Hidden Treasures: Exploring our City's Secret Spots

What is this project about?

In this exciting collaborative project idea, students will become explorers of their own cities, uncovering and sharing hidden gems that make their communities unique. Working with international peers, they'll investigate, document, and present interesting but lesser-known locations in their local areas. Through this process, they'll develop a deeper appreciation for their community's culture, history, and environment while fostering global understanding and digital literacy skills.

Age group: 6-8, 9-12, 13-15
Project Duration: 4 weeks
Language: English, Spanish, Danish

Learning Outcomes

Develop research and observational skills by exploring local areas.
Enhance digital literacy through the use of various tools to document and present findings.
Improve communication skills by describing and presenting local places to an international audience.
Foster cultural awareness and appreciation for both local and global communities.
Strengthen collaboration skills through teamwork with local and international peers.

Evaluate

Skills to develop

Intercultural Communication

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Global Awareness

Collaboration & Teamwork

Collaboration

Digital Literacy

Project Timeline

Week 1

Presentation

Phase:Presentation & Dissemination

Step 1: Discover and document

Present the project to the students and explain the details of the collaboration they will be carrying out with their international peers.
Students explore their local area and identify 2-3 interesting but lesser-known places.
They document these places through photos, drawings, or short videos.
Students research the history or significance of their chosen locations.
Use the board section of the Class2Class.org platform to allow students to upload photos, drawings or videos of their ‘hidden gems’.

Step 2: Share and compare

In teams, students will create a virtual presentation showcasing their hidden gems to their international partners.
They will then share their discoveries with their international partners through the Class2Class.org platform.
It can use:

Canva for creating visually appealing presentations (offers templates suitable for younger students).

Step 3: Create and collaborate

Organize students into mixed international groups, where students create a digital ‘Hidden Gems Guide’ via a shared PPT.
This guide will be like a digital collaborative presentation, where the partner classes will combine their findings where they will present: the ‘hidden gem’, a short description and a map of how to go to visit it.
It can use:

Book Creator for creating the digital 'Hidden Gems Guide' (an intuitive tool for creating digital books).

Step 4: Reflect and celebrate

Organize a virtual "Hidden Gems Festival" via video call, where students can showcase their collaborative work.
Students reflect on what they have learned about their own communities and those of their partner classes.

Assessment and reflection ✍️

Evaluate students' participation, research efforts, and final presentations.
Encourage students to keep a simple journal throughout the project, documenting what they learn about their city and other cities.

Teacher tips 💡

Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
Provide clear guidelines and expectations for respectful communication and collaboration. We suggest you review the coexistence policies of Class2Class.org.
Use simple language and visual aids when explaining project steps to younger students.
Be prepared to assist with technology use, especially for the younger age group.
Celebrate small discoveries to keep students motivated throughout the project.