Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will learn about different countries represented at Epcot, understand their cultures, and create a fun project that showcases what they discovered about one of these countries.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and colored pencils or markers
• Access to the internet for research (if available)
• A world map or globe (if available)
• Printouts or notes about Epcot's World Showcase (optional)

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the 11 countries represented at Epcot's World Showcase: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. This will help guide the student’s exploration.

Activities

1. Virtual Tour of Epcot:

   Start by taking a virtual tour of Epcot online. Explore the different pavilions for each country and watch videos that showcase the culture, food, and attractions.

2. Country Research Project:

   Choose one country to research in-depth. Create a poster or a digital presentation that includes facts about the country, its culture, food, and any famous landmarks.

3. Cooking Activity:

   Find a simple recipe from the chosen country and try to make it together! This could be a snack or a dessert that represents that culture.

4. Art and Crafts:

   Create an art project that represents the chosen country. This could be a flag, a traditional item, or a famous landmark using the materials available.

Talking Points

• "Epcot is a place where we can travel around the world without leaving Florida!"
• "Each country at Epcot has its own special culture, food, and traditions. Can you think of what makes your favorite country unique?"
• "Did you know that you can learn about different languages at Epcot? What languages do you think they speak in the countries we visit?"
• "Food is a big part of every culture! What is your favorite food? How do you think it compares to food from other countries?"
• "Art and music are also important in different cultures. Can you think of a song or a piece of art that represents your favorite country?"
• "Traveling helps us meet new people and learn new things! Why do you think it's important to learn about other cultures?"
• "What was your favorite part of the virtual tour? Did you see anything that surprised you?"
• "After today, you will have your very own project to share about a country! What do you want to tell others about it?"