My enrichment class in Cultural Geography is taken by all students, and lasts just 8 weeks. The students were very excited about the project. I received a lot of positive feed back about the interviews with their grandparents. The students worked hard on their quilt squares and were enthusiastic during their presentations. It was a successful project that incorporated writing and art in the social studies classroom. The students who also did the art project 'Culture in Our Own Backyards' Tiled Globe Stand were able to see the way both art and social studies classes studied culture, heritage, and their roles in society.
Compare the felt quilt square made by my Social Studies student with the ceramic tile design the same student made in the art class.
Irish-German-Spanish-American heritage square (click the image for a larger version).
Irish-German-Spanish-American heritage tile (click the image for a larger version).
Student comments:
"I found out a lot of information about my grandmother that I never knew, it was a great project."
"I enjoyed making my piece of the quilt, because it allowed me to express myself and my heritage."
"I liked doing similar projects in both art and social studies, it was neat how they connected."
Teacher contact:
Tim Smedley
Bryant Middle School
460 N. Vernon
Dearborn Michigan 48128-1599
313-730-3050
