Students began exploring the countries of  Central America and the Caribbean this week as part of our study of world regions. Each country has been assigned to a student “expert” who will research, create a map of the country, and develop a 5-10 minute oral presentation for the class. In this way students will gain a sense of the entire region while developing expertise in one area. They are gathering information from a variety of sources, evaluating sources for credibility, and synthesizing their findings for an audience. Transforming their new knowledge into a coherent oral presentation will build students’ communication skills as they courageously present to classmates.

The usual suspects are expected to be a part of the presentation, including details like area, population, languages spoken, major products, and historical events. But more importantly, we want to learn about environmental, economic, social, or political issues that each country currently faces. These topics will serve to launch deeper study of the region and inquiry into how it connects with the rest of the world.

Our yearlong study of the world’s regions and cultures will enable students to develop global perspective as they generate and research compelling questions such as:

• How does where we live affect how we live?
• How and why do places change over time?
• What are the benefits and challenges that result from globalization?
• How has competition for resources and land affected the development of various regions and/or cultures?
• How do the natural resources in a particular place affect the culture and affect that region’s ability to be a part of the global community?
• What characteristics make groups of people unique?
• How does population density affect the availability of resources?
• Why are certain places more populated than others?
• How does technology influence connections among human settlements and the diffusion of culture?
• What are human rights?​

We’ll be engaging in various projects, inquiries, and activities as we explore the world. (And you can rest assured, FOOD will definitely be a part of the process…) We welcome guest speakers, experts, and artifacts, so if you have resources to share, please let us know!

Students also had a chance to practice communication, creativity, and collaboration this week as the middle school team planned and presented an all-school assembly on Friday morning. From script-writing and emceeing to costume-modeling and music selection, middle schoolers stepped up and out to prepare the student body for next week’s Spirit Week! Well done, team! We’re looking forward to seeing some awesome spirit next week!

• Oct. 12 – Parent Lunch
• Dec. 7 – Parent Lunch
• Jan. 26 – MS Lock-in
• Feb. 1 – Parent Lunch
• May 24 – Parent Brunch