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.
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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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