The Mediterranean Sea is the largest enclosed sea in the world, connected to the Atlantic Ocean only through the  Strait of Gibraltar.  Learn more about this area of the world in the Social Studies mini spark.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your social studies spark recording page: #22: the Mediterranean Sea 

2. Watch this short video. Record 5-8 facts about the sea on your recording sheet.

3.  Set your timer for 3 minutes. Study this map of the Mediterranean Sea.  When the timer goes off, record all of the countries that you can remember that border the Sea.

4. The Mediterranean Sea has a number of major internationally recognized seas within it’s vast area.

• Open the World Atlas and find the map of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Set a timer for 5 minutes.
• Study the map closely and focus on the names of the smaller seas.
• When the timer goes off, write down the names of 6 seas on your recording sheet.
• Scroll to the bottom of this post to verify that you have recorded all the names correctly.

5. Look at this info and study the map of the Strait of Gibraltar at World Atlas. Record the cities that are on the border and also the territories on either side of the strait.

6. Optional: Memorize how to spell Mediterranean!!! Whisper spell it 10 times. Air write it 5 times and write it on your recording page 3 time from memory.

7. Share your social studies mini spark recording page and visual with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Seas within the Mediterranean Sea

• Balearic Sea
• Tyrrhenian Sea
• Sea of Sicily
• Libyan Sea
• Aegean Sea
• Cilician Sea

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #21: The Floating City of Rotterdam

2.  Watch this introduction video. Record each of the places shown on your recording sheet.

3. Read this article and answer 4 of the the questions with 3+ sentences. Remind your teacher that the answer key can be found in the social studies mini spark folder.

• What historical event led to the creation of the Delta Programme in the Netherlands? Explain the significance of this program in flood management.
• How does Rotterdam’s innovative architecture contribute to its ability to manage rainwater? Provide specific examples from the text.
• Explain how the Floating Farm operates. What technologies are used to support food production on the farm?
• What unique features do Wikkelboats offer to guests, and how do they reflect eco-friendly living?
• How does the design of the Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR) incorporate sustainability? List at least two design elements mentioned in the text.
• In what ways do the innovative projects in Rotterdam reflect the city’s response to climate change and flooding challenges?
• Based on the text, how do these unique architectural projects enhance the experience of residents and visitors in Rotterdam?

4. Go to this link to read an article about the floating park. Write 5-10 details about the park on your recording sheet. Include information about how this park is helping to save the environment.

5. Learn more about floating farms. Record 3-5 reasons you like this idea, 3-5 questions you have, and 3-5 things you don’t like about floating farms.

6. Share your social studies mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

    Calling all Geographers!

Stretch your geography skills by studying several of these Wonderopolis Wonders :

Where is the Forbidden City?- #644

Where is the Windy City?- #897

Where is the Quietest Town in American?-#1557

Which City Has the Longest Name?-#1123

Where is the Oldest City in America?-#692

Where are the Suburbs?-#1547

Have You Ever Been to the Big Apple?-#718

Where is Timbuku?- #1064

Where is the Big Easy?-#1143

How are Cities Founded?-#1229

For each wonder that you study, come up with a creative way to show what you learned. If you would like, create some geography bee style questions. Share your questions and answers in the comments.

Nebraska is the 16th largest state by land area, covering just over 77,220 square miles. The state flower is the goldenrod and the state bird is the meadowlark.  This Social Studies Enrichment post has you digging into Nebraska information and history.

1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: # 19: Learn about Nebraska

2. Visit these sites and find 10-15 pieces of information on your recording page about Nebraska. Try to look for details to record you did not already know.

https://www.50states.com/facts/nebraska.htm

https://www.factmonster.com/us/states/nebraska

3. Visit National Geographic Kids and read about Nebraska.  Record at least one idea from each of the sections on this website. Look for information that you did not already know as you are writing information.

• FAST FACTS
• HISTORY
• WHY’S IT CALLED THAT?
• GEOGRAPHY AND LANDFORM
• WILDLIFE
• NATURAL RESOURCES
• FUN STUFF

4. Create an interview between you and the state of Nebraska. Remind your teacher that the answers can be found in the social studies mini spark page.

Sample script

Reporter– Hello, Nebraska Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. What does the name “Nebraska” mean, and which river is it associated with?

Nebraska-Of course, thank you for the opportunity. The name “Nebraska” comes from Native American words meaning “flat water,” referring to the Platte River

You can use these question prompts or choose your own.  Include at least 3 questions and answers.

1. What evidence do archaeologists have that people have lived in Nebraska for at least 13,500 years?
2. List three Native American tribes mentioned in the text that developed in Nebraska.
3. What significant purchase did France make in 1803, and how did it affect Nebraska?
4. Describe the route taken by some of the first settlers arriving in Nebraska. What challenges did they face?
5. What does the name “Nebraska” mean, and which river is it associated with?
6. Identify the two major regions of Nebraska mentioned in the text and describe one characteristic of each.
7. How did the melting glaciers contribute to the geography of the Dissected Till Plains?
8. What types of wildlife are mentioned as common in Nebraska, and which species is noted for being rare?
9. How does the High Plains Aquifer contribute to Nebraska’s agriculture?
10. What is Carhenge, and how does it compare to England’s Stonehenge?

5. Share your social studies mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator

This mini spark is all about the Emerald Isle! Ready to discover one of Europe’s most beautiful countries?

1. Set up your Social Studies recording page: #18: Ireland Information

2.  Set your timer for 3 minutes. Study this map of Ireland. Record 10 details on your recording page.

3. Read a teaching page all about Ireland at National Geographic Kids.   Record at least 8 facts that you did not know.

4. Do research to determine if these are Irish cities, counties, rivers, or mountains. Record your answers on your recording page. (Don’t peek until you have done the research)

• Liffey
• Galway
• Shannon:
• Belfast
• Cork
• Slieve
• Bray
• Erne
• Wicklow
• Killarney

When you are done, scroll to the bottom of this post to check your work.

5.  Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

1. Liffey: The River Liffey is a major river in Dublin, Ireland, that flows through the city and is an important part of its geography and history.
2. Galway: A city on the west coast of Ireland known for its vibrant culture, arts scene, and as a gateway to scenic areas like Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher.
3. Shannon: The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, flowing through several counties and known for its beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
4. Belfast: The capital city of Northern Ireland, known for its rich industrial history, cultural landmarks, and as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic.
5. Cork: A city located in the south of Ireland, famous for its historic architecture and as a center for food and music.
6. Slieve: Refers to the Slieve Mish Mountains, a mountain range in County Kerry, known for its rugged beauty and hiking trails.
7. Bray: A coastal town near Dublin, known for its scenic seafront and the nearby Bray Head mountain, popular for walking and stunning views.
8. Erne: The River Erne is a river in the northwest of Ireland that flows through counties Fermanagh and Donegal, known for its lakes and fishing.
9. Wicklow: A county in Ireland known for the Wicklow Mountains, which offer beautiful landscapes, hiking opportunities, and rich biodiversity.
10. Killarney: A town in County Kerry, famous for its national park, lakes, and mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “Melting Pot” as 1. a: a place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole b: the population of such a place 2. A process of blending that often results in invigoration or novelty

Spark you thinking!

1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #17: The Great American Melting Pot

2. Trace your heritage back to another country.  My family came from Ireland and Germany.  It’s fun to find out where our immigrant ancestors came from!

Watch the video below and then tell us in the comments how your family has contributed to this melting pot.  Hint:  You may have to ask your mom, dad, grandma or grandpa for help on this!

Happy New Year!!!!!!  You might be wondering, “Where did the tradition of celebrating the new year come from?”  Or, “Why do we celebrate the new year on January 1st?” In this mini spark you will learn about the history of New Year’s Eve and some of the traditions celebrated.

Spark you thinking!

1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #16: New Year’s Eve

2. Watch this introduction video. Record 5-10 details from the video.

3. One of the traditions on New Year’s Eve is the New York Times Square ball drop. Read about this tradition at Wonderopolis. Take the Wonder Word Challenge and the Test Your Knowledge Quiz. Record your score on your recording page.

4. Read the article about New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world.  For each location, record 3-5 details.

• Spain
• Greece
• Brazil
• Japan
• United States
• Denmark

5.  Which New Year’s tradition do you find most interesting, and why? Provide evidence from the text to support your opinion.

6. Share your social studies mini spark recording page and poem with your teacher/EY coordinator.

It is always a good time to learn more about Geography. Study this geography lesson which is all about state capitals.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your social studies spark recording page: #13: Geography Lesson-State Capitals

2.  Watch this video all of the way through.  Go back to the video to find 5 capital/state combos that you don’t have memorized yet. Record the state name, capital, and the image that was drawn in the video.

3. Print or open this list of states and capitals. Choose 10 that you do not have memorized. Type or write all 10 sets on your recording page.

4. Take the 10 states that you picked and make flash cards using note cards. Set your timer and practice for 3 minutes. On your recording sheet, write how many you know after 3 minutes. For example: After 3 minutes I have 5 out of the 10 state/capital combos memorized.  5/10

5. Take this capital quiz one time. Record your score.

6. Find the list of states and capitals from step 3. Set your timer for 3 minutes and read over the list.  Take this capital quiz again. Record your score.

7. OPTIONAL: Check out this webpage made by a teacher who found the best way to memorize the states’ capitals. Look it over and see what you think.  If you want to try this challenge yourself, take to your teacher about printing a 11X 17 map of the USA so you can make all of the drawings. If want to do this project, you can earn the  state savy badge-state capitals edition.

8. Share your social studies mini spark recording page and visual with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the state savvy badge at the EY website.