Social Studies

Brazil: The Culture of Social Development

Dianne Russo, Lyndon Baines Johnson High School

The purpose of this unit is to learn about social projects in some of Brazil's more marginalized communities while focusing on improving literacy skills. Students will complete various readings, data sets, writing assignments, and discussions in order to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Brazil's culture and the success of these particular social projects.

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Brazil in a Nutshell

Alisa Warshay, Shaker Heights High School

During this unit, students will get a feel for what Brazil is like. Students will learn about basic aspects of modern Brazil including geography, economics, politics, religion, food, climate and education. Students will get a taste for Brazilian culture through music, food, dance and learning basic Portuguese.

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Afro-Central Americans: Rediscovering the African Heritage

Minority Rights Group International

This reading explores the deep cultural background of Central Americans, many of which have African Heritage. Black presence has been largely ignored in Central America and this report sheds light on that African heritage. A lot has been contested regarding what makes a Afro-Central American. email our Outreach Coordinator Clea Conlin at cconlin@email.arizona.edu for the report.

Paraguay: Sounds of Hope

Cari Ladd

In this lesson, students will examine how a music education program is being used in Paraguay to bring about positive social change. They will then predict how Paraguay's economy, politics and culture might be different in 20 years as a result of the program. For more background information on Paraguay and the vision for this music program,

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Nicaragua Quest: Teacher's Guide


This guide is a project-based learning experience designed to engage students in the politics, history and culture of Nicaragua through role-playing and discussion. The final product will be a group report reflecting the grown answer to the question: form an opinion on the Nicaraguan Sandinista Revolution.

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Chips and Salsa: A Taste of Mariachi Music for the High School Orchestra

Elizabeth J Knighton, University of Washington

Through this set of lesson segments, students will engage with the mariachi music of Mexico through discussing audio and video clips, listening to individual instruments within ensemble and imitating them by ear, and through playing an arranged mariachi piece. Note: Music will need to be purchased from Smithsonian Folkways website to accompany the lessons.

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The Fight for Texas and the Mexican-American: A Case Study of Conflict


In this lesson, students will understand the political, social and economic conditions that the United States and Mexico faced in events leading up to the fight for Texas and the Mexican-American war. They will understand the importance of nationalism and its connection to conflict.

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