Objective

By the end of this lesson, Ella will have a greater understanding of Key West, its history, culture, and natural environment. She will also create a fun project that showcases her learning about this unique location.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pencils
• Colored markers or crayons
• Access to the internet (for research)
• Printed maps of Key West (optional)
• Images of Key West landmarks (optional)

Before starting the lesson, ensure that Ella has a comfortable workspace and access to any required materials. Familiarize yourself with Key West to assist her during the activities.

Activities

• Research Project:

  Ella will research Key West's history, geography, and attractions. She can use online resources to gather interesting facts and information to create a mini-presentation or poster about her findings.

• Creative Map Drawing:

  Ella will draw her own map of Key West, including important landmarks like the Southernmost Point Buoy, Ernest Hemingway's House, and the beaches. She can label each spot with fun facts she learned during her research.

• Virtual Tour:

  Ella can take a virtual tour of Key West using online videos or websites. After the tour, she can write down her favorite places and why she would like to visit them someday.

• Key West Cuisine Exploration:

  Ella can research popular dishes from Key West, such as Key Lime Pie and Conch Fritters. She can create a recipe card for one of these dishes, including ingredients and instructions.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that Key West is the southernmost point of the continental United States?"
• "Key West has a rich history, including being a haven for writers like Ernest Hemingway!"
• "The island is famous for its beautiful sunsets; people gather at Mallory Square to watch the sun go down!"
• "Key West is also known for its coral reefs and is a great spot for snorkeling and diving!"
• "Have you ever tried Key Lime Pie? It's a delicious dessert that originated here!"
• "The climate in Key West is tropical, which means it's warm and sunny most of the year!"
• "What do you think it would be like to live on an island surrounded by the ocean?"
• "Key West has a unique culture influenced by its location and history, including a mix of Caribbean and American traditions!"
• "There are many festivals in Key West, like Fantasy Fest, which celebrates creativity and costumes!"
• "Did you know that Key West was once a major shipping port? It played a big role in trade!"
• "What would you want to do first if you visited Key West?"
• "Exploring nature in Key West can be exciting! There are many parks and wildlife areas to see!"