Themepark

exploration
Cultures

Many educators agree that a multicultural approach to education is essential to engage children of all cultures in learning and to prepare students for the diverse and global society that will be their adult world. All students must learn how to interact with and understand people who are ethnically, racially and culturally different from themselves.

By exploring other cultures, we can learn to appreciate diversity, while celebrating our common humanity.

 

Places To Go    People To See    Things To Do    Teacher Resources    Bibliography

Places To Go

CultureGrams
This is an excellent database to help us understand other cultures around the world. Access limited to Utah Educators and Students.
The Lonely Planet
This travel site will help you understand the various cultures and places around the world.
Global Trek
This site is a way for students to travel the world without having to leave their classroom. The travel itinerary provides links to background information and a chance to read about a country's people and culture.
Around the World
This website from Time puts countries and cultures from around the world at your fingertips.
A World of Cultures
Explore the world to your heart's content with this site.
Dale Lightfoot's Cultural Landscapes From Around the World
This archive of color photographs is used to highlight similarities and differences in cultural geography around the world. The emphasis is on four areas: folk customs, popular culture, "cola" wars, and "frosted flakes"!
Global Schoolhouse
The Global Schoolhouse provides online opportunities for teachers and students to collaborate, communicate, and celebrate shared learning experiences.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Travel to Machu Picchu to explore the culture of the ancient Incas. This city high in the Andes mountains of Peru is often called the lost city of the Inca because it was never discovered or touched by the Spanish who conquered the area.
Serpent Mound (USA)
Travel to the Serpent Mound in Ohio. This long, winding mound of earth is thought to have been built by the Adena culture that lived in the area from about 1000 BC to 1200 AD. Archaeologists believe it was used as a ceremonial mound.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Visit Uluru in central Australia to learn about the culture of the aboriginal peoples of Australia. This landform which used to be called Ayers Rock is sacred to the Anangu aborigines.

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People To See

Llama
Meet the people of the Andes in South America and explore their relationship with the four different species of the camel family (camelids) that live in that area. Sometimes these animals are referred to as lamoids to set them apart from the camelids that live in Africa and Asia. These four lamoid animals are a vital part of Andean culture. They act as pack animals and provide meat, fat for candles, hides, wool, and dung for fuel.
Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead taught generations of Americans about the value of looking carefully and openly at other cultures to better understand the complexities of being human. Mead brought the serious work of anthropology into the public consciousness.
Most Popular Names
An individual’s name often reflects his/her culture. Discover the most popular names in America. Then browse through popular names worldwide. Currently in India, the most popular girl’s name is Ananya, and the most popular boy’s name is Aarav. In Australia, it’s Lily and Jack. In Brazil, it’s Julia and Gabriel. While you’re exploring names, check out the listing of most popular names through the years. In the 1880s in America, it was Mary and John.
Native Americans in Utah
Get to know the earliest peoples who lived in Utah. Over 12,000 years ago, Paleo-Indians lived throughout Utah. Their communities consisted of small groups that mostly lived in caves. Over the centuries, native groups moved in and out of Utah and surrounding areas. About 1200 AD, the Shoshone, Ute, Goshute, and Paiute tribal units began to settle in Utah. By about 1500 AD, the Navajo were part of Utah. Native Americans make up an important part of Utah’s cultural history.
Vikings
Vikings were Norsemen who lived in the area of the world that is now Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Many Vikings were warriors and explorers whose famous ships travelled throughout much of Europe and Asia. Some of their main gods were Thor, Odin, and Frey. When warriors were killed in battle, they were escorted to Valhalla which was a heaven-like place just for brave warriors. In Valhalla, they got to fight battles all day long, but no one was ever killed

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Things To Do

ePals
Connect with electronic penpals from around the world.
Foreign Languages for Travelers
Discover more about the languages of different countries at this site.
The Odyssey
Over 2000 classes have trekked around the world online! Join them as The Odyssey links you with our team of educators on their 1999-2000 round-the-world trek. Start now by clicking the map, or learn more, or go to the Teacher Zone.

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Teacher Resources

Fifty Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know (pdf)
A multicultural bibliography broken down by appropriate ages.
Melting Pot Theater: Teaching for Cultural Understanding
This unit uses drama as an educational tool to foster multicultural understanding. 

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Bibliography

  • Bernhard, Emery and Durga Bernhard. A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World. Harcourt Brace, 1996.
  • Braman, Arlette N. et al. Kids Around the World Create!: The Best Crafts and Activities from Many Lands. John Wiley & Sons,1999.
  •  Cook, Deanna F. and Michael P. Kline. The Kids' Multicultural Cookbook: Food & Fun Around the World. Williamson Publishing, 1995.
  • Copsey, Susan Elizabeth et al. Children Just Like Me. DK Publishing, 1995.
  • Gomez, Aurelia. Crafts of Many Cultures: 30 Authentic Craft Projects From Around the World. Scholastic, 1996.
  • Kindersley, Anabel and Barnabas Kindersley. Children Just Like Me: Celebrations! DK Publishing, 1997.
  • Mason, Antony et al. Around the World in 80 Pages/an Adventurous Picture Atlas of the World: An Adventurous Picture Atlas of the World. Copper Beech Books, 1995.
  • Milord, Susan. Hands Around the World: 365 Creative Ways to Encourage Cultural Awareness and Global Respect. Williamson Publishing, 1992.
  • Milord, Susan and Michael Donato. Tales Alive!: Ten Multicultural Folktales With Activities. Williamson Publishing, 1995.
  • Morris, Ann. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes. Mulberry Books, 1998.
  • Morris, Ann and Ken Heyman. Bread, Bread, Bread. Mulberry Books, 1993.
  • Morris, Ann and Ken Heyman. Hats, Hats, Hats. Mulberry Books, 1993.
  • Morris, Ann et al. Houses and Homes. Mulberry Books, 1995.
  • Morris, Ann et al. On the Go. Mulberry Books, 1994.
  • Orlando, Louise. The Multicultural Game Book: More Than 70 Traditional Games from 30 Countries/Grades 1-6. Scholastic, 1995.
  • Spier, Peter. People. Doubleday, 1988.
  • Terzian, Alexandra M. The Kids' Multicultural Art Book: Art & Craft Experiences from Around the World. Williamson Publishing, 1993.
  • Tyler, Jenny et al. The Usborne Book of World Geography With World Atlas. E D C Publications, 1993.
  • Wood, Jenny and David Munro. The Children's Atlas of People & Places. Millbrook Press, 1993.