The winter semester has covered 7 Natural Wonders of the World, 7 Industrial Wonders of the World, 7 Wonders of the Solar System, 7 Underwater Wonders of the World, and 7 Natural Wonders of the USA. Middle/high school students are required to do a class presentation regarding one or more wonders. This means they can present more/deeper information on one particular wonder, or they can present on a group of wonders. Every presentation must have an emphasis on who, what, when, where, why, and how. Students are encouraged to use a hobby, skill, or interest they have and find a way to present their wonder using that skill, hobby, or interest. They can work individually or with a friend. Upper elementary students are not required to present a project, but they can do so to earn a full-size candy bar!
For example, one sixth grader played a “7 Underwater Wonders of the World” song on her ukulele to the tune of “Down by the Bay.” She revamped the verses to include one verse per Wonder. The whole class was given lyrics and sang along with her while she played the song.
A middle school student chose one of the Industrial Wonders, the Bell Rock Lighthouse in Scotland, and she played a Celtic song on her flute. It was as if we were all sitting around a campfire after a hard day’s work at the lighthouse. She also shared details about the lighthouse.
A high school student made a PowerPoint presentation of his own chosen list of “7 Wonders of Michigan.” He included the places and why they would be a good choice for such a list. Students were encouraged to come up with their own list of 7 Wonders, but they had to be able to defend why each wonder should be chosen.
Another high school student chose to do “7 Wonders of God,” and she made a PowerPoint complete with Bible references, explanations, and pictures. The list included the parting of the Red Sea, Creation, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. She even added a bonus wonder at the end–Jesus’ remarkable love for us and how He suffered and died for our sins.
More presentations are forthcoming. Some students plan to make wonders out of food and then share them with the class as a snack. Another student expressed interest in creating “7 Wonders of Horses.” The learning possibilities are endless!
Zeonon S. created a game you can play featuring the Lighthouses of Alexandria. Go try it by clicking here.