The seventh grade recently completed their Main lesson block on Central American, South American, and Caribbean Geography and Indigenous cultures, while simultaneously working on a research project in English Skills class and  related topics in Spanish class. This ability for students to focus on related themes and topics across classes is a hallmark of Waldorf curriculum and allows for a deeper understanding and integration of concepts. Students can make correlations and connections when looking at a topic or concept from different angles, and come away with a richer understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity.

In this case, the students began in Main Lesson with a look at the physical features of this region of the world, leading them to see how the first people who settled in these areas shaped their cultures in many ways around the unique terrain, availability of water, and local flora and fauna. The students were able to draw several parallels between these indigenous Mesoamerican cultures and cultures on the other side of the globe they learned about in previous blocks; for instance, they  recognized that similar ideas arose independently in different parts of the world–both Islamic scholars during the Islamic Golden Age and the Maya came up with the concept of zero, and both cultures worked with mathematics and astronomy. They also drew parallels in how the divine mission of the Inca to conquer and bring their gods to the people of South America was similar to the Christian Crusades in the Middle East. The students then created maps–both drawn and in clay–and used their developing essay skills to write about the Mesoamerican world. View photos from the South and Central American Block here.

In English Skills class they also worked on a long-term research project about a South American, Central American, or Caribbean country. They learned about using library and online resources, paraphrasing and citing sources, culminating in a research paper and an oral presentation to the class.

Simultaneously in Spanish Class the seventh grade embarked on two research projects. They began with a study of music and dance from a Latin American country which each student selected. The students investigated the musical culture of the country and created a short presentation with a musical selection. After completing this exploration, the students undertook a deeper exploration on Environmental Impacts in Latin America, selecting a geographical area, country or region and a topic, such as Deforestation or Climate Change.  The students capped off this research project with a diorama and poster as well as an oral presentation to their Middle School peers in Spanish. View photos from their Spanish Music and Dance presentations here and Spanish Environmental presentations here.