Lesson One
Christopher Columbus and Giovanni Da Verrazzano | U.S. History
World History
World Languages
| Students will examine when the Portuguese and Spanish explored alternate ways to reach Oriental spice markets and how Italian sailors, cartographers, and navigators started to offer their considerable skills as seamen to find a western route to the Indies. Cristofero Colombo was the first Italian to cross the Atlantic. Giovanni da Verrazzano also made great voyages west, and was the first European to look onto the New Jersey coast and sail into what became New York harbor. |
| Accompanying file: Columbus-Verrazzano Worksheet |
Lesson Two
Geromino Stilton | Language Arts
World Languages
| Students will read a major best-selling Italian story - "Geromino Stilton", a mouse that works both as a journalist and amateur sleuth. The books have sold more than 1.6 million copies in Italy since the first story was published by Edizione Piemme. Stilton is now closing in on JK Rowling's best-selling Harry Potter series, whose four Italian editions sold a total of 2.7 million copies.Students will learn how to pick a good book from the library. |
| Accompanying file: Stilton Book Review |
| Accompanying file: Stilton Worksheet |
Lesson Three
Immigration/Prejudice | Economics
U.S. History
World History
| Students will be introduced to the concept of immigration. They will explore how Italian immigrants traveled across the Delaware River from Philadelphia to become migrant workers in Gloucester County. Many of the migrant workers eventually owned most of the prosperous farms in the area. Students will investigate the opportunities available to immigrants in the USA and the prosperity achieved by those who worked hard, ethically, and intelligently. |
| Accompanying file: Immigration Essay |
| Accompanying file: Immigration Worksheet |
| Accompanying file: Immigration Answers |
Lesson Four
Aida Lesson Plan | Language Arts
Music
Performing Arts
World History
| Students will examine Verdi's opera Aida. They will examine the torn loyalties Aida must confront as she chooses between her love of nation and family, and her love for the Egyptian general, Radames. |
| Accompanying file: Aida Lesson Worksheet |
