I plan to use money from various countries to teach them a very useful skill through hands-on activities. I will collect money from the countries I visit and ask other teachers traveling abroad to bring back samples as well. In the fall, students will research current exchange rates and figure out how many USD the money is worth and vice versa.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Research Exchange rates and local currency so I know what to collect, ask other teachers to collect money if they are also traveling this summer.
Preparation During Travel
Collect and bring back coins and dollars, stay aware of exchange rates
Subject: English | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: Argentina/Uruguay/Brazil 2011
Contributor: Laurel Tanza
Lesson Plan
In groups students will design a tourist brochure/power point for Argentina, Brazil, or Uruguay. In their brochure/power point they will include information such as tourist attractions, local currency, languages spoken, cuisine, methods of transportation, music, and cultural activities, dances, etc. After creating their brochures/power points students will present the information to other classes to try and get students to come and "visit" their country.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will need to do research on different types of music from each country I am visiting, and find out what cultural activities each country has to offer. I will also need to learn what typical dishes are so that I can eat them, and learn how they are prepared.
Preparation During Travel
I will talk to locals and learn vocabulary that is specific to that region in relation to food, events, and communication. I will attend a dance show, learn how to cook or prepare a meal. I will take pictures of tourist attractions I visit during my trip. I will also take pictures of the methods of local transportation, dances. I will also buy CDs of music from each country so I may share it with my class. I will bring back currency from each country to share with my students.
Subject: Spanish | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: Argentina/Uruguay/Brazil 2011
Contributor: Jen Lipson
Lesson Plan
Incorporate culture of Uruguay and Argentina into the curriculum; use money to talk about the exchange rate, let students do a market activity using the money as part of the activity. Current event Friday: Have students bring in an article from either Argentina or Uruguay and share with the class about what is happening.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Research the current exchange rates of the monies as well as see what typical items are sold in each country.
Preparation During Travel
Get samples of money from the various countries, photograph/record types of products found in those countries specific to that country.
Subject: Art | Grades: Preschool, Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Location: Costa Rica 2011
Contributor: Catherine Rae
Lesson Plan
I am an art teacher and I would like to teach my students about art in Costa Rica. I would like to create a couple units where students can make a few art projects based on what I saw and researched from Costa Rica. I am also going to make a power point with photos from my trip and explain the the children all about beautiful Costa Rica!
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research popular art work in Costa Rica so I not only know some background info, but also what to look out for while I'm there.
Preparation During Travel
I will visit local art galleries, ask locals about popular art in Costa Rica, and take many pictures during the trip to add to my power point presentation. I will also take beautiful landscape photos as inspiration for paintings.
Subject: Science & Business | Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: Sharon Willets
Lesson Plan
Since I am a business teacher, I want to teach my students about International business etiquette in India. The students will research India's business etiquette and compare it to other Asia countries and the United States. Then they will present their findings via a PPT and present it to the class.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research business etiquette in India.
Preparation During Travel
I will talk to various different business owners. I will also ask the local business owners in the villages that we will be visiting about etiquette in business appearance, dress attire, and communication. I will take many pictures to include businesses and dress attire that students will be able to use in their presentations.
Subject: Social Studies, Language Arts & Religion | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: Rosemary Conroy
Lesson Plan
I plan to create some amazing power point presentations on history and culture for my two World History classes that will emphasize the diversity and richness of the Indian culture. I hope to supplement this with craft items, samples of music, art, etc. to create an artifact teaching trunk for our building. Because I teach a world religions unit in my religion curriculum I also intend to do a power point presentation on Hinduism and Buddhism with an emphasis on religious beliefs, commonalities, and forms of worship.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I'm planning on doing a lot of reading so that I can ask focused questions and have a game plan of what I want to focus on.
Preparation During Travel
I plan to take advantage of the opportunity to visit as many historical, cultural and religious sites as possible. I hope to take advantage of any cultural presentations that might be made available to us. I hope to interview or talk to as many local people as possible and to take as many pictures as possible.
Subject: English | Grades: University
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: Linda Ericksen
Lesson Plan
I will require that students read "Gandhi, His Life and Message for the World" by Louis Fischer. They will have to write an essay on Gandhi's goals, accomplishments, and methods. To accompany the following class discussion, I will present a slide presentation of my photos showing the Gandhi Museum which contains the memorial walk from his simple room to the place of his death and also the Gandhi Memorial with the eternal flame. Both of these sights are in New Delhi.
Pre-Departure Preparation
none needed.
Preparation During Travel
I will take photos at the Gandhi Museum and Gandhi Memorial.
Subject: Gifted | Grades: Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: Jennifer Petruska
Lesson Plan
My fifth grade students will complete a novel study about Peak by Roland Smith. This novel is about a boy named Peak who attempts to be the youngest person to climb Mount Everest. Peak leaves New York City for Kathmandu, Nepal, and begins the long trek up the mountain. In addition to practicing reading strategies and analyzing literary devices, my students will learn about the life of Nepalese Sherpas, the struggle between Tibet and China, and the perils of climbing the world’s tallest mountain. My sixth grade students study world leaders through literature. Our second unit of study is Gandhi. First, students read a biography of Gandhi and learn about the Indian culture, religions, language, and caste system. Then, we read the novel Keeping Corner by Kashmira Seth. The novel about a young girl named Leela who is in the Brahman caste. She suddenly becomes widowed and is forced to stay in her home and “keep corner” for a year. While in seclusion, she learns about Gandhi and how he is fighting for the rights of women and to eliminate the caste system. During the novel, we will learn more about the Hindu god Ganesh and the goddess Lakshmi. Students will make a Rangoli design like the characters did to celebrate Diwali. In 2010, I started an International Night at my school. I will add the countries of India and Nepal to this night. I will create displays with my students based on our units of study. My goal is to bring in someone to apply mehndi on the students’ hands and someone to teach Hindi lessons.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research important places in Kathmandu as well significant places in Gandhi’s life. I will read more about the current state of the caste system in India. I plan to read memoirs and novels set in Nepal and India to help me better understand the culture. I will buy a Hindi phrase book and an app for my tablet to practice basic phrases.
Preparation During Travel
To enrich my Gandhi unit, I will visit sites important to Gandhi's life such as the Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi where he spent the last days of his life. I will ask my guide for more information about the Hindu religion, the caste system, and Nepal’s views of Tibet. I would like see a traditional dance or musical performance. Whenever I get a chance, I will read local newspapers to find out more information about current events in both countries. To share one way women celebrate religious festivals or weddings, I will try to get mehndi on my hands and videotape the process. My students always enjoy seeing foreign currency so I will save Nepalese and Indian coins and bills. Since I will have a few extra days in Kathmandu, I will plan a trip to Mount Everest so I can give my students more background knowledge. Postcards of famous sites, Hindu gods/goddesses, and Mount Everest’s base camps and summit will help my students visualize important events in the novels so I will be on the look out to purchase as many as possible. Finally, I will take many photos and videos to share what I see and learn with my students.
Subject: All subjects | Grades: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Location: Egypt 2011
Contributor: Jo Ann Summerall
Lesson Plan
I plan to coordinate Egyptian Studies, with our Global teacher for the annual Global Fair. I would like to include architecture, music, art, food, culture and customs for our student body. ( Previously, this school year our class viewed videos and DVDs about Egypt for background knowledge.) I plan to help the students create model pyramids for the annual Global Fair. We will prepare taste testing food items for the Global Fair as Egyptian music and photos are on the Power Point Global Fair Display. Meet with an Egyptian Elementary school teacher to unite our schools for a Global Fair and share school addresses and emails to have an ongoing dialogue with students, if possible.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I have previously viewed videos and DVDs concerning Egypt and Egyptians, culture and customs. Bring my camera and plenty of memory sticks.
Preparation During Travel
I will need to take photos, gather available menus from restaurants, purchase Egyptian music CDs and possibly DVDs and speak with a local teacher about how to coordinate an International Global Fair between our schools,
Subject: Geography | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: Egypt 2011
Contributor: Carmen McCurren
Lesson Plan
My geography students will plan their own trip to Egypt. Through researching travel locations in Egypt, they will create an itinerary and write a postcard to a friend describing what they have seen and done while on this trip.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will begin to find travel and tourism sites my students can use to research destinations they would like to incorporate into their trip.
Preparation During Travel
I will take pictures along the trip to give students some ideas of places they can include in their project.
Subject: English | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: Janet Matthews
Lesson Plan
I will be teaching "The Ramayana" and would like to be photographing temples, sites, and Indian dieties that mentioned in the epic. I also would like to interview some people about the importance of this epic and their knowledge about Rama and Sita.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will have a list of the setting, deities, and rituals.
Preparation During Travel
I will take pictures and photographs and interview people during my free time.
Subject: ESOL, Reading, English | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: Ellen Taylor
Lesson Plan
I will have an "India" day when I read Indian folktales (while wearing a sari). Students will write their version of an Indian folktale.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research simple folktales related to the Indian culture.
Preparation During Travel
I will buy a sari! I will ask about Indian folktales, and hopefully buy a book of simple folktales.
Subject: All subjects | Grades: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: La Donna Pitts
Lesson Plan
I strongly believe in cross-curricular lessons and I intend to teach about rangoli designs used during traditional festivities in India. Students will then use various materials to constuct their designs which will incorporate geometric shapes and symmetry that they have learned in math class. These designs will be displayed in locations throughout the school, possibly culminating during our annual neighborhood art fair.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will continue to research how recyclable materials can be used to create these designs. Furthermore to examine how they can be related to our character education program currently in place in our curriculum, having discovered that these designs signify cultural mannerisms and hospitality.
Preparation During Travel
During my time in India, it will be necesary to find examples of the rangoli designs and to discuss with the native people how they were constructed and what the significance of each of the elements are. I expect some of the designs also relate to their religious beliefs and certain deities and while visiting temples, etc., I will explore these connections to the different designs.
Subject: English/Language Arts | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: India/Nepal 2011
Contributor: Elizabeth Kriynovich
Lesson Plan
I am a ninth-grade World Literatures teacher, and a central theme of our curriculum is "The Hero's Journey." We explore various aspects of the journey pattern in literature throughout the year. I am going to include a unit on the life/legend of the Buddha.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I am researching Buddha's life and reading introductory Buddhist philosophy.
Preparation During Travel
I will take photos and gather information in Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, and Sarnath, location of his first sermon, to add to my lessons about Buddha's life and teachings.
Subject: Science, Chemistry | Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: Peru 2011
Contributor: Eileen McNamee
Lesson Plan
I will teach my students about the science used to build Machu Picchu and introduce photographs into the classroom
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research the science used to build the buildings in the area of Machu Picchu.
Preparation During Travel
Photograph the areas we visit and take notes on the information I learn during the trip
Subject: Biology | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: Southern Africa 2010
Contributor: Deanna Brunlinger
Lesson Plan
I will do a Hunger Banquet with my students and all freshman World Culture classes to bring awareness about people (especially children) in need worldwide of an adequate food supply and clean drinking water. I will also use the examples of biomes when teaching them in my classes. I will compare characteristics of the critters (flora and fauna) found in each of the biomes to those native to Wisconsin.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research population, birth and death rate, population pyramid, education, income and crime statistics for each of the countries we visit. I will also research biome and critter distribution.
Preparation During Travel
I will take pictures of the poorer and wealthier regions and people to provide contrast of haves and have-nots. I will also take pictures of evidence of biome characteristics. I will take pictures of every critter I see and attempt to identify it!
Subject: Reading | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: Peru 2010
Contributor: Kate Doniger
Lesson Plan
"I am a reading teacher and I would like my students to follow Peru in the news. I plan to have my students read newspaper and magazine articles with topics related to news, politics, history, culture, and natural disasters in Peru. I already have an article from National Geographic Explorer to start the year. The article discusses picking ""The New Seven Wonders of the World."" There is a section in this article with a picture and description of Machu Picchu. Another idea I have is reading a Peruvian Fairy Tale. I have a lesson where students read different versions of Cinderella from around the world. I could add a Peruvian story to this lesson."
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research Peruvian literature and fairy tales.
Preparation During Travel
I will take plenty of pictures of people, architecture, and the mountains in Peru to share with my students. I hope to use these pictures as a way to get my students interested in learning more. While in Peru, I plan to talk to teachers and other people we meet about Peruvian literature.
Subject: Science | Grades: 6, 7, 8
Location: Peru 2010
Contributor: Christina Luzzi
Lesson Plan
I am a science teacher and I would like to teach my students about Peruvian agriculture and engineering. I will collect climate data and have students compare to New York City climate data. Students will use engineering skills learned to create a design experiment as their 8th grade exit project.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research the climate and agriculture of the towns we will be visiting. I will create data tables to collect information on the sites. I will also research engineering and architecture techniques specific to the Peruvian culture.
Preparation During Travel
I will take pictures of the indigenous plants. I will talk to the locals about their culture and traditions in relation to agriculture. I will take pictures of the Peruvian structures, I will also note what time period they were built. On one of the free nights I will attend a museum.
Subject: English | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: Peru 2011 and Argentina/Uruguay/Brazil 2011
Contributor: Kate DeFeo
Lesson Plan
I am a fiction writing teacher. I am planning on using photos from my summer adventures in order to create a photo-fiction unit. The students will pick photographs from an array of places and people....etc and then will generate a piece of fiction based on the photograph that they choose. This will get them to use more creative settings and characters when they are writing their fiction and for them to realize that fiction can be generated from a picture. I would love this to spin into a magical realism unit.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will be actively reading short fiction from South American authors in order to get a feel of their writing and setting and characters.
Preparation During Travel
I will be actively taking photos during my trips this summer and finding the most creative shots possible to bring back into my classroom.
Subject: Technology | Grades: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Location: Peru 2011
Contributor: Scott Lerner
Lesson Plan
A major part of my third grade curriculum is an archaeology unit where students simulate an actual excavation on one of five civilizations. As a technology coordinator, I am heavily involved in the analysis of their excavated artifacts. My idea is to introduce students to Machu Picchu, the most famous archaelogical site in the world. Through the photos and videos that I will take, students will learn about the site, and compare it with the site they are studying. I will require them to add information and photos to their archaeology site report.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research a basic history of Machu Picchu and Inca society to relate to my third grade students.
Preparation During Travel
I will take photos, videos, talk to people and learn about Machu Picchu, the Incas, and current life in Peru.
Subject: Biology/Environmental Science | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: Southern Africa 2011
Contributor: Patricia Van Bergen
Lesson Plan
I will create a bulletin board in my room that outlines the countries I visited, dominant species, as well as environmental problems. I will videotape several components of the trip to show my students, and create a 1-2 day lesson for each unit I teach in my environmental science class that links what we are learning to environmental issues in Africa.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will research the dominant flora and fauna of the regions I will be visiting.
Preparation During Travel
I will take lots of pictures and video, as well as interview locals as to the environmental problems that are the most severe in their area.
Subject: Elementary - Multi Subjects | Grades: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Location: Peru 2009
Contributor: Lynette Swiger
Lesson Plan
On big area of third grade social studies/science is to look at the climate of different areas of the world. Climate affects jobs, recreation, food, traditions, culture, etc. and I will be sharing the differences in climate between Peru and West Virginia. In addition, since Peru is in a different hemisphere, it will be interesting to third graders to learn why it is winter in Peru when it is summer in the U.S. The climate affects the culture of a people and thus is a meshing of science and social studies.
Pre-Departure Preparation
None
Preparation During Travel
I will take plenty of pictures showing the lifestyles of people in Peru - clothes, food, recreation, jobs - as well as their "winter clothing". These will be the springboard for discussions and lessons - especially as to why their winter / winter clothing is not as harsh/heavy as ours.
Subject: U.S. History/Government | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: Peru 2010
Contributor: Paula Woods
Lesson Plan
As a government and history teacher I will do a comparative politics study between the constitutions and government set up of Peru and the U.S. I will also show photos of Macchu Pichu and discuss the Inca civilization and compare it to the Hopi tribe when I do my Native American unit.
Pre-Departure Preparation
I will find a copy of Peru's Constitution. I will also seek out prior knowledge about the Inca tribe.
Preparation During Travel
Visit government buildings in Lima and take pictures of Machu Pichu as well as learn about the Inca civiliation.
Subject: Math | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Location: India 2009
Contributor: Kimberly Kurgan
Lesson Plan
In my honors precalculus course, we have a small unit on fractal geometry. The Taj Mahal is said to have ""self-replecating geometry"" which is essentially fractals. After studying fractals, I can bring in pictures of the Taj Mahal and various grounds surrounding the Taj Mahal for students to find examples of fractals used. I also teach algebra 1 and within the curriculum we introduce the students to trigonometry. After learning basic trig, students can learn about Jantar Mantar. Students can solve for the heights of stars, moons, and the sun given two known measurements. We can also discuss the accuracy of Jai Singh's observatory which was built in 1724.
Pre-Departure Preparation
For each possible lesson plan, I would have to do more research after returning to the States. I have already tried to find information involving math (that I actually currently teach) on both the Taj Mahal and Jantar Mantar.
Preparation During Travel
"At the Taj Mahal, I will need to take many pictures from different aspects. Students often see things I do not, so even though something may not seem relevant to me, I should not dismiss it. Also, any literature that is available at the Taj Mahal will be helpful. At Jantar Mantar, I am curious as to how eighteenth century Indians used the structures for astronomy. Actually being there may help spark my creativity on how to best combine trigonometry with a small history lesson on Jantar Mantar."
