Ms Hope Rias
Reflections from the 2008 Toyota International Teacher Program to the Galápagos Islands
Rias, second from right, with fellow participants at a Galapagueño school.
Topic: The Galapagos Islands
Abstract: The unit would be a multidisciplinary study of the Islands. It would begin with a study of the geography of Latin America focusing on the Galapagos Islands. Students would research the resources of the islands. The lesson would continue with a basic study of the Spanish language and the cultures that make up the peoples of the Galapagos. Students would take a virtual tour of the Islands in order to "see" what the area looks like. Students will research plant and animal life on the Islands and research the medical discoveries that may be linked to those plants and animals. Finally, students will research ways to preserve the resources of the Islands and what it will cost the planet if those resources are not preserved.
I. Geography
A. Identify the Galapagos Islands on a map B. Identity the resources of the islands
II. History
A. Learn the history of the Galapagos Islands B. Interweave its history with the history of Latin America and its relationship to Europe
III. Language
A. Learn basic greetings and vocabulary in Spanish B. More advanced students can translate their research papers into Spanish
Students will learn to greet and learn basic vocabulary pertaining to the Galapagos in Spanish. However, it does not appear that there are any students who are proficient enough to translate a paper.
IV. Virtual Tour of the Island
A. Virtual Scavenger Hunt B. Art Project to Decorate the Room like the Galapagos
Students can still take a virtual tour of the Islands through various websites. Also, I will create a Powerpoint presentation using my photos so students can “see” the islands. The art project will be offered as extra credit to students who are interested.
V. Research Paper
A. Topic: "How Do Scientists Protect the Resources of the Islands?"
This will be changed from a full scale research project to document based writing assignment.
VI. Economics
A. What does it cost to preserve the resources of the Galapagos? B. What will it cost if we don't preserve the resources of the Galapagos?
We can do this with little revision. Economics students are required to read articles and write essays about pertinent economics issues. They will be assigned to read about the preservation of the Galapagos. Students will then do a Socratic Seminar to explore their ideas of what it costs, in the long run to not protect our environment.
VII. Earth Day Fair
A. Host a community based fair to teach students, teachers, and members of the community how to save energy and reduce utility costs.
A full community fair may be too large of a task. Instead, high school students will create a display for the hallway. The entire high school hallway will be used as a gallery and decorated with posters exploring topics like waste management, water conservation, and eco friendly energy sources. Our school currently serves 400 students. Parents and administrators will also learn from our gallery as they walk the halls and read the information that we display.