Students at the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) at Mt. Marion recently celebrated the culmination of a month-long project-based learning (PBL) cycle during the school’s Country Exploration Celebration of Learning, held on February 21 and 28. This immersive experience transformed classrooms into different “countries,” allowing students to showcase their research and discoveries about diverse cultures, traditions, and landmarks without ever leaving their school.

During the event, half of the classrooms served as “host countries,” while students in the other half acted as “travelers,” who were invited to visit, and learn about, the various nations. The following week, the roles were reversed. Travelers were even issued personalized “passports,” which they had stamped or signed at each destination they visited, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

Students immersed themselves in the customs and geography of Mexico, Greece, Canada, Ireland, Brazil, Scotland, China, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Jamaica. Each host country prepared an interactive experience to welcome visitors, incorporating activities such as hands-on crafts, engaging presentations, gallery walks, and sensory-based learning stations.

Following are some of the event’s many highlights:

• Brazil: Travelers had the opportunity to make and share Limonada, a refreshing traditional drink.
• Jamaica: Staff from the school’s Main Office joined in the festivities, sharing music, historical facts, and miniature beef patties.
• Canada: Students took a simulated ride on the Maid of the Mist (the Niagara Falls sightseeing boat), had souvenir photographs taken, and handed out the photos to visitors.
• Scotland: Teacher Ainsley Williams' husband visited to demonstrate a traditional Scottish kilt, while Mrs. Williams modeled a feileadh mòr, also known as a Great Kilt, showing how it is traditionally wrapped. Students also hosted a modified version of the Highland Games in the gym, where travelers could participate in events like the caber toss (traditionally done with a full-length log) and Highland dancing.
• Italy: Students explored Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, visited an Italian spice-smelling station, and used noodle-matching sensory bins to enhance their understanding of Italian culture.
• Japan: Students sampled authentic soda flavors and viewed a giant papier-mâché replica of a spider crab.

“The school-wide country exploration project was an incredible opportunity for our students to dive deep into global cultures, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a true appreciation for the diversity of people who make up our world,” said Assistant Principal Shelbi Hamilton, adding that watching the students explore different countries through research, creativity, and collaboration was inspiring. “Our teaching teams guided them in making meaningful connections, and the students’ enthusiasm and depth of learning were remarkable.”

Jon Silver, a teacher in CITL’s Cedar program, agreed that the project was a resounding success. “The students particularly enjoyed making flags and exploring the cultural elements of their chosen country,” he remarked. “It was wonderful to see their collaborative efforts come to life.”