Middle School Curriculum Overview:
This curriculum offers an opportunity for middle school teachers to engage their students in exploring cultural representation and memorialization through the captivating lens of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Teachers can use the Cultural Gardens to bring abstract concepts to life, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.
This curriculum blends virtual exploration, on-site field trips, and hands-on creative projects to provide a rich and memorable learning experience. Students begin their journey by virtually touring the Gardens, researching cultural symbols, and analyzing how communities use these spaces to commemorate their heritage. During their field trip, students will immerse themselves in the physical spaces and discover intricate details that enhance their understanding. *If a field trip is not feasible for your school/your students, these materials can still be used, skipping over Lesson #2!
Finally, students synthesize their learning by designing their own cultural gardens, applying the principles they've learned to represent their chosen cultures/communities through symbols. Through this project, students demonstrate a deep understanding of how symbols and spaces can be powerful tools for storytelling and fostering cross-cultural understanding.