Melissa+Tesoriero

Unit : Africa- Grade 3

Essential Questions: •How do we want this unit to impact our students' thinking as they continue learning about the world in which they live? •How do we make this unit of study relevant and give our students a personal connection? •How will this unit of study give our students an increased sensitivity to diverse cultures?

Major Understandings: •The continent of Africa is diverse, both physically and culturally. •There are similarities as well as differences between our culture and community and other cultures and communities. •Representations made by the media are not always accurate and often will encourage stereotypic opinions.

Vocabulary: •continent •geography •diversity •culture •stereotype •perspective •landforms •currency •population •area

Framework for learning: •Project Look Sharp powerpoint •African map showing all countries and flags •African parents and other guest presenters •Leveled readers on Africa •Self selected research projects and then student presentation projects based on choice •Using Artists/Writers Workshop students choose an animal from their country of study and create a realistic fiction story

Assessment: •Students share their learned knowledge at a grade level African Museum. •Each student will complete a self evaluation using a teacher created rubric.