Process
The interdisciplinary lesson is organized around student researching information about a country and presenting a mission plan to the class. This hasn't been field tested, but it would need at least two weeks to accomplish. Your feedback on this aspect is very appreciated.
A teacher should have some familiarity with the Internet and should be able to give students options or a requirement for the format of the presentation.
Variations
In a lab students could be working on their own computer, or working in pairs. In a classroom with one or more computers, this lesson could correspond with other student and students rotate through their time on the computer.Student Process
Following is a copy of the information on the student's process page with notes to teachers in italics.
- First you'll be assigned to a team of 4 students by your teacher. Each of you will have a role. Assign students in teams however it works best in your classroom. You could assign them randomly, by skill level (with a mix of high and low achieving students), or by interest in continent/country.
- As a team, you will explore information on the 10/40 window and tentmaker ministries and choose a target country.
- As a team, prepare to work in this country as a tentmaker. You will make a presentation recommending to your family why you should go to this country, how you will prepare to live and work there, and what your occupation will be in the country. You'll need to give students specifics on the report. Do you want it done as an oral presentation, on the computer? with PowerPoint or similar multimedia software? as a web page? as a written report? You decide.
- Before you get on the Internet, print this Research Planner. You'll need Acrobat Reader installed to read it.
- As you are finding information, use this guide to keep track of your resources for a bibliography in your report.
Useful Links for All Roles
- Atlapedia Online includes facts and stats, physical and political maps.
- All of the Embassies of Washington D.C. Many of these countries have an embassy web page that may give you useful information.
- Flags of all Countries (and maps too)
- CIA:The World Factbook (lots of useful information here)
- Lonely Planet - Destinations includes slide shows of pictures, facts, stats, maps, and some cultural information. (This is a tourist site, but still can be helpful.)
- E-Conflict World Encyclopedia, country information is a site by students that includes anthems, flags, maps, weather, and more.
- Yahooligans! Countries may be a good starting place as well.
Role #1 (Occupation Investigator): Investigate the industries and economy of the country. Find where they may need outside help and may be willing to hire someone from your country. Choose an occupation that you can do in that country. Give a rationale for why you chose it based on the information you found on the industries and economy.
- Use Atlapedia or the CIA world factbook to find out industries and economy.
- Mission Opportunities in target countries (This may have some suggestions for occupations you could do in the country.)
Role #2 (Living Analyst): Prepare to live in the country. Find out what people's favorite recreation/sports are. Find out what the schools are like. Can you attend those or would you need to find another source of education? What is the weather like? What kind of dress is appropriate in the country? What language do they speak?
- Ethnologue a study of the languages of the world.
- If your country is a popular tourist destination, you may find cultural information at Lonely Planet - Destinations.
Role #3 (Needs Analyst): What are the needs in this country? Where can you meet the needs of the people? Physical? Hunger? Farming? Computer use? Teaching English? Is ADRA or AWR servicing the country? What is the main religion? What are the people like? How will you need to adapt to them?
- ADRA (Look through the news, the FAQ, you may need to email them to get the information you need, 3ABN also has a weekly program on ADRA's world. See if you can get it.)
- AWR (try the Global Glimpse)
- Look at the information and facts about the country using the sites listed above. What do you think the needs could be?
- The Caleb Project has people group profiles. However, your teacher should register so you can get to the information. These can help you realize the need in the country. Some of the countries may not have information because they are "restricted access" countries. It is very difficult to do Christian work in these countries. It's important to explain to students how these countries are not open to Christian missionaries and very resistent to any Western ideas. They are sometimes called "creative access" countries, because a person has to be creative like the Waldenses in how they minister. See Great Controversy Chapter 4.
- If your country is a popular tourist destination, you may find cultural information at Lonely Planet - Destinations.
Role #4 (Lawyer): What is the government like in the country? Do they support religious freedom? What are the laws like? What is transportation like in the country? How will you get from one place to another? What are the major cities? Where do you think you should start your ministry? How will the government and transportation affect your work there?
- Use Atlapedia or the CIA world factbook as well as the other sites listed above.
Be sure that each of you answers all the questions for your role. Then prepare your report as directed by your teacher.