2nd Grade  Project 12 weeks

Llamas, Language, and Legacy: Future Forward!

Thomas R
K-2.AP.16
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

Students will begin an exciting exploration of how cultures and traditions from the past guide our decisions for a sustainable future. By diving into Peruvian culture through interactive activities like gardening, weaving, and language exercises, they will build an appreciation for global communities. Working alongside real-world experts, students will grow in self-directed learning and collaborate to enhance their school garden, fostering a sense of teamwork and responsible decision-making for a brighter future.

Learning goals

Students will explore basic Spanish language skills through daily immersive activities, helping them understand cultural nuances. They will gain insights into Peruvian culture by examining geography and traditions, learning how these elements shape communities. Through interactive projects, students will learn sustainability principles by contributing to the school's garden and engaging in composting initiatives. They will also develop self-directed learning skills, collaborate with peers, and apply feedback to improve their projects, fostering critical thinking and creativity in real-world contexts.

Standards
  • [California] K-2.AP.16 - Debug errors in an algorithm or program that includes sequences and simple loops.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Students will create a colorful 3D landform model of Peru, complete with simple legends that explain significant cultural and geographical features. They will each develop a timeline illustrating personal and historical connections to Peruvian traditions, highlighting how these insights shape their future choices. Each student will produce a "best part of me" poem, combined with a chosen black and white photo reflecting their connection to the themes explored. Together, students will enhance the school garden through fun, hands-on activities, such as building composting bins for recycling food waste, fostering teamwork and environmental care. By participating in textile workshops, students will exhibit their weaving creations, gaining practical skills and celebrating cultural arts in interactive displays.

Launch

Let's kick off the learning experience with a 'Passport to Peru' day. Students will rotate through engaging stations that represent aspects of Peruvian culture, such as exploring traditional weaving, tasting Peruvian cuisine, participating in brief Spanish language lessons, and enjoying a virtual reality tour of the Peruvian Andes. This immersive event is designed to spark curiosity, encourage collaborative exploration, and introduce the exciting themes of the project.

Exhibition

Students will transform their learning into a lively exhibition space within the school, beginning with a gallery of their 3D landform models and personal timelines, each explaining the historical and cultural connections. The 'Garden of the Future Expo' will include tours led by students, showcasing their sustainable garden enhancements. The 'Weaving Connections Exhibition' will display student-created textiles alongside attempts at traditional weaving. The 'Spanish Fiesta Performance' will feature cultural skits and dances, complemented by booths where attendees can learn basic Spanish phrases. Finally, the 'Cultures & Traditions Festival' will conclude the project, inviting community partners to explore students' work on Peruvian geography and culture in an engaging and festive format.