Comparing+Cultures-+Allison+Gever

Big Idea : Culture



The Essential Question: What would my life be like if I were a high school student in Mexico?

Overview: Culture is made up of many components including politics, education, values and traditions, cuisine, and pop culture. There are many stereotypes associated with the Mexican culture, but through deeper investigation, students will discover the surprising differences as well as the increasing number of similarities among cultures.

Guiding Questions:
 * 1) What do students learn in schools in Mexico?
 * 2) What makes up Mexico’s pop culture?
 * 3) How do family and cultural values compare to yours?
 * 4) Which foods are typical of Mexico and why?
 * 5) What are some current events in Mexico concerning politics? How do these current events affect the United States?

Guiding Activities:

1. Compare and contrast the standardized testing procedures using the Secretaria de Educación Pública website (SEP).

2. Establish a relationship with a Mexican high school student through e-pals. Exchange personal information through e-mails and Facebook friendships. Initiate conversation about pop culture, cuisine, and personal interests.

3. Investigate how Mexico's current events with regards to politics are affecting Mexican society as well as the United States using the online newspaper El Pais.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Guiding Resources: <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">[|epals] <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">[|SEP] <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">[|Facebook] <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> [|ElPais]