1st Grade
Project
6 weeks
"Ecuador Extravaganza: Mapping, Moves & More!"
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to immerse first-grade students in the rich cultural and geographical tapestry of Ecuador, fostering a deeper understanding of how these elements shape the lives of its people. Through hands-on activities, students will explore the diverse landscapes and cultural traditions, encouraging them to make connections between Ecuador's regions and their unique ways of living. By engaging in creative map-making and cultural showcases, students will develop critical thinking and collaboration skills while gaining appreciation for global diversity.
Learning goals
Students will explore Ecuador's unique cultural and geographical features by engaging in hands-on activities that foster a deeper understanding of the country's diverse regions. They will develop map-making skills by constructing a 3D representation of Ecuador, identifying key geographical features. Through a cultural showcase, students will gain insights into how Ecuador's culture and geography influence daily life, while reflecting on their learning during a 'Gallery Walk' to share and receive feedback on their projects.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.2: Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
- NGSS - 1-ESS1-2: Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.
Products
Students will create a 3D map of Ecuador using materials like clay or paper mache, showcasing its key geographical features. They will also prepare cultural presentations, including dances, songs, or traditional clothing, to share in a cultural showcase. These projects will culminate in a 'Gallery Walk,' where students present their work and insights about Ecuador's unique culture and geography to peers and receive feedback.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive "Ecuador Day" where students explore various stations featuring Ecuadorian music, food samples, and visuals of landscapes and wildlife. Invite a guest speaker, perhaps someone with Ecuadorian heritage, to share stories and experiences about living in Ecuador. Engage students in a short interactive activity, such as learning a simple Ecuadorian dance or song, to spark curiosity and excitement for the upcoming study.
Exhibition
At the end of the project, host a vibrant Ecuadorian Cultural Day where students present their 3D maps and perform dances or songs from different regions of Ecuador. Invite families and community members to explore the gallery of student work and engage in discussions about the unique cultural and geographical aspects of Ecuador. Create interactive stations where visitors can learn about the impact of Ecuador's climate on its traditions and daily life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's diversity.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Virtual Field Trip Kickoff - Explore Ecuador's vibrant cities and festivals through an interactive virtual field trip, discussing how these elements showcase Ecuador's unique identity (30 min)
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Ecuadorian Music and Culture Discussion - Listen to traditional Ecuadorian music and watch clips of cultural celebrations, talking about how these reflect the country's culture (15 min)
Culture and Geography Collage Creation - Create a collage using images and symbols representing Ecuador's culture and geography, sparking curiosity about the country's diversity (15 min)
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Understanding Ecosystems - Introduce the diverse ecosystems of Ecuador, focusing on the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest, and how they influence daily life (15 min)
Andes and Amazon Modeling - Begin constructing simple models of the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest using natural materials, linking geography to environmental impact (15 min)
Reflection Circle Time - Host a discussion where students share what they learned about Ecuador and how it made them feel, fostering deeper understanding (5 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed collages representing Ecuador's culture and geography
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| Preparation |
1. Set up the virtual field trip technology, ensuring smooth playback.
2. Gather traditional Ecuadorian music tracks and clips of cultural celebrations. 3. Provide crafting materials: magazines, printed images of Ecuador, stickers, scissors, glue, and construction paper for collage-making. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ecuadorian Art Exploration - Introduce traditional Ecuadorian art, focusing on the vibrant colors and patterns used in indigenous crafts and textiles, linking cultural expression to natural resources (15 min)
Textile Craft Activity - Create a simple weaving project using yarn or paper strips, inspired by Ecuadorian textiles, fostering creativity and connection to cultural traditions (15 min)
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Geography and Climate Discussion - Discuss the various climates found in Ecuador, such as the coastal, mountain, and rainforest regions, and how these affect the lifestyle and clothing of its people (15 min)
Clothing and Climate Role-Play - Engage in a role-play activity where students dress up in clothing suitable for different Ecuadorian climates, understanding the practical effects of geography on daily life (15 min)
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Ecuadorian Wildlife Exploration - Introduce students to the unique animals found in Ecuador, such as the Galápagos tortoises and Andean condors, and discuss their habitats (15 min)
Animal Habitat Diorama Creation - Begin creating dioramas of Ecuadorian animal habitats using recycled materials, encouraging environmental awareness and creativity (15 min)
Reflection Circle Time - Host a discussion where students share what they learned about Ecuador's wildlife and how these discoveries made them feel, strengthening their understanding (5 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A collaborative mural depicting the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest, showcasing Ecuador's diverse ecosystems and their influence on culture.
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| Preparation |
1. Gather art supplies such as large paper, paints, brushes, and aprons for the mural activity.
2. Acquire storybooks or videos about Ecuador's ecosystems, particularly focusing on the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest. 3. Prepare discussion prompts for 'Circle Time' to guide students in reflecting on their learning experiences. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ecuadorian Food Exploration - Introduce traditional Ecuadorian dishes, discussing how geography and resources influence local cuisine (15 min)
Cooking and Tasting Activity - Prepare a simple Ecuadorian recipe using safe, classroom-friendly ingredients, connecting culinary experiences to cultural understanding (15 min)
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Ecuadorian Culture Through Stories - Read a popular Ecuadorian folktale, exploring themes and cultural values depicted in the story (15 min)
Story Illustration Activity - Illustrate scenes from the Ecuadorian folktale, fostering creativity and connections to cultural narratives (15 min)
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Natural Resources Investigation - Introduce students to Ecuador's natural resources, such as cacao and bananas, discussing their importance to the economy and culture (15 min)
Resource Exploration Stations - Create interactive stations where students can learn about and handle examples of Ecuadorian resources, enhancing tactile learning and curiosity (10 min)
Reflection Circle Time - Host a discussion where students share what they learned about Ecuador's resources and how these discoveries made them feel, fostering deeper connections (5 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed 3D model of the Andes Mountains, highlighting its geographical features.
2. A group presentation where each student shares one fact about an Amazon Rainforest species, using visual aids from the sensory bin. 3. A class video recording of the traditional Ecuadorian dance session. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather clay, natural materials, and simple tools for creating the Andes Mountains model.
2. Prepare a sensory bin with replicas of Amazon Rainforest plants and animals, along with fact cards for each species. 3. Select a playlist of traditional Ecuadorian music and arrange for a space suitable for dance activities. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ecuadorian Dance Exploration - Introduce students to traditional Ecuadorian dances, focusing on the rhythm and cultural significance of movements, linking dance to cultural expression (15 min)
Dance Practice Session - Invite students to learn and practice simple steps from an Ecuadorian dance, fostering appreciation for cultural traditions (15 min)
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Andean Music Instruments - Present various traditional Andean instruments like the pan flute and charango, discussing their role in Ecuadorian music (15 min)
Instrument Crafting Activity - Guide students in creating a simple pan flute using straws, encouraging creativity and connection to musical traditions (15 min)
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Ecuadorian Food Tasting - Introduce students to typical Ecuadorian foods, discussing ingredients and their geographical origins (15 min)
Recipe Card Creation - Assist students in creating a recipe card for an Ecuadorian dish, illustrating the ingredients and process, linking culture to geography (10 min)
Reflection Circle Time - Host a discussion where students share what they learned about Ecuador’s foods and how it made them feel, enhancing socio-emotional connections (5 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A paper model of the Andes Mountains created by each student.
2. A small diorama representing the Amazon Rainforest made from natural materials. 3. A drawing inspired by Ecuadorian music, reflecting cultural insights. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather craft supplies for the Andes models, such as colored paper, scissors, glue, and markers.
2. Collect natural materials like leaves, twigs, and soil for the Amazon Rainforest dioramas. 3. Prepare audio clips of traditional Ecuadorian music and ensure a space for students to try simple dance moves. 4. Select an age-appropriate storybook about the Amazon Rainforest for a read-aloud session. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ecuadorian Dance Exploration - Introduce traditional Ecuadorian dances by watching short video clips, then practice basic steps as a group to understand cultural expressions through movement (15 min)
Andes Mountains Model Completion - Finish constructing the Andes Mountains model using clay and natural materials, focusing on how this geographical feature influences local life and culture (15 min)
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Amazon Rainforest Model Completion - Complete the Amazon Rainforest model by adding plants and animals, discussing how this ecosystem supports diverse life and impacts Ecuadorian culture (15 min)
Cultural Music and Dance Presentation - Prepare a brief presentation or performance of an Ecuadorian dance or song, highlighting its cultural significance and reflecting on the experience (15 min)
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Ecuadorian Mural Creation - Collaboratively work on a mural that represents Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems and cultural elements, emphasizing the connection between geography and culture (20 min)
Reflection Circle Time - Host a discussion where students share what they learned about Ecuador's culture and geography this week, and how it made them feel, nurturing a deeper understanding (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Create sensory bins or collages that represent the Amazon Rainforest's flora and fauna, which will be displayed in the classroom.
2. Complete individual art pieces inspired by Ecuadorian culture, to be showcased during the Ecuador Exploration Day. 3. Document observations from the plant growth experiment in a shared class journal. 4. Contribute to the class book with a page dedicated to Ecuador's flora or fauna, illustrated and described by each student. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather images, plants, and sensory materials that mimic the Ecuadorian rainforest environment.
2. Prepare art supplies such as colored paper, markers, and natural materials for the art activity. 3. Provide seeds, soil, and pots for the climate and plant growth experiment. 4. Arrange a comfortable space for group discussions and reflection circles. 5. Ensure a collection of books and resources about Ecuador's flora and fauna for students to explore and reference. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ecuador Exploration Day Preparation - Organize materials and stations for the Ecuador Exploration Day, ensuring each station represents a unique aspect of Ecuadorian culture and geography (15 min)
Role-Play Practice - Rehearse the skit showcasing traditional Ecuadorian customs, foods, and clothing, focusing on clear expression and cultural connection (15 min)
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Final Mural Touch-Ups - Collaboratively add final details to the mural, emphasizing the diverse ecosystems and cultural elements of Ecuador (10 min)
Interactive Stations Review - Walk through each station, practicing how to share information and engage visitors during the Ecuador Exploration Day (20 min)
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Ecuador Exploration Day - Host interactive stations for classmates and families, sharing insights and activities that highlight Ecuador's unique culture and geography (30 min)
Reflection Circle Time - Discuss experiences from the Ecuador Exploration Day, sharing feelings and new knowledge gained, and reflecting on the project's impact (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed class book with individual illustrations and descriptions
2. Collaborative mural depicting Ecuador's diverse ecosystems 3. Presentations or skits about Ecuadorian customs, foods, and clothing |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all materials for mural completion, such as paint, brushes, and paper, are available
2. Prepare costumes, props, and scripts for student presentations or skits 3. Set up interactive stations with necessary materials, including sensory bins and model-building supplies 4. Coordinate with families for the Ecuador Exploration Day schedule and invitations 5. Test any audio or visual equipment needed for presentations or music |
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