Around the World in 8 Days, Olé

How It Works: 

Around the World in 8 Days, Olé is a simulation cooperative project specifically designed to learn about Hispanic countries, their culture, and its currency through the use of the Internet. It is based on interactive units that will build students’ research skills. The purpose of this project is to integrate reading, writing, math, social studies, and technology using a collaborative model where groups of students will be able to work, research and create a presentation. An Introduction leads the teacher to guide students into the project. The students will be able to have fun surfing the Internet while acquiring information on the Hispanic country they have selected. Students must complete a series of six activities during this simulation of a worldwide tour. A series of Activities guide the students in their search for information. 

Each activity has specific links that make it easy for beginners to navigate without difficulty, as well as allow high tech students t! o create a unique presentation using their wildest imagination. Once students reach a particular site, it is up to them to gather the information to be used in the presentation. However, the sites used are on-line interactive sites such as Yahoo and The Web of Culture, where authentic data is gathered. A sample lesson consists of easy to read, comprehend, and follow step-by-step directions. For example, students have to measure the distance from two cities. A link to Maps.com takes the students to the site where they will be able to have access to a map to measure the distance. As a culminating activity, using the data collected, each group to will present orally, written, or through an authoring program, such as HyperStudio, PowerPoint or iMovie, with the end goal of persuading their classmates to vote for their travel plans. After all presentations are made, the class is to evaluate the groups using a rubric and then vote for the best itinerary.

Standards:   

• The student uses the reading process effectively.
• The student uses the writing process effectively.
• The student measures quantities in the real world and uses the measures to solve problems.
• The student understands the world in spatial terms.
• The student understands the relationship between the perspectives and products of the culture studied and use this knowledge to recognize cultural practices.
• The student use technology to locate, evaluate and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Students use technology for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete:  10 or more

Software Materials Used:  

Students need to have access to the Internet. They need a word processing program such as Publisher, Microsoft Office, Word, or Apple Works to copy and paste information, graphics, maps, graphs, etc. to their document. They need a printer and a scanner or digital camera for embedding information brought from other sources. A digital video camera is a must for iMovies. A presentation program such as iMovie, PowerPoint, Inspiration, HyperStudio, or the like is needed to produce the final presentation.

  Keywords:

Hispanic, Culture, Measurement, Money, Social Studies, Multicultural, Currency, Simulation

Students:  

This project is designed for third and fourth grade students.

Overall:    

The most valuable feature of this project is that students will be engrossed in learning a variety of skills while having fun creating, collaborating, and producing authentic projects. When students are involved in hands-on self-motivated activities, self-esteem is raised, consequently increasing student achievement. When learning is meaningful it becomes long lasting. Effective uses of new media include the integration of the latest technologies with the curriculum, replacing sometimes outdated and boring textbooks. Using online inquiry students can receive up to the minute information, making learning exciting and meaningful.

Tips:    When selecting the groups of students, make sure that each group is heterogeneously comprised of academically challenged and advanced students. Allow students to come up with their own ideas for the presentation. Acknowledge creativity and uniqueness. Invite parents, community members, and staff to see the presentations.

About the Teacher: 

Rosa Duarte is in her 25th year in Miami Dade County Public Schools. Holding a Master’s Degree in ESE, she specialized in autism. She was a Staffing Specialist in Region 4 and a District Support Teacher for the Autistic Program.

 She received her Educational Specialist in Computer Applications and in 1996, became the Technology Coordinator/Computer Teacher at Southside Elementary where she teaches the Academic Excellence Program as well as computers to K-5 students. As Webmaster, she publishes their Southside Express and has been awarded a Success Grant, the Citibank FamilyTech Grant from the Ed Fund, and AT&T Grants.

Subjects:  General Elementary and Math

Grade Levels:  3-4

Email Rosa