The classroom is transformed into a large scale map as trade routes are tapped along the floor and a trade hub square focuses the room.
Students are assigned to different trade paths, each with its own task to complete (curvy lines, under desks, over desks, straight lines, stop and fan yourself 20 times, paddle 20 times before entering the trade hub, etc.) Students are introduced to the activity, with an explanation of expectations and one student from each group reads their path task aloud, and models the directions for their group. Students use previously created trade token based on an assigned contribution from the Middle East during the Middle Ages (mathematics, navigation, science and technology, architecture, bookmaking, music & art, etc.) to exchange in the trade hub. Each trade token has the name of the contribution and three facts about that contribution. Students traded their tokens, one person and one token at a time, within the trade hub borders. After completing the trade activity, students are guided through a comparison of elements of the stimulation activity to what they may know or can deduct is the real world connection. Students are given one element of the stimulation at a time, and then are asked to discuss in their groups for 1-2 minutes before randomized students give the connection. After completing the guided connection activity, students are asked to think critically as to whether their school is a site of encounter similar to the trade hub, and why. |
THE TRADE ROUTES & HUb |