FINAL PROJECT

MAPS & CULTURE - SOCIAL SCIENCE - PRIMARY 2

My final project will focus on Unit 3 from the Social Science 2 book by the Comunidad de Madrid. In this unit, second-graders will learn about maps. They will learn how to read maps and globes, identify the different continents and major cities, as well as learn about aspects of Spanish culture. 

When we finish the unit, I would like my students to learn a bit more about other countries by working in pairs to create a poster project.

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As a language assistant from the U.S., part of my role is to facilitate cultural exchange. In addition, I have traveled to more than 30 countries and I have experience writing about travel and culture. Therefore, this final project aligns with my interests. 

Each pair will choose a different country. Being able to work in pairs and split up the work will help cater to different learning styles in the classroom. For instance, one student might be better at researching while another might be better at creatively putting the poster together.

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I have created my own poster from The United States as an example. If time allows, the main teacher can create their own for Spain, using page 43 from the book (below) as a guide.​

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Each project must include:

• The name of the country

• A map of the country

• The flag

• The continent it's in

• Its capital city

• A picture of famous food from the country

• One fun fact

We will give students a few classes to work on their projects, using the computer room for research. The main teacher and I will help them develop research skills as well as guide them to finding the best information.

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Students will be encouraged to create an outline for their project. The main teacher and I will help suggest edits for grammar and content before they make their final product. Students will be encouraged to make their posters as visually appealing as possible by printing images from the computer as well as using text and drawings.

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Students will then have to present their poster to the class. We will evaluate based on whether they have all the required information as well as how much effort they put into the project overall. We will then hang the posters in the classroom to show off their hard work.

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This can easily be adapted for more advanced classes by requiring them to do more research and include more information. You can even give them a required presentation time, for example, they must speak about the country for three minutes. Group presentations can be applied to almost any subject area, as they require students to learn how to work together as well as develop their computer, art, and speaking skills. It also helps them to engage with a topic and explore it further, stoking their curiosity about the subject.