Students in the Pasaporte: Brasil Winter Term course, taught by Señora Croft, engaged in hands-on, immersive activities designed to deepen their understanding of Brazil’s culture, geography, and daily life. Through interactive lessons, students explored how environment, community, and tradition shape life in Brazil.
As part of their study of the Amazon rainforest, students examined the unique adaptations and behavioral characteristics of animals that live there. They were challenged to design an original species and explain how its physical traits and behaviors would enable it to survive in the rainforest’s demanding environment, encouraging creativity alongside scientific thinking.
Students also explored life in Brazilian favelas by using scrap materials to construct model homes. Throughout the activity, unexpected challenges - such as simulated natural disasters or physical limitations - forced students to adapt their designs, mirroring the real-world obstacles faced by many residents and highlighting the importance of resilience and problem-solving.
Brazilian culture came to life through sports and games, including Peteca, an Indigenous Brazilian game. Students learned the rules of this fast-paced activity, which involves striking a small rubber shuttlecock with feathers, and had the opportunity to play together in the Lower Gym.
The course also featured two guest speakers - international students from the University of Georgia who shared their perspectives on language and culture. One speaker from Brazil and another from Portugal discussed differences between Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese, along with music and storytelling, offering students an authentic glimpse into the richness and diversity of the Portuguese-speaking world.
