6.04.2008

International Towne

(Clicking on the Countries will take you to a lesson plan for that country;
clicking on the words in blue will take you to a website with that craft and pictures)

I will provide info here on International Towne and then I will post the crafts and activities for each country in a separate post.

International Towne helps middle school “world citizens” become well prepared for the financial realities of the global marketplace.
Students learn about world trade by running an "international marketplace" comprised of 12 countries. Countries represented in the camp are Argentina, Australia, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

Using offices as "countries," International Towne are located on the second floor of the Young Americans Bank Building in Cherry Creek, 311 Steele St., Denver, Colorado.

Along with activities, games and international cuisine, the students learn about issues such as the scarcity of resources and why nations trade. They also learn what it is like to be a banker in Switzerland, freight forwarder in Germany, or an artisan in India, by working as producers in various foreign countries.

"The program will immerse kids in the global economy and put it at a level they can understand,"

As in real life, the students will pay tariffs and get their passports stamped as they travel from country to country. Organizers hope the camp will help broaden students' awareness of cultures and customs of other countries, enriching their knowledge of economics and geography and offering exposure to global career opportunities.
* In the first training session,
~ Children turn in a completed job application
~ They have an interview with an adult volunteer.
~ Children nominate and vote on Towne laws,
~ Play several group games out of the curriculum,
~ enjoy an International Taste Test,
~ Learn about the history of flags and their symbolic meanings.

* In the second training,
~ Children receive their job assignments and job training for their day in Towne.
~ They create a regional banner with their personal flags.
~ The country Presidents will conduct a Country Meeting where, as a group, they will
write TV, radio, and newspaper ads, and prepare a country presentation.

Curriculum:

* Young American has created a curriculum to guide your student at home in learning about International Towne.

Each child participating will receive a student workbook and passport, which is included in the cost of registration. These will be filled out while reviewing the curriculum.

The boys had a fun day at International Towne. They shared a lot with me on our drive home and I learned a lot as well. Alex was a Jeweler of Israel; he made custom necklaces and bracelets to sell. Brenden was an Artisan of Ghana, he helped tourists make masks and he also sold souvenirs. They made paper skeletons that symbolize happiness in Mexico. To receive their “cultural credit,” (more about this will follow below) they could choose from making a Calaveras Puppet or creating a Papel Picado Day of the Dead decoration.






Here is a little info on each country and what they offered:

AMERILAT REGION - Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico
Currency: AmeriLat note

Brazil

Global fact: Brazil has won the World Cup Soccer title more than any other country in the world.

International Towne function: Game Attendants admit fans to participate in an interactive "World Cup" soccer game and sell souvenirs.


Costa Rica

Global fact: Costa Rica's economy is heavily reliant on its production of bananas, coffee and sugar.

International Towne function: Greenhouse Attendants care for a tropical greenhouse, teach a Rainforest Cultural Activity and sell nature crafts and souvenirs.


Mexico


Global fact: Festivals have been an important part of Mexican village life for centuries, many of which celebrate the village's patron saint and blend Indian and Christian traditions.

International Towne function: Artisans teach about Dia de los Muertos and sell refreshments


PACASIA REGION - Australia, Singapore, China, India, Japan
Currency: PacAsia Note


Australia


Global fact: Australia is home to the 1,243 mile Great Barrier Reef and the Aboriginal people.

International Towne function: Artisans teach an Aboriginal Dot Art Cultural Activity and sell souvenirs


Singapore

Global fact: In addition to being the world's busiest seaport, banking and the stock exchange generate over 25% of this city-state's income.

International Towne function: As the International Bank, Currency Exchange employees provide banking and currency exchange services for citizens and countries.


China

Global fact: China is one of the world's oldest cultures.

International Towne function: Museum Guides take visitors on an International Museum tour to study artifacts from each of the 16 International Towne countries. China also teaches an Abacus Cultural Activity and sells green tea and souvenirs.


India

Global fact: Bombay produces more films than anywhere in the world.

International Towne function: Projectionists show travelogues and foreign films from each of the 16 International Towne countries.


Japan

Global fact: Electronic components and computers comprise more than 50% of the electronic goods produced in Japan.

International Towne function: As the International Television Station, Photojournalists, Reporters and Ad Agents produce a world newscast, teach an Origami Cultural Activity and sell commercials and souvenirs.



MIDAFRI REGION - Egypt, Ghana, Israel
Currency: MidAfri note


Egypt

Global fact: Millions of people visit Egypt each year to view the pyramids, one of the 7 wonders of the world.

International Towne function: As the International Towne passport service, Passport Agents process passport and travel photos and sell cultural souvenirs representative of Egypt's old and rich culture.

Ghana

Global fact: Ghana is known as the Gold Coast for its reserves of gold that were mined by the Ashanti people. The Ashanti culture as well as other ethnic groups has developed a rich tradition of masks.

International Towne function: Artisans teach an African Mask-Making Cultural Activity and sell souvenirs.


Israel

Global fact: 25% of Israel's export earnings are derived from the production of diamonds. Israel is also the world's largest exporter of flowers.

International Towne function: Israel offers a "bazaar cart" with a variety of custom-made jewelry and flower seeds.


EURUSSIA REGION
- Finland, Germany, Greece, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Currency: EuRussia note


Finland

Global fact: Finland is one of the top producers of softwood pine and spruce.
International Towne function: Carpenters handcraft wood products and sell souvenirs.


Germany

Global fact: Germany produces some of the world's finest cars and electrical equipment.

International Towne function: As the International Radio Station, Disc Jockeys/Ad Agents deliver music and news programming, take song requests and sell advertisements and souvenirs.


Greece

Global fact: Greece operates the largest merchant fleet in the world.

International Towne function: As the International Freight Forwarding Service, Freight Forwarders deliver goods and supplies to the other 15 International Towne countries, courier important documents and sell souvenirs.


Ukraine

Global fact: Fertile plains known as steppes cover almost 75% of Ukraine and much of this land is used to grow cereals.

International Towne function: Ukraine conducts an International Taste Test Cultural Activity with a variety of breads and spreads.


United Kingdom

Global fact: The UK is one of the world's leading sources for international news.

International Towne function: As the publisher of the International Newspaper, Reporters and Typists/Ad Agents report on world news, and sell ads and souvenirs.

6.03.2008

International Towne crafts and activities


Mexico

Calaveras Puppets
Materials:

* poster board
* skeleton pattern
* scissors
* glue
* wooden balloon sticks
* paper fasteners
* markers
* various materials for clothes, hats, and props (sequins, colored paper, felt, feathers, flowers, etc.)

Procedures:

1. Cut out pattern of skeleton and trace the pattern on poster board
2. Cut out traced pattern of skeleton on poster board
3. Attach arms and legs to body of skeleton with paper fasteners where circles appear on pattern
4. Decorate the calavera with clothes, hats, and props using various materials. Skeletons can take on characters of everyday life such as skate boarders, musicians, children, or a bride or groom.
5. Attach a wooden stick to the back of the puppet.
6. Enjoy the calaveras puppet!

Here is a mini-unit lesson plan on "El Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead)

Here is a link to a 24 page pdf file Education Packet
Packet Contents:
# Bibliography
# 4 coloring pages
# Word search game
# Mix and match puzzle
# Papel picado lesson plan, including an easy-to-use template for younger children.
# Calavera mask project
# Skeleton puppet project

Here are flash cards to print and glue to index cards:

Examples of Teacher made masks



Ghana

To receive “cultural credits,” decorate your own Ceremonial Mask.



Egypt

To receive “cultural credits,” decipher the work of an ancient scribe, which is a Hieroglyphic printable.

Go here to send an Hieroglyphic ecard

Egyptian Name Translator

Egyptian Calculator

Here are some fun Egyptian games for the kids

2 more fun kids pages for Egyptian theme
Great Scott
Guardians


Ukraine

To receive “culture credits,” they had to taste samples of spreads. The boys did not like these, there was hummus on crackers and “some kind of weird jellies”


Finland

To receive “culture credits,” sketch an outline of how you think a structure might appear in a different climate.


China
To receive “culture credits,” Complete an Abacus Exercise.
How to use an Abacus

The China Museum Tour included a worksheet asking the young adult to correctly figure out the country from which each item was from, and then write the name of the country in the blank space provided.
The items:
~ Kath Putti Puppet
~ Wooden Chocolate Stirrer
~ Matroishkas
~ Calligraphy Set
~ Yanomamo Comb
~ Geisha Doll
~ Hanukka Candle Holder
~ Mueso Board
~ Boomerang

The Chinese Dragon Curriculum Unit




Australia

To receive your “culture credits,” select a kangaroo, koala, platypus, or lizard and create your own aboriginal dot art project using colored markers that represent earth tones.


India

To receive your “culture credits” you will practice meditation, by coloring a mandala. As you color the mandal there are a series of questions to ask yourself on a worksheet."A mandala is a source of meditation that the Tibetans use to show your soul and trying to get to the center or to show the universe and everything that is in it."

The Buddha's Art of Healing

I highly recommend you look at the pages of the children’s mandala’s and their stories to go with each one.

Mandala lesson plan
Himalayan Art story telling
for kids


Japan

To receive your “cultural credits,” follow the directions for creating an Origami Wallet.
YouTube video showing how to make an origami wallet

Explain to your children what origami is:
Origami (from oru meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper") is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a representation of an object using geometric folds and crease patterns preferably without the use of gluing or cutting the paper medium. "Origami" nowadays refers to all types of paper folding, even those of non-Asian origin

My children wanted to know why this was a thing in Japan so I looked at and found the history with links to go with any questions.

The origin of the art began as Chinese Paper Folding. The Japanese origin began in the 6th century when Buddhist monks from China carried paper to Japan. The first Japanese origami is dated from this period. Origami had already become a significant aspect of Japanese ceremony by the Heian period of Japanese history. Samurai warriors would exchange gifts adorned with noshi, a sort of good luck token made of folded strips of paper. Origami butterflies were used during the celebration of Shinto weddings to represent the bride and groom.



Costa Rica

To receive your “cultural credits,” complete the tables to find out how much rainforest disappears each year. (You can use a calculator. These measurements are approximate and rounded.)
Based on your calculations, approximately how much rainforest vanishes each year? __________________________________________
I would be happy to take a picture of the tables if you want to use them as guides to make your own.

Student Worksheet on the Rainforest

Life in the Rainforest by scholastic

Pictures and information of Rainforest animals, climate and plants

Animals of the Rainforest

Lesson Plans of the Rainforest


Brazil

To receive your “cultural credits,” decorate your own Carnaval headdress using the materials provided. Use your imagination and have fun.





6.02.2008

Rome Lessons

We watch the History channel and these were shared on one of my yahoo groups so I'm going to share them here and come back later to organize them. They would go well with the History Channels programs.

Ancient Rome
http://www.historylink102.com/Rome/index.htm
Ancient Rome for Kids
http://rome.mrdonn.org/index.html
Ancient Rome Timeline
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/rome_timeline.shtml
Classics Department: Daily Roman Life
http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/webresources/life/
Encyclopedia Mythica
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/
Leisure and Entertainment
http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/leisure.html
List of Roman Historical Figures
http://www.ga.k12.pa.us/academics/MS/8th/romanhis/romlist.htm
Marriage in Ancient Rome
http://victorian.fortunecity.com/lion/373/roman/romarriage.html
Slavery In Ancient Rome
http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/Romans/slavery/slavery2.html
The Roman Empire
http://www.roman-empire.net/

Lesson Plans
A Day at the Roman Forum: Public Life in Rome
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/hmss/6/unit/act6.2.html
Can you save the Roman Republic?
http://ancienthistory.mrdonn.org/RomanReforms.html
Dictator for a Day
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/tlc-
ancientrome/index.html
Download and print ancient Rome lessons.
http://www.mrdowlingcom/702print.html
Let's Journey Back in Time to Ancient Rome!
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/ro
me/
Rome
http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/ROME/rome.htm
Roman Numerals
http://www.eduref.org/cgi-
bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Mathematics/Number_Theory/NUM0001
.html

Crafts
Create a Fresco
http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1006.html
How To Create a Lady of Ancient Rome Costume
http://www.ehow.com/how_18768_create-lady-ancient.html
Mosaic Project
http://www.historyforkids.org/crafts/projects/mosaic.htm
Racing Roman Gladiators Craft
http://www.crayola.com/crafts/detail/racing-roman-gladiators-craft/
Roman Arch Project
http://www.historyforkids.org/crafts/rome/arch.htm
Roman Warrior Shield For Kids
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72550774.tip.html

Cooking
Ancient Roman Dishes
http://www.mit.edu/people/wchuang/cooking/recipes/Roman/
Eight ancient Roman recipes from Around the Roman Table
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/233472.html
Real Roman Recipes
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/roman/recipes.html

Multimedia
NOVA | Lost Roman Treasure
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/zeugma/
Pictures of History: Ancient Rome
http://www.jhauser.us/pictures/history/Romans/Rome/index.html
Roman House
http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/house.html
Rome: Map of the Empire
http://intranetdalton.org/groups/Rome/RMap.html

Online Activities
Ancient Rome Quiz
http://www.triv.net/html/Users/user71.htm
D.I.Y. Speech Making
http://www.snaithprimary.eril.net/npoem.htm
Flashcards about Ancient Rome
http://www.studystack.com/flashcard-3291
Gladiator Dressed to Kill Game
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_gms_gladiator.shtml
Quia - Ancient Rome Review
http://www.quia.com/jg/140056.html
Quia - Roman money
http://www.quia.com/ws/358333.html
Roman History Quizzes and Roman History Trivia
http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/history/ancient_history/roman_history
.html
Roman Mosaic
http://wwwwarrinerprimaries.com/Resources/mosaic.htm
Roman Numerals
http://www.novaroma.org/via_romana/numbers.html
Twelve Caesars Quiz - Do you know your Emperors?
http://wwwfalcophiles.co.uk/games/quiz_emperors.html
Walk Through Time
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/walk/games_index.shtml

Virtual Tours
A Day at the Baths
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/roman/day.html
BBC - History - Housesteads Fort
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_vt_housesteads.shtm
l
Caistor Roman Town
http://www.sys.uea.ac.uk/Research/researchareas/JWMP/CaistorRomanTown/
caistormap.html
Roman Open Air Museum Hechingen-Stein - Tour
http://www.villa-rustica.de/tour/indexe.html
Tour a Roman Town
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/nettsch/time/rtour.html

Printouts
Ancient Rome Coloring Pages
http://www.coloring.ws/romehtm
Ancient Rome Map Activity
http://www.teachnet-lab.org/miami/2004/linero/rome%201%20map%
20activity.htm
Ancient Rome word search puzzle
http://www.wordsearchfun.com/60500_Ancient_Rome_wordsearchhtml
Ancient Rome Worksheets
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/soc_studies/rome/
BBC - Romans - Activities
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/activities/index.shtml

by TemplatesForYou-TFY
SoSuechtig