Introduction to Mexico Unit

Objectives
Students are learning about our nearest neighbor to the south.  They will be developing critical thinking skills as they compare life in Mexico to life in the United States.  They will develop an awareness of how culture affects people's lives.

Students developed their prior knowledge by compiling information they knew about Mexico.  The following information was listed:  They speak Spanish.  They eat empanadas.  The Spaniards conquered the Aztecs.  The Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs were very important indian tribes in Mexican history.  The United States was once part of Mexico.  The Day of the Dead is a holiday to remember loved ones who have died.  Mexico was under the rule of Spain for many years.

The students then created categories of study and listed questions to research about Mexico under each category.  The following categories and questions were compiled:   Government:  What kind of government does Mexico have?  Plants:  What kind of exotic plants does Mexico have?  Holidays:  What are some more holidays they celebrate?  Language:  Do they speak more than one language?  History:  What were the important contributions made by the indian tribes?  What were some important events in Mexico's history?  Food:  What kind of foods and drinks do they have  for the special holidays?  What are some famous restaurants?  What are some famous cooks?  Stories:  What kind of books do they read?  Geography:  What is the geography of Mexico like?  Clothes:  What kind of clothes do they wear?  Schools:  Do they have schools as big as ours?  Each student selected two questions they would like to do further research on.

Next the students discussed how they might learn the answers to these questions.  These are the activities suggested:  Look up answers on the computer.  Read books.  Use Spanish and English dictionaries to learn about new words.  Look at movies or videos on u-tube.  Send Flat Stanley o Mexico.  Do e-mail with someone from Mexico.  Ask speakers to present on Mexico to the class. Look at posters.  Go to Mexican restaurants.  Make Mexican recipes at school. Go to Mexican stores.  Make Mexican art such as God's eyes.

All of this will guide our study of Mexico.  Any suggestions from parents and friends are invited.  Books and artifacts about Mexico are welcomed.