Middle

The goal of the lesson is to introduce students to two contrasting dance traditions from Argentina: the Chacarera and the Tango. Note: The samples of music needed for this lesson will need to be purchased on the Smithsonian Folkways website. The link is included in the lesson plan.

In this lesson, students will be able to describe the heroic symbol of the gaucho in Argentina and compare it to the familiar figure of the cowboy in the United States. The gaucho is a major figure in Argentine popular culture and symbolizes the spirit of the nation. By reading a short section of the epic poem Martin Fierro by Jose Hernandez, students will become familiar with this Argentine national figure.

In this lesson, students will enjoy playing a colonial guessing game and will become aware of alternatives to the way we currently entertain ourselves. Students will get to solve riddles and learn the origin of them as well.

In this lesson plan, students will understand the importance of proverbs in Argentina and Latin America in general. Students will be able to use specific proverbs appropriately and understand that they convey folk wisdom.

In this lesson, students will gain an awareness of the "melting pot" character of Argentina, a country that has a mix of identities due to British influence.. Students will read a description of Argentina by Walter Larden, a British traveler and be exposed to how an observer can be bias and will be able to discuss the reasoning for that bias.

In this lesson, students will learn some Argentine folktales and superstitions and compare these with their own "animal folklore". These folktales contain some common Argentine birds and illustrate the universal appeal of animals in folklore, which reflects a culture's values and history.

In this lesson, students will become somewhat familiar with two of the most important political figures in 20th century Latin America: Juan Domingo and Evita Peron. Students will explore the concept of "charisma" and how it applies to these popular political figures and also with politics in the United States.

This lesson plan focuses and history, where students will learn how to read timelines and make them as well. Students will be able to visualize Argentine history better through the use and analysis of timelines. This activity contains a timeline of Argentina and allows students to compare to timeline of the U.S. to see what differences or similarities there may be.

In this lesson, learn how to make a sweet from another culture. Students will learn how to make Dulce de Leche, a sweet from Argentina that can be a candy, spread, or ice cream topping.

In this lesson, students will analyze the culture of Brazil using the 12 Culture Keys and will be able to compare Brazilian culture to their own personal culture and the culture of contemporary societies. Students will analyze artifacts and view a PowerPoint that displays life in Brazil and the culture in Brazil. All worksheets needed are attached and powerpoint is included to aid teachers in facilitating lesson. Email our Outreach Coordinator Clea Conlin at cconlin@email.arizona.edu for the materials to teach this lesson.