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COURSE

Cultures & Places to Explore

Cultures & Places to Explore covers these concepts and more:

  • Human Culture (Anthropology)
  • Human History (Archaeology)
  • Buildings and Structures (Architecture)
  • Animal Characteristics and Behaviors (Zoology)
  • Environments for Life (Ecosystems)
  • Structure of the Earth (Geology)

COURSE OVERVIEW

Give your child a front row seat to the fascinating, surprising, and awe-inspiring world in which we live. Each lesson kicks off with an episode from Age of Learning’s award-winning animated series Search and Explore. Your child will learn about United States and world geography with both an up-close and bird’s-eye view, while also discovering the people, history, science, and essential landmarks and structures that make these places must-have inclusions on everyone’s sightseeing short list.

Upon completion of this course’s 18 lessons, your child will have learned about and hopefully gained an appreciation for people and their accomplishments in places all around the world, and right here in America.

LESSON 1: WOLONG PANDA SANCTUARY

Your child will be captivated as they learn about the amazing Wolong Panda Sanctuary and its vital role in saving the beloved giant panda. They’ll discover the unique biology of these majestic creatures, including their dependence on bamboo for survival. Not only will your child have fun learning about these fascinating animals, but they’ll also continue to develop analytical thinking skills as they explore the challenges facing endangered species and the ways we can all work together to protect them.

LESSON 2: SERENGETI

Your child will discover the exciting world of animal migration as they take a trip with ABC Mouse and friends to see the Great Migration of the Serengeti in Africa. They’ll learn why some animals move from one location to another (usually due to changes in weather or food availability). Your child will also learn about different names of groups of animals, such as herd for zebras and wildebeests and pride for lions.

LESSON 3: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

Whisk your child away on an adventure into the misty wonderland of cloud forests to meet an array of exotic animals, such as sloths, ocelots, hummingbirds, and more! Your child will learn about the incredible biodiversity supported by the Monteverde Cloud Forest and about the relationships among the living things that make it their home.

LESSON 4: EVERGLADES

Come explore the wild and fascinating Florida Everglades! Imagine your child’s amazement as they discover that alligators and crocodiles share the same habitat. They’ll learn about the great diversity of the Everglades, a home for animals that live nowhere else in the world.

LESSON 5: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Embark with your child on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands, where they will discover a population of unique and exotic animals. This lesson is designed to familiarize your child with the Galapagos Islands and its wildlife, and help them understand how unique adaptations enable the wildlife to thrive in their surroundings.

LESSON 6: TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY

All aboard! Take your child on a railway tour of the largest country in the world—Russia. Your child will learn about some of Russia’s most notable features, including the world’s longest railroad, the Trains-Siberian Railway, and the world’s deepest lake, Lake Baikal.

LESSON 7: GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Visit one of the most famous landmarks in America! In this lesson, your child will learn about the incredible engineering feat of this suspension bridge that spans the entry from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, known as the “Golden Gate.”

LESSON 8: STATUE OF LIBERTY

Take a trip across New York Harbor to learn fascinating facts about one of America’s most iconic landmarks! The Statue of Liberty is not just a statue, it’s a symbol of freedom and hope, and a beacon of light for all those who come to the United States. This lesson will take your child on a journey to Liberty Island, where they will discover the history, symbolism, and cultural significance of this American icon. They will also learn about the statue’s message of freedom and the ideals it represents.

LESSON 9: GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Discover one of the greatest engineering feats in human history! Our lesson on the Great Wall of China will take your child on an incredible journey to learn about its history, construction, and cultural significance. Your child will learn that the Great Wall, built thousands of years ago, is over 13,000 miles long, making it the largest man-made structure in the world.

LESSON 10: AMAZON RIVER

Embark on a cruise with your child to explore the wonders of the Amazon River, where they will learn about the physical features of the world’s largest river, as well as its location on the South American continent. Imagine your child’s enchantment as they learn about the unique and diverse wildlife that inhabits the Amazon, such as the Amazon River dolphin, one of the few types of dolphins that live in a river, and the world’s largest rodent, the capybara.

LESSON 11: GIZA PYRAMIDS

Unlock some of the mysteries of the ancient pyramids with your child! This lesson will take your child to the heart of Egypt to explore the history, construction, and cultural significance of the Giza pyramids. Your child will learn about the physical features and location of the pyramids, and the role they played in ancient Egyptian society.

LESSON 12: LA BREA TAR PITS

Discover secrets of the long-ago past at the La Brea Tar Pits. This lesson will take your child on a trip through time to learn about the history, geology, and biological significance of these unique natural wonders. Your child will learn about the physical features of the tar pits, including their location in Los Angeles, California, and the types of plants and animals that have been found preserved in the tar, all clues to understanding Earth’s past.

LESSON 13: STIRLING CASTLE SCOTLAND

Transport your child to the historic Stirling Castle in Scotland, where they will learn about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this magnificent structure. Your child will understand the historical jobs and roles involved in the operation and maintenance of the castle, such as blacksmith, cook, groundskeeper, and constable. Your child will also learn about the features that were designed to keep the people in the castle safe, such as the drawbridge, moat, and towers.

LESSON 14: THE ANDES

Explore a world of towering peaks, ancient cultures, and breathtaking landscapes! Take your child to South America to discover the history, cultural significance, physical features, ecosystems, and natural resources of the Andes Mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world. Your child will also learn about the ancient city of Machu Picchu, located in Peru, and how ancient Incans used the Temple of the Sun to carefully track the movement of the sun in the sky throughout the year.

LESSON 15: APPALACHIAN TRAIL

Step into the great outdoors with your child and discover the beauty and adventure of the Appalachian Trail! Take your child on a hike to learn more about the physical features of the longest hiking trail in the United States, a trail that passes through 14 states in the eastern United States before ending at the highest peak in Maine, Mt. Katahdin. Your child will learn about the many mountains and mountain ranges along the trail and the various types of terrain it traverses.

LESSON 16: MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Experience the majesty of the Mississippi River as your child learns about the geography, history, and cultural significance of this great waterway. Your child will learn that the Mississippi River runs from north to south as it connects ten states, and that other rivers are tributaries of the Mississippi River. Your child will also learn about the ecological and economic importance of the Mississippi River and its role in shaping the landscape and history of the United States.

LESSON 17: ALASKA

Your child will be captivated by the beauty and wonder of Alaska, the largest state in the United States, as they learn about its physical features, its climate, and the wide range of ecosystems and natural resources found there. Your child will also learn about Alaska’s unique heritage, including dogsledding in Denali National Park and the cultural significance of the totem poles that are crafted by some Native Americans tribes.

LESSON 18: HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES

Introduce your child to the geological story behind the dramatic formation of the Hawaiian Islands and the powerful forces at work there. Your child will learn about different types of volcanic eruptions and their impact on the land and surrounding communities, as well as the properties of magma and lava. In this lesson, your child will also learn about the unique ecosystem and biodiversity that have adapted to these islands as they find out more about the plants and animals that call it home.

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Sample Lesson Plan