Cultural Lesson Plans for Teachers about the ... - Brown University

LESSON PLAN THREE — TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS
The Haffenreffer
Museum of Anthropology
BROWN
Activity Five (for grades 6-8): Exploring Aspects of Culture
An advanced assignment will give students their choice of a research topic. Have your
students research their favorite aspect of culture and give an oral and visual report to
the class. For example, a student that studies ballet might research a type of dance from
another culture. That student can even take a dance class and use that experience in his/her
report. A student who loves to read can read a book by an author from another culture. A
student who likes sports can research a cultural sport unfamiliar to him/her. A student of
art can research an artist and visit a local art museum. Some examples are given below with
suggested research questions. There are endless possibilities, so feel free to come up with
your own or invite your students to develop their own topics.
Research Research and Questions
Topic
Dance Take a dance class or watch a performance. Research books in the library.
How was the movement similar or different from what you are used to?
Are there certain dances for certain occasions in this culture? What special
clothing is worn / special music is played for this type of dance?
Food Find a new recipe or take a cooking class of a food from a culture other
than your own. Research the ingredients. Where can they be found? Is this
recipe prepared for special occasions or is it a common meal? How was the
food prepared traditionally and how is it prepared today? Share the recipe
with your classmates and bring sample ingredients to school. Ask your
teacher if there are concerns with food allergies before having your classmates
try any food.
Religion Research another religion. Attend a service, but ask for permission first.
How are the services structured? What do people wear? Who leads the
service? What is proper behavior? Are there restrictions to who can attend?
Ask if you can take photographs, or find photographs in books. Bring the
photographs to school and share what you learned with your class.
Sports / Research or watch a sport or game played by people from a culture other
Games than your own. When is the sport or game played? Who can play it? What
are the rules? Are there spectators? What is appropriate behavior for a spectator?
How is the winner determined? Bring photographs to school to share
with your class.
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