Unit Overview
Culminating Activity
Vermont Standards
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UNIT SUMMARY

Unit Title:

Sawadee, Beautiful Thailand

Unit Author:

Marion Cloud & Melanie Podolec, Hartford Memorial High School

Grade Level: 7

Unit Overview:
The focus of this unit is to teach about Thailand by involving students in hands-on activities, audio/visual instruction, and learning strategies designed to arous their interest and enhance their retention. In this way, students will have a greater understanding of the unique culture, geography, people and traditions of Thailand.  

Essential Questions:
  • Where is Thailand and what is its capitol city?
  • How do societal values in Thailand influence the culture?
  • What is a monarchy? What is the role of monarchy in Thailand?
  • What is Buddhism? How does Buddhism influence the Thai people?
  • How is Thailand different from the U.S? How are they similar?
  • What is the value of studying Thailand?

Culminating Task:
Seventh grade students will name and identify objects commonly found in Thailand, but not in the United States. They will automatically stand and greet visitors to their classroom with a "wai" and traditional SAWADEE-KA or KRUP salutation. Each student will label and color a map of Southeast Asia. Students will study about silk production and the Thai elephant. The culminating activity will involve preparation of a traditional Thai curry and rice meal. There will also be a pre- and post-test to measure learning and retention.  

Vermont Standards

Fields of Knowledge Standards:
6.13: Diversity and Unity

Students understand the concepts of culture, including the cultures of indigenous peoples, in various times, in the local community, in the United States, and in various locations world wide.

  • (aa) Investigate the factors that make us human in different cultural and social settings (e.g., language, arts, literature);
  • (aaa) Analyze how culture shapes world view and how it unifies and divides people (e.g., national, relgious, ethnic, racial and clas bias);
  • (bbb) Analyze the globalization of culture and the emergence of new cultural forms (e.g., the spread of American popular culture and the spread of Asian culture).

 

Time to Complete Unit:  One week consisting of five 45-minute periods

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