Epcot is hands down the best place to study world geography. Seriously , there is no other place in this world where you can figuratively walk into several countries in one day. Disney’s attention to detail has always been phenomenal such as painting the back of the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios to match the Moroccan skyline because it can be seen from Morocco in Epcot. In each of the countries represented in World Showcase, this attention to detail comes through in the buildings, the food and the entertainment.
There are eleven countries represented in World Showcase.
- Mexico
- Norway
- Germany
- Italy
- China
- United States
- Japan
- Morocco
- Canada
- France
- United Kingdom
As you can see, there is more than enough here for a full year of geography. We pick one country per month. During that month, we check out the country paying particular attention to the architecture. We check for the entertainment options like the acrobats in China. We make sure to see their performance at some time that month. We wander through the stores and check out their various items that look foreign to us. Lots and lots of hands on discoveries go along with the books about each country that we read at home. Our must do activity is to taste several items from the country. This really cements the learning in their brains. It’s fun to stop at the Coke spot to taste the Coke from the country as well. You wouldn’t believe how different Coke is around the world.
Another fun way to the help keep learning about the countries is to play the Agent P World Showcase Adventure game. It’s located at the entrance to World Showcase past the fountain across from the Coke Spot. You get a F.O.N.E that can only be used there at the parks and for the game. Then you follow the clues through the countries to defeat evil Dr. Doofenschmirtz. It’s best for elementary/middle school. High school age may not find it fun although I certainly do and I’m way past high school age. It’s an excellent resource for the countries plus problem solving skills.
Of course, there is the Youth in Education series that has the Introduction to Global Citizenship class. From their website:
Program Overview
Students grades 4-9 will explore the cultures of several nations represented within Epcot’s World Showcase where students will interact with international ambassadors to gain an understanding of how technology, communication and commerce bridge cultural gaps. In this 3 hour academic adventure students discover that while cultures vary, we all united in a global community.
Key Learning Points
During this interactive field study, students will:
- Students will define culture
- Students will discover that communication is key to learning about other cultures
- Students to learn how an individual’s background and experiences form a cultural filter that affects their perception and receptivity of differing cultural ideas and ways of life.
- Students discover cultures live and change due to internal and external pressures
- Students examine assimilation, accommodation, and displacement of cultures
- Through the Gate of the Golden Sun, students enter China for a hands-on exploration of two unique cultures.
- Students will discover how available resources can influence the development of culture
- Students will gain further insights into how individual perception can influence the understanding of a culture
- Students will be introduced to another culture through a meet and greet with a World Showcase Representative
- Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain further insight into a culture that may be perceived as different
- Students discover that many traditions believed to be unique have roots in other cultures
- Students will identify barriers to cultural diffusion
- Students will discover the impact of technology in the breaking down and building up of cultural barriers
- A visit to The American Adventure attraction gives students the opportunity to experience the challenges and benefits of a culturally diverse nation.
- Students will discover that the strength of the United States comes from the diversity of the people who call it home
- Students will articulate the common bonds of culture as discovered throughout the day’s experience
- Students learn the role that they can play in our global community and how as a responsible global citizen they can break down cultural barriers
All programs subject to availability. Program content, times, attractions and locations subject to change due to inclement weather, availability or group dynamics. Students must meet minimum age/grade requirements.
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