Purpose:  Aligning with 21st Century Skills, students will work in pairs to explore cultures and countries throughout the world and design a segment of a full-class electronic book.

Definition:  "Take a Walk in my Shoes" is a project that will provide an opportunity for students to research cultures and countries, aligning them with the 7th Grade World Geography timeline and using foods as the common theme. 
The end product will be a full class electronic book created in Microsoft Word, containing recipes, geographical information, a flag, map, weather, history, and cultural traditions.

CORE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Students will:

• Work collaboratively in pairs, researching information and appropriate images
• Create a 2-4 page profile of their country, including recipes, geographical information, a flag, map, weather, history, traditional foods and culture, using Microsoft Publisher.
• Take notes on their specific topics.
• Apply prior knowledge to the new situation.
• Analyze and synthesize information.
• Communicate their findings in an electronic format.

Requirements

Technology Integration

Students will:

1.    select their country.

2.    divide the topics for research amongst group members.

 

3.    research their topics, using the print resources from the Easton Public Library, the Helen Keller Middle School Media Center, as well as pre-selected websites.
 

4.    answer the following questions:

Geography
How do the foods traditionally eaten in your country reflect the geography of the area?
 

·         Why are these foods grown here...and not in other parts of the world?  What physical conditions--temperature, precipitation, landscape, bodies of water -- exist which allow these foods, both plants and animals, to be available in this region?
 

·         What percentage of the land is suitable for farming? (arable)

History

Select one important event in the country's history and explain its significance to the people.

Traditional Foods

Explore the foods typically eaten by the people in your country, making special note of holidays.  Select a recipe that you will be able to make for the culminating event at the Easton Public Library.  (Be realistic!)

Culture, Holidays  and Traditions

• Describe daily customs
• Consider who eats with whom, when and where.
• Who prepares and serves the food?
• What are typical foods for specific holidays?
• Are there any foods that are forbidden?
• Is there any special meaning attached to specific foods?
• What “dress” is found in your country?

2.      

3.     Current Issues:

• State one issue that is currently impacting your country. Make sure to note the date of your finding.  Use either World News Network (www.wn.com), Internet Public Library or PItara News for Kids (www.pitara.com/news/) and find an article on your country.
• World Newspapers

2.      

5.    prepare country profile:

·          

·      Include a map and flag of the country.

·      Use the correct "Works Cited" format when citing resources.

·      Synthesize all information into a document using Word. 

Students will:

• Use pre-selected databases,  including Nettrekker, World Book , Culturegrams, Destiny, Global Road Warrior (Easton Library Card required), World News Network, Internet Public Library or Pitara Kids Network. Click on On-line Databases to access these resources.
• Use pre-selected image sites and label each image specifically with the url.
  • Pics4Learning
  • Public Domain - Teacher Tap
    
  • The World Factbook
• Critically evaluate the websites for accuracy and relevancy
• Use Word to create a Works Cited
• Use Word to create a 2-4 page profile, including a map and flag
• Insert  appropriate images to enhance the product
• Label images with a simple description
• Change fonts, style, background, colors, size and arrangement
• Revise and edit using the Spelling Tool
• Save files to the proper location on the network