Teach students about the world around them through exciting social studies activities.
Social Studies provides students the opportunity to learn about the rest of the world. Students can appreciate the differences between cities, countries and continents and develop an understanding of cultural differences. Winter social studies activities are an opportunity to integrate science concepts and use current events to spark enthusiasm.
World Winter Holidays
Choose three to five countries from around the world to research as a class. Denise Todd, contributor for Lesson Plans Page suggests choosing Mexico, Sweden, Africa, Israel and America. Alternatively, you may choose to have students research countries independently; in this case, each student can choose two to three countries. Using the Internet, find relevant information about each country and how its inhabitants celebrate winter holidays such as Christmas. Have students use the information to create a book or poster to display similarities and differences.
Get the Facts
In this activity, students will integrate science and social studies to find facts about winter in different countries. Create a table titled, "Winter Around the World." In the table column headers, have students write "Average Temperature," "Precipitation," "Winter Clothing" and so on. In the row headers, have students fill in the names of three to five countries. Have students work alone or with partners to find information using Internet websites.
Celebrate the Winter Olympics
Years that the Winter Olympics occur can provide exciting learning opportunities for students. Have each student choose five countries that are participating in the Olympics. Each student can then draw a flag of each chosen country and write a few facts about the country on the back. Korey Marquez, contributor for Education.com recommends using binder clips to attach the pictures to a horizontal piece of yarn for display around the classroom. As an extension, have students track medal counts for each country on a chart.
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