Students learn about the culture of the river dwellers along the Amazon River. Then they explore the Afro-Brazilian influence in Salvador. They research cultural features and challenges in Salvador and present their findings. Finally, they are introduced to some of the etiquette and customs of Brazil and describe them in a letter.
Students are introduced to the lesson focus on Brazil’s size and cultural diversity and view an image of a floating house on the Amazon River. They watch Clash of Cultures over Amazon Dams to learn about how the culture and lifestyle of Amazon river dwellers can come into conflict with development projects. Students then respond on a discussion wall, predicting how the culture of river dwellers might differ from that of Brazilians in densely urban, ethnically diverse regions.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, highlighting that students will explore multiple Brazilian cultural regions and influences. After the video, facilitate a whole-class discussion of student predictions, prompting them to connect cultural differences to geographic context and to consider how regional environments shape ways of life.
Students view images related to Brazilian culture, including capoeira and soccer, and read background text about the scale of the slave trade in Brazil and its impact on Afro-Brazilian culture. They watch Brazil’s African Soul to see cultural features and challenges in Salvador, then use a two-column graphic organizer to record “Cultural Features of Salvador” and “Challenges Facing Salvador.” Afterward, they view an image of Brazilian soccer fans and post to a discussion wall explaining the purpose of the video and evaluating how effectively it achieved that purpose.
Teacher MovesGuide students to notice key Afro-Brazilian cultural elements and urban challenges in Salvador. Lead a class debrief of the graphic organizer, ensuring that students identify a range of cultural features and challenges. Then discuss selected student responses about the video’s purpose, asking why the video includes both positive and negative aspects of Salvador and how that shapes viewers’ understanding of the city.
Students review the list of cultural features and challenges in Salvador, then choose one cultural feature (such as soccer, capoeira, religious faiths, Candomblé, carnival, or music) and one challenge (such as sewage, security, education, violence, racism, public service problems, incomplete subway, hospitals, or crime). Using online research, they investigate both topics and create a brief report. Students post their report to a discussion wall or share a link to a product created with a digital tool (such as Prezi, a timeline tool, an online presentation, or Glogster). They then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesSupport students in selecting focused topics and conducting credible online research, clarifying expectations for the brief report and use of digital tools. After students post, highlight several exemplary reports and lead a class discussion comparing Salvador’s strengths and challenges to those of the local community, prompting students to consider what it means to be a good citizen in a city facing significant issues.
Students read the “Brazilian Culture & Society” and “Social Customs & Protocol” sections of Brazil Guide to learn about everyday etiquette and customs. They then write a short letter to a friend who will be staying with a Brazilian family, giving practical advice on how to follow local customs, especially during shared meals and daily interactions. After writing, students compare letters with a classmate, revisiting the article as needed to check accuracy and completeness.
Teacher MovesDirect students to the specified sections of the guide and clarify that they should focus on concrete behaviors and expectations in social situations. Encourage students to use evidence from the text in their letters and to refine their advice through peer comparison and discussion, correcting misunderstandings about Brazilian customs as they arise.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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