Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Latin America Upside Down

Subject Area

World Languages

Grade(s)

7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This unique resource challenges student perceptions of the world and causes them to look at the world from a different perspective. The south up map forces students to examine how countries relate to each other geographically. It also opens discussions into ethnocentric thinking and culturally biased perceptions. This particular resource can be copied for individual use or printed as a poster to hang in the classroom. Before introducing this map, ask students to quickly sketch a world map on a sheet of paper. Ask them to describe this map (in English or target language depending on level). Then, show them this map but hide the commentary paragraphs. Ask them to share why they think this map is correct and/or incorrect. Finally, share the commentary that is printed on the resource and have students discuss their thoughts on the presented idea. This is a fun activity to do at the start of language learning to remind students that one must be opened minded and willing to look at things from another viewpoint if they want to try and understand cultures different than their own.

    World Languages (2017) Grade(s): 07-12 - World Languages

    WL17.WL.L1.6

    Connect with other disciplines while using the target language.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:WL17.WL.L1.6

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • the importance the metric system plays in measurements throughout the world.
    • that weather patterns are dependant on geographical locations.
    • currency changes from country to country and exchange rates are variable
    • where the target language is spoken.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    Novice Mid Level
    • use map skills to identify countries and geographical features around the world.
    • identify resources needed to calculate exchange rates and measurments.
    Novice High Level
    Students are able to:
    • use map skills to identify countries and geographical features around the world.
    • identify resources needed to calculate exchange rates and measurments.
    • investigate other disciplines using the target language language.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • proficiency in a foreign language is a vehicle to gaining knowledge that can only be acquired through that language and its culture.
    • world language learning offers opportunities to uncover big ideas in and about other disciplines.
    • strategies used to acquire a language are transferable to other areas of learning throughout life.
    • a second language facilitates the acquisition of information about the world outside our experiences.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Informational Material

    Resource Provider

    Other

    Resource Provider other

    Spanish 411
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
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