Last week we did a NAFTA simulation in which students had to "design," "produce," and "assemble" a Bombardier Learjet.
Step 1: Design and engineering took place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Step 2: Then we "flew" down to Queretaro, Mexico to make the plane parts. Labor and production costs are cheaper in Mexico. Step 3: Last stop was in Wichita, Kansas in the good ole U.S of A. where students assembled the planes and did flight tests. The kiddos had a blast with this activity and it really brought this standard to life in which students must understand the functions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
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In 6th grade, students have been learning about exploration and how Christopher Columbus' discovery impacted the development of the Americas as well as Europe. The Columbian Exchange refers to a period of cultural and biological exchanges between the New and Old Worlds. Exchanges of plants, animals, diseases and technology transformed European and Native American ways of life. After taking notes and watching some videos, we did 2 activities to demonstrate understanding of the Columbian Exchange. The first activity was a simulation in which the class was divided into the "Old World" and "New World." Each student was given a card and had to exchange it with a counterpart across the "Atlantic." Students had a variety of plants, animals and even diseases such as smallpox and influenza. The second activity the students completed was a Columbian Exchange menu. The kiddos had a blast with this activity! Using only items from the Columbian Exchange model above, students had to feature 3 main meat dishes, 2 sides, 2 desserts and 2 beverages. They were very creative and put a lot of effort into salesmanship and presentation.
Its been months of hard work, but the social studies fair projects have been judged and the 10 ten have been announced. These students are beginning to perfect their projects for the district fair that will be held at the end of the month. Wish them luck!
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AuthorVanessa Ellis has been teaching middle grade social studies for 7 years. She is the 2017 Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year and a teacher leader in Muscogee County. She loves to teach and have FUN while doing it! Who says social studies has to be boring? Archives
March 2017
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