“I suppose my formula might be: dream, diversify and never miss an angle.” - Walt Disney
Daily, I strive to prepare my students for the world with knowledge and to bestow upon them zest and passion for lifelong learning.
My seventh-grade students are empowered, creative risk-takers who are preparing for a litany of skills needed in the future. They are not only working towards mastery of content standards but are working to learn the multiple facets needed for the twenty-first century!
My Project
During our Age of Exploration unit, students learn how explorers were sponsored by monarchs to explore (or invade) new lands. The monarch's sponsorship was not unconditional; it included a financial motive for exploring new lands. Each person had something to gain. Explorers could receive wealth and glory and the monarch could advance their kingdom financially. Explorers were given a limited amount of money from their sponsor and needed to continue to bring in new goods or materials for the wealth of the kingdom.
This means, even in 1492, explorers needed to be financially literate.
They needed to make decisions about budget, cost of crew, food, etc.
In our 7th-grade social studies class, my students will be replicating this and writing to a queen or king to get sponsorship to make a caraval of their own design. Students will be given a budget and from there will need to "buy" materials to build their own boat. Using the chalk, balloons and other materials in this project, students will be designing, creating, and executing their design. After the ships are made, we will see which ones will actually float. Additionally, students will be given "cargo" to add to their ships to see which ship can hold the most cargo. This exciting lesson is a highlight and adding the financial literacy component helps students to really plan and take care of the materials as they are building the boat.
Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk Set, Anti-roll design, Outdoor fun (192 Chalks)
• Amazon Business
$39.99
1
$39.99
Prextex 600 Party Balloons 12 Inch 10 Assorted Rainbow Colors - Bulk Pack of Strong Latex Balloons for Party Decorations, Birthday Parties Supplies or Arch Decor - Helium Quality
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
Cavallini Papers Vintage Style Decorative Poster & Hanger Kit 28 x 20, 28" x 20"
• Amazon Business
$24.95
1
$24.95
Crafty Dab Poster Paint Arts & Crafts
• Amazon Business
$23.95
1
$23.95
Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paints Set, 16 oz, Pack of 6 .
• Amazon Business
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Thomas-Kelley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
