South America

In this lesson students will examine different aspects of the South American continent including its geography, climate, industry and political boundaries. The goal of the lesson is to have students create a map of South America illustrating a particular aspect of the continent. Students will have a good understanding of different types of maps after this lesson.

Students will become familiar with physical maps and their functions by creating a physical map of a portion of the Andes while learning about the geography, environment and human cultures of the Andes. Students will work in groups to conduct research about their assigned region of the Andes and will give an oral presentation with their group members.

This lesson is divide in three segments that describe three colorful styles of Paraguayan music: the polca galopam the guarani and the polca paraguaya. For this lesson, students should be familiar with playing the guitar and the recorder. In additional to analyzing music styles, students will become acquainted with the geography of South America and develop an awareness of the historical roots of the harp in Paraguay. Note: Tracks will need to be purchased on Smithsonian Folkways to use as materials to complete lesson.

This lesson plan is designed to accompany the book "Ada's Violin" by Susan Hood and covers a wide variety of topics from reading literature, writing, speaking, listening and language. A summary of the book is provided, along with a detailed lesson plan and curricular materials that help with pre-reading, leading group discussion and even facilitating a role play.

Students will learn about retablos, which are small and portable homemade alters, in order to analyze their significance in Hispanic cultures. Using inspiration from original Peruvian and Mexican retablos, they will design paper retablos that signify what is important and meaningful in their own lives. Students will carefully decorate the paper retablos, creating a symmetrical design on the doors, inside and outside. This is a great way to immerse students in art within Hispanic culture and students will be able to make connections about the importance of art in Hispanic culture.

Learn to make Bunuelos, a type of desert that can be found throughout Latin America and are served year round but are typically served as a side dish during holidays with syrup.

This unit includes a thorough background on the Galapagos Islands including where they are, how they were formed and what kind of life resides there. The background notes are followed by a detailed list of lessons which should last about a week. Students will be learning about, investigating and discussing endemic species of the Galapagos Island, challenging students to think about the natural world around them.

Utilizing the book "My Name is Gabriela", which can be found in the Latin American Studies Outreach Library, this lesson plan provides a guide for various activities that connect to the book. Students will be prompted to complete various writings and partake in their own research. This lesson plan will allow for students to be more comfortable with writing and learn about Gabriel Mistral, the first Latina woman to win a Nobel Prize.

Students are asked to explain why so many finches died during the drought of 1977 in the Galapagos and what enabled the remaining finches to survive. This investigation is preceded by several lab experiences that build understanding about environmental stress, trait variation, acquired characteristics, generational change and bird beak form and function.

In this lesson plan, students will understand the characteristics of the four regions of Chile which include the Big North, Little North, Central and South. Students will learn about how physical features affect people living in an area and how the people of Chile have adapted to life in these regions.