Around the World in 24 Hours

Team Earth's Video Conferencing Project with Schools Around the World

Around the World in 24 Hours is an opportunity for students to go beyond the normal resources available to them (textbook, trade books, magazines, websites) in order to learn about the world around us. Students will find schools in other countries, write letters to them asking for their involvement, research the countries they will be speaking with, and meet them in a videoconference.

Why are we doing this?

The 7^th grade curriculum for Social Science is World Geography. One of the primary focuses of this is to look at cultures of other countries. This project will allow students to see how children their ages in other countries lead lives that are similar to theirs, but also very different due to cultural differences, government differences, economic differences, and physical differences.

At the same time, this is an opportunity for students in partner schools to learn about the United States. If there is one thing that our students have learned, it is that the pictures we see in the media do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of the majority of people in that country.

What is needed?

We are trying to use basic technology. Internet access, a webcam, speakers, and a microphone are all that are needed in order to successfully videoconference. If these are not available to your school, we can still chat with each other without audio and video.

What are the benefits of this?

This is an experience that no textbook or resource can replicate. Students will learn about relevant information from peers in other countries. This project will allow students to see what the rest of the world has to offer.

May 15-16, 2003