Caravans Game Brings Culture From Around The World To The Classroom

By Tanjua Damon

Being able to travel around the world is a dream of many. But Newtown Middle School sixth graders have been traveling around the world through a simulation adventure entitled Caravans.

The sixth graders have not been able to literally travel to various countries, but have been able to research and build knowledge of the numerous countries that fill the globe.

Sixth grade teacher Mr DeBenedetto has his students play the Caravans simulation game so that his students grasp geography in a fun and unusual way. The game allows students to be creative by giving oral reports using props to help other students gain the same knowledge they have researched about specific countries. Last week students enjoyed cultures from many different countries around the world.

“Caravans is an excellent way for the students to appreciate and understand the world around them,” Mr DeBenedetto said. “The treasure hunt and simulation-like atmosphere give the students incentive. The food and role playing makes the learning process fun.”

There are seven levels of power in Caravans – traveler, voyager, discoverer, mountaineer, adventurer, mariner, and explorer. Each of the levels has variations of power. As the simulation begins, students are given 500 pieces of gold to purchase supplies they will need along the adventure.

Students role-play throughout the game. It helps to reinforce basic geography skills as the students journey around the world in their caravans. The students also have to use teamwork to make decisions throughout the game.

As the students adventure around the world, they will learn about capitals of world countries, geographical locations, how location affects a country, land masses and topographical features, political, economic, and agricultural aspects of countries. Students will also gain skills in individual and group decisions, using almanacs, encyclopedias, and other reference sources, reading maps, presenting reports, and interpreting artifacts from other countries.

Throughout the simulation students earn travel dots to move them around the world as they collect treasures. Travel dots can be earned by doing geography worksheets, giving oral reports, or sharing information about particular countries. Fate cards, which introduce the unknown to students, bring unexpected circumstances, and also allow students to move around the map. Finally, dots can be awarded when groups are working together positively by working quietly, following directions, or remembering to bring group materials.

The sixth graders brought many cultures into the classroom last week as they presented information about countries like France, England, Italy, and Israel. The groups dressed up in clothing representative of the country and many brought in food that would be eaten in a particular country.

Nicole Borruso researched France with her caravan group. She dressed in clothing depicting a farmer to show the students what some people do in France. The group brought various facets of French culture to the simulation.

“I liked putting it all together,” Nicole said. “All the scenes had a certain personality.”

Ellen Binio was born in France and wanted to share her experience of the country.

“I was born in France and lived there for 6½ years,” Ellen said. “I just like sharing my life and everything that happens there with other people.”

Adam Calderone, dressed in a shirt with his family’s Italian coat of arms, helped bring Italy into the classroom. His parents helped make a lasagna to share as well as a silk scarf.

“Coming up with all the information [was challenging],” Adam said. “Italy is known for all their fashion and silk.”

Kyle Murphy talked about the British flag and what the design stands for during the presentation on England.

“The flag represents three different saints,” Kyle said. “The research was so involved. It was difficult because on the Internet you may not find what you wanted the first time.”