The sixth grade of South Orangetown Middle School, through team work and collaboration, was able to create and build “The Great Wall of SOMS.” In their social studies classes, each student decorated a cereal box (which would become their “block” on the wall) with a collage and written paragraph about the importance of their extended family. They were encouraged to think about what they value, and admire in their friends and family. On the other side of their “block” students were given an opportunity to research a specific event, invention, or achievement from ancient Chinese history, to learn how it impacted the Chinese people, culture, or land. Several popular choices that students researched were the Chinese New Year, The Great Wall of China, The Terra-Cotta soldiers and the Forbidden City.
When the research was complete, and the family heritages were shared, it was time to construct “The Great Wall of SOMS.” Students were divided into four teams and the entire grade took over the gym creating the sections of the wall. Slowly, the wall began to grow, and through hard work, and perseverance, the Great Wall of SOMS was soon created.
