Second/Third Grade: Asia

 We've had a diverse array of topics in Idea Lab this year, and Asia did not disappoint.  What a vast and interesting continent!  We started with learning about the geography of this very large continent.

After learning about both political and geographical features of all the different regions of Asia, students selected a country on the continent to teach others about.  Students created a "Country in a Bag."  On the bag's exterior, students included information like the country's flag, population, language, and landscapes.  The interior of the bag focused on the country's culture- creative expression, traditional clothing, popular dishes, popular sports, popular things to do in the country, some customs, and recreation.  This was a great project, but we were running out of school year days, and I think we could have spent a couple more hours on this project if we could have!  

Here are pictures after student presentations.  I apologize that a couple of students are missing from these photos.  Every student had a chance to present!  It was super interesting!  Some students even brought artifacts from home if their country of heritage in Asia was represented.  

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Students were very interested and engaged in this project.  As I said, we could have spent more hours on this project! 

Students learned that Asia has around 4.5 billion people.  The rapid development of land for use by humans does pose a threat to animal species.  

Many countries in Asia are making a commitment to take action either through education or finding ways to lessen the threat or increase the species population.  

As an optional summer project, students chose an animal in Asia that is endangered or critically endangered.  Over the summer, they can research the animal with the
criteria provided.  Then students can choose to create a video, Scratch Jr project, slideshow, poster, or whatever means they would like to educate others about this animal
and ways that this animal could be protected. 

*This is a totally optional project.  No obligation! This is something we planned to do in class and simply did not have enough time, so I told students that

they could work on it at home during the summer if they would like.  

I encourage students to spend time in nature this summer.  I encourage them to indulge in hobbies or try a new one.  I encourage them to visit friends and family.  Read.  Get crafty.  Cook something with their family members.  Learn something new.  I encourage students to have a relaxing, fulfilling, and restful summer!  I look forward to hearing all about it!!!