Studies is fun and the students get so excited about all of the interesting things we are learning! You can support and extend that learning at home with some of the ideas listed below:
Unit 1: Interpreting the Past (Social Studies Skills):
Five Themes of Geography
There is more to geography than where in the world places are located. What are the five "themes" of geography?
Continent and Ocean Games
Can you identify each of the continents and oceans on a map? Oh yeah? Just how quickly? Challenge yourself with these games. Can you beat the clock?
Unit 2: Europe:
Maryland Renaissance Festival
The second quarter will bring us to the study of the Medieval Period in Europe. One way to "experience" life at the end of Medieval England is to visit the Maryland Renaissance Festival. This popular weekend event is held on weekends in August, September, and October and includes activities, games, and shows for both children and adults.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Another wonderful opportunity for students to "experience" Medieval life is by attending the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. We are fortunate to have a Medieval Times restaurant near us in Arundel Mills. A terrific way to share our Social Studies unit with the whole family!
The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum has an amazing collection of illuminated manuscripts, medieval prayer books and bibles, arms and armor, and other artifacts from Medieval Europe and Byzantium. These items are in the museum’s permanent collection and the best news yet – admission to the museum is free! Check it out!
Unit 3: Middle East and Africa:
MOVIE: Sahara:
This movie is an action movie that is rated PG-13 for action violence (so make your own decisions about allowing your child to view the movie). It is based on a book by Clive Cussler and stars Matthew McConaghey and Penelope Cruz in a story about modern day Mali. Although it isn't a historical connection to our curriculum, many students enjoy the movie and will gain an understanding of the physical features of the area.
[We will be studying the medieval West African trading empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai in the 3rd quarter.]
FAMILY FIELD TRIP: To the grocery store!
I know, this sounds more like a preschool field trip than a middle school trip, but take your child to the spice aisle in the grocery store. How much do spices cost? What types of spices are there? Any clues about where the spices came from? The spice trade was an important part of medieval history. How about salt? How much does salt cost? What are the different types of salt that are available? What are those salts used for? Salt doesn't cost much today, but 1000 years ago it was equal in value to gold! Quite a difference from today, hm?
The Walters Art Museum
Also hosted at the Walters Art Museum is a collection of Islamic manuscripts and artifacts from the early Muslim world.
Unit 4: Asia:
MOVIE: Mulan:
This Disney movie is actually set earlier than the time period we are studying this year. However, there are many direct ties to our study of China during the time period 500-1500. As you watch, be on the lookout for the importance of "honor," the ways religion influences daily life, and how the movie shows the characteristics of civilization (specialization of labor, social classes, government, etc). [Our study of Asia will take place in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the school year.]
The Walters Art Museum
In addition to the artifacts from Medieval Europe, the Walters Art Museum also houses a variety of Japanese military items, Chinese porcelain vases, and Buddhist, Hindu, and Shinto religious statues.
Unit 5: Americas:
MOVIE: Emperor's New Groove
You can't go wrong with Disney!! This movie, about a spoiled emperor who magically becomes a llama, is set in South America and the civilization bears a resemblance to the Inca. [We will be learning about the complex civilizations of the Americas during the 4th quarter.]
The Textile Museum
The Textile Museum, located in Washington D.C. was founded in 1925 and has grown to display rugs and other textiles from around the world. The museum has a large number of holding related to Central American groups and the Inca.