Joycellin Rodriguez

Lesson PlanLevel 1
Geography Class
Title: Our Culturally Diverse World
Grade Level: 7th
Estimated Lesson Time: 2-4 hours
Abstract/Summary: Students will identify and research specific cultures
around the world by coloring and marking where these societies reside along
with details of the cultures interaction with nature.
Student Prior Knowledge: How to use basic technology like computers.
How to use academically approved research tools and sites. Students should
understand how different societies interact with the Earth and how they use
nature to survive.
Standards:
Standard 1 SS.912.G.1 Understand how to use maps and other
geographic representations, tools, and technology to report
information.
Standard 2 SS.912.G.2 Understand physical and cultural characteristics
of places
Goal/Purpose: Students will gain knowledge about other cultures and their
dependency on nature. They will investigate and understand that every
society depends on Earth in different ways and for various reasons. Students
will learn that some societies live in a dying environment, or are causing the
environment to change through their cultural practices.
Learning Objectives:
Students will recognize different cultural practices.
Students will discover worldwide dependency of Earth.
Students will examine how cultural practices impact Earth long-term.
Resources Needed: Maps, Little papers for hat with cultures, Hat/bucket,
Computers, Books, Library time
Assessment Plan: Rubric will be provided where students grade
themselves after completion, and I provide the final grade afterwards.
Possible Accommodations/Modifications (ESOL/Autism):
Give clear, concise instructions on assignment; allow time for questions
and concerns.
Pass around a model of what a completed project so that students
understand what the finished product should look like.
Provide (large print) rubric (to all students) so that it may be a guide to
satisfy the requirements of an A project.
Allow students to pair up when possible to provide communication and
clarification amongst each other.
Procedures/Instructional Activities:
1. Introduce/Instruct about new project: Were going to working on a new
project this week. Today, Im going to hand out maps of the world and

on these maps you will mark and color in the area in which a specific
culture lives and thrives. On the back of the map or on a separate
paper I want you to type or write out 4-6 facts about how the culture
interacts with the Earth. What I mean by that is I want you to research
how they depend on nature for other than food. Some societies use
herbs or dirt for medicinal purposes, or even decoration of the body.
But some of these cultures are being affected by dying nature and are
having trouble surviving. Write about what is being affected and why.
Im passing out two different completed projects so that you know
what it should look like. Im also passing around the rubric. Notice that
there is a column for you to fill out so that you grade yourself after you
are done, and then in the next column, I will fill it in. This is your
guideline on how to get an A on your project! When youre done, Im
going to come around with the hat and you are to pick a culture out of
it.
(15-25 minutes)
2. Clarify and FAQs: Does anyone have any questions about the models
or about the project in general? (15 minutes)
3. Continue explaining the schedule for the week: For the next two
classes we will go to the library so that everyone has a chance to do
research either on the computer or using books. Another part of the
research is to play certain educational games so that you can learn
more about your culture. I created a class website for all of you to
access the games I found. You may use other games that you find
online, but you need to give me the link. You will be allowed to partner
up so that you can help each other out. All projects are due by the
beginning of next week so that you have the weekend to make it
awesome! Be creative and make sure you have fun finding out about
the different people of our world! Does anyone have any other
questions? (15 minutes)
4. Take Notes in case students lose their culture: Now that everybody
has chosen their cultures. Im going to call each one of you and you are
to tell me what culture you picked out of the hat so I can write it
down. (8-10 minutes)
5. Clarify and end class: Remember! Bring materials so that you can
research in the library next class. Dont lose your culture papers, youll
obviously need them next class! Any last questions? Class is
dismissed. (5 minutes)