American Culture Webinars

For English Language Teachers

Brought to you by :U.S. Embassy Lima’s Public Affairs Section

WELCOME!

Our goal: to provide info on U.S. culture AND to help you create an effective plan to use in your classroom.

Please ask questions! That’s why we’re here.

What are we discussing today?

Painting of Lewis and Clark by Michael Deas

Today’s Goals

• Teach students about America’s Frontier and Legacy of Exploration

• Expand the definition of Frontiers to include Oceans and Space (and others?)

• Discuss how Humans (with motivation and education) and Technology work together to explore new frontiers; Discuss how exploration and conservation go hand in hand

• Use language skills to fuel Exploration and Conservation

Exploring Frontiers

Photo of Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, courtesy of NASAPhoto of Aquarius Laboratory by Brian Skerry, National Geographic

Exploring Frontiers

From the painting "Lewis and Clark at Three Forks" by Edgar S. Paxson. Image courtesy of Lewis and Clark 2001, the Montana Historical Society, NOAA/OER

Exploration and Expansion Across the American Frontier

“American Progress” by John Gast,circa 1872

Photo of Woman at Auburn Ravine, part of California Gold Rush, courtesy of California State Library

What do Frontiers Mean today?

• Frontiers are always evolving – Exploration is not over!

• Exploration today is about Science and Technology

• Two interesting frontiers: Oceans and Space– Focus has changed. We must protect our

frontiers, not just expand. – Conservation and responsible exploration.

Exploring the Seas

NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer passing by the Golden Gate Bridge (Photo Credit: NOAA)

President Barack Obama’s Proclamation for National Oceans Month, 2013

“From providing food and energy to helping sustain our climate and our security, the oceans play a critical role in nearly every part of our national life. They connect us to countries around the world, and support transportation and trade networks that grow our economy. For millions of Americans, our coasts are also a gateway to good jobs and a decent living. All of us have a stake in keeping the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes clean and productive -- which is why we must manage them wisely not just in our time, but for generations to come.

Rising to meet that test means addressing threats like overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Alongside partners at every level of government and throughout the private sector, my Administration is taking up that task. Earlier this year, we finalized a plan to turn our National Ocean Policy into concrete actions that protect the environment, streamline Federal operations, and promote economic growth. The plan charts a path to better decision-making through science and data sharing, and it ensures tax dollars are spent more efficiently by reducing duplication and cutting red tape. Best of all, it puts stock in the American people -- drawing on their knowledge and empowering communities to bring local solutions to the challenges we face.

By making smart choices in ocean management, we can give our businesses the tools they need to thrive while protecting the long-term health of our marine ecosystems. Let us mark this month by renewing those goals, reinvesting in our coastal economies, and recommitting to good stewardship in the years ahead.”

--Excerpt from the Proclamation issued by the White House on May 31, 2013

History of NASA and the Space Race

Photos of President John F. Kennedy and Apollo 11 crew courtesy of NASA archives

Exploring Space

NASA Engineers Visit Peru

Three Peruvian-American NASA scientists during their visit to CuscoFrom left to right: Aracely Quispe, Rosa Avalos and Melisa Soriano

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

Artist rendering of LRO courtesy of NASA. Photo of Aracely Quispe talking with youth at ExpoTIC fair courtesy of U.S. Embassy Lima

Mars Curiosity Rover

Artist renderings of Mars Curiosity courtesy of NASA.

Photo of Melisa Sorino meeting with student in Puno courtesy of U.S. Embassy Lima

International Space Station

Artist rendering of ISS and Photo of Rosa Avalos courtesy of NASA.

Plan your Lesson Plan

1) What are your topics?

2) What kind of questions/conversations starters will you ask?

3) What new vocabulary do you need?

4) What activities can you do with your students?

Vocabulary

Explore, Exploration Waterway

Frontier Conservation

Discovery Outer Space

Environment Astronaut

Adapt, Adaptation Oceanographer

“Manifest Destiny” Engineer

Ethos Scientist

Discussion Questions• Would you like to be an explorer and if so, what would you

explore?

• Would you rather explore the deepest ocean or the farthest reaches of outer space and why?

• If you were living on the frontier in the United States during the 1800s, what do you think would be the most fun part? The most challenging?

• Who is responsible for caring for our lakes, rivers, and oceans? How can we take care of these waterways?

• What is the “ethos” or guiding belief or characteristic that represents your country or community? Does one exist? If you could create one, what would it be?

Activities

1) Activity #1 – World Oceans Day Promise

2) Activity #2 – NASA Space Station Challenge

Activity #1 – World Oceans Day: A Promise to Keep Our Waters Clean

Make a Promise for the Oceanhttp://worldoceansday.org/promise/

Discuss with students the importance of oceans and water sources to different communities.

Have students make a promise - something they can do to help protect the earth’s water and environment. It should be something realistic (i.e. I will shut the water off when I am brushing my teeth). Have students create a poster of their promise.

Show the world! Take a photo of students with their message and post on a social media site such as Facebook and tag with #WorldOceansDay.

Activity #2 – NASA Space Station Challenge

Imagine you are packing for a three-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS). You can only take five items with you. You must be able to carry all five items since storage is in short supply on the ISS. List the five items you would bring and explain why you chose those items.

Source: www.nasa.gov

Imagine you are packing for a three-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS). You can only take five items with you. You must be able to carry all five items since storage is in short supply on the ISS. List the five items you would bring and explain why you chose those items.

Item Reason1. _______________________ _________________________________

2. _______________________ _________________________________

3. _______________________ _________________________________

4. _______________________ _________________________________

5. _______________________ _________________________________

Example:I would bring a “How Speak Alien” phrase book. You never know when youmight meet an extra-terrestrial!

NASA has over-estimated the weight the ISS can carry and must immediately downsize. Between you and your fellow space travelers, you may now only bring 3 items. Compare your lists. Together, decide what 3 items you will bring. Be sure to explain how you reach your decision.

Source: www.nasa.gov

Crisis!!!!

NASA has over-estimated the weight the ISS can carry and must immediately downsize. Between you and your fellow space travelers, you may now only bring 3 items. Compare your lists. Together, decide what 3 items you will bring. Be sure to explain how you reach your decision.

Item Reason1. _______________________ _________________________________

2. _______________________ _________________________________

3. _______________________ _________________________________

What skills did you need to effectively complete this activity?

Reading?

WRITING?Speaking? Listening?

What other skills were needed?

NegotiatingExplaining

Justifying

Resources

American English webpage– americanenglish.state.gov

RELO Andes webpage– reloandes.com (link to this presentation found

here!)

Oceans and Space Websites

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association• http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/welcom

e.htmlSmithsonian Institution Ocean Portal• http://ocean.si.edu/for-educatorsNASA• http://www.nasa.gov• http://

www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/teachingfromspace/dayinthelife/index.html

QUESTIONS?

Remember:You can check out the webinars and the

corresponding resources on the RELO Andes blog - reloandes.com