Geography

Brazil: The Land of Happiness


This unit provides an introductory look at Brazil and its physical and human characteristics. The unique characteristics of Brazil will be explored from a geographic spatial perspective. Students will be asked to compare and contrast their life in the United States with teens living in Brazil. Students will understand that Brazil has a unique clture characterized by people who, in spite of poverty and oppression, display open-mindedness, optimism, friendliness, hospitality, caring attitude fullness of life, love of music and more! Brazil is indeed the "land of happiness".
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Let's Design a City: Brasilia

Virginia G. Gibbs

This unit focuses on the idea that cities have not always been as they are now and that cities are constantly developing and changing. In this unit, students will become aware of his/her urban surrounding and will be able to give his/her own definition of a "city" and its characteristics. Students will be aware of the role Ethnocentricity plays in the concept and design of cities.
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Human Geography and Brazil: More than Samba and the Rain Forest

Mary K. Smith, Bedichek Middle School

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.
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Ecuador: WOW!

Susan Husiak, Whitehall District Schools

This unit focuses on the country of Ecuador and includes two lesson plans regarding Five Themes of Geography and a a Map Search. Along with the two lesson plans, a story is included which helps students get an idea of Ecuador as a country. This unit gives a good general overview of Ecuador, including all the necessary handouts to complete the activities outlined in the lesson plans. Email our Outreach Coordinator Clea Conlin at cconlin@email.arizona.edu for the materials to this unit.
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Exploring Fused Identity in Brazilian Culture

Carrera

Students will be introduced to the geographic and cultural diversity of Brazil, allowing students to explore hybrid and fused identity along with the negotiations that are connected with these ideas. Students can use the Brazilian experience as a leans for examining issues of diversity and identity in the United States. Email our Outreach Coordinator Clea Conlin at cconlin@email.arizona.edu for the materials to teach this lesson.
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Ecuador: People and their Impact on the Environment

Catherine Hall, Crane Middle School

The purpose of this unit is to have students consider how Ecuadorians have altered their environment and for what reasons. Students will study the impact of these changes, as well as how people think about their environment. Students will look at Ecuador as a case study and then reflect on their own community, and how their environment is altered by humans. Overall the goal of this unit is to help students use their own observation to identify issues affecting their society and reflect on what should be done to minimize the clash between people and the environment. This unit contains 4 lesson plans, a power point and all the attached worksheets needed to complete the lessons.
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