During Terms 2 and 3 we have been study various periods in world history, starting with the end of the Roman Empire and how this led to the Dark Ages in Medieval Europe. We then moved into a study of Marco Polo and Medieval China and explored how the adventures of Marco Polo inspired other explorers, like Christopher Columbus, to look for new lands.
Over the past few weeks we have been investigating the Spanish exploration of South America in the 1500s, with partiular emphasis on the conquistadores Cortes and Pizarro and their treatment of the Actecs and the Incas respectively.
The students are currently utilising the available 21st tools like flip cams, NewsMaker, Movie Maker, and the internet to prepare a current affairs program that reports on the modern day governments of Mexico and Peru and their claim for compensation from the Spanish government for the events of the 1500s. Students are demonstrating the
Habit of Mind "Listening with Understanding and Empathy" as they report on both sides of the story and consider the implications of this case to all involved.
It has been great to work with the students as they have worked together to discuss these issues and plan and prepare their 'programs'. I hope to share some of their finished results on this Blog in the near future.
