Famous People from my Country

Students learn about famous or historical people from their own country in order to dress up and portray their characters explaining why they are famous.

Preparation

1. Learn about famous people and prepare costumes or props.
2. Try a videoconference with a content provider and watch them portraying a famous character for inspiration.

Suggested Video Conference Agenda

Schools take it in turns for students to portray their famous person via the videoconference and answer questions on the subject of their fame.

The Habitat Exchange

Classes compare their local habitats and environments. Pictures are taken of local vegitation and wildlife to describe and send to the partner school.

Preparation

1. Each class/group (from different countries/natural environments) investigates their local environment/habitats and collects plant samples or pictures of local wildlife.
2. Each class/group identifies the vegetation which exists in their local habitat and why it likes to grow and live there.
3. Each class/group writes a description of their local habitat using appropriate scientific language.  (NB they must not actually name the vegetation or wildlife)
4. Resources are emailed between teachers or students in advane of the videoonference.

Suggested Video Conference Agenda

1. Initial introductions between the classes/schools.
2. Classes take turns to present their descriptions of their habitats to the partner class.
3. Both classes spend an agreed amount of time researching the described habitat in an attempt to identify the selected focussed plants or wildlife (E.G. 30 mins)
4. Classes take turns to present their answers and the other class will confirm if the guess is correct.
5. Q and A session could take place w.r.t the habitat.
6. Closing comments and thank you.

Film or Book Club Debate

Students can debate a favourite film or book that they have all recently seen or read. This format could also be extended to music or art.

Preparation prior to VC

1. Teachers from both schools agree on a film or a book that both classes will watch/read.
2. Teachers agree on a set of questions related to the film or book that they wish the class to discuss.
3. Optional - A link with someone associated with the film or book could be set up e.g. author/screen writer, actor, director, producer, editor, costume designer, art director, sound technician etc.

Suggested Video Conference Agenda

1. Initial introductions between the classes/schools.
2. Using the questions previously created review the film or book and analyses or debate theories.
3. Students interview the ‘visitor’ associated with the film. (NB the visitor could either be invited to attend one of the schools for the video conference or they could be involved by having a three way conference.)
4. Closing comments and thank you.