Global Learning: The Netherlands

Global Learning: The Netherlands
Hannah Van Buren: Economics, Discovery and Daily Life

Skill: Middle School
Time Required: One or two class periods

Required Documents

Introduction:

Both Martin Van Buren and his wife Hannah were descendants of Dutch settlers in the state of New York. In fact Martin Van Buren was the first president who spoke English as his second language, having grown up speaking Dutch in the village of Kinderhook, New York, a part of the state originally settled by the Dutch. The Dutch people come from a country called the Netherlands. Many people confuse the Netherlands with Holland. In reality North and South Holland are two of the twelve provinces of The Netherlands.

Objectives:

1. The students will be able to accurately identify at least three cities in The Netherlands and place them accurately on a map.

2. The students will research the Netherlands and give examples of five attractions they would visit if they went to the Netherlands on vacation.

3. The students will successfully conduct research using the Internet.

4. The students will create a brochure or a PowerPoint that will demonstrate the knowledge gained during their research.

Materials Required:

Computer with Internet access; Desktop publishing program such as Microsoft Publisher or a presentation program such as PowerPoint; Netherlands Map worksheet.

Procedures:

1. The teacher will begin the lesson by asking the students where Dutch People come from. If the students can’t answer the teacher will explain that the Dutch come from a country called The Netherlands. The teacher will then ask the students what they know about the Netherlands or the Dutch. The class will make a list of anything related to the Netherlands. The teacher will end the introduction to the lesson by showing the Videopedia video about The Netherlands.

2. The students will research the Netherlands using the Internet. They will first locate five major cities with populations over 100,000 people. Once these cities are located the students will complete the Netherlands Map worksheet.

3. The teacher will explain to the students that many people travel to the Netherlands on vacation because of its beautiful country and rich history. The students will then use the Internet to find five attractions that bring tourists to the Netherlands. This can be done in the form of a brochure or a PowerPoint presentation, and must include a brief description of each place or activity and a picture. The students will present these to the class. This activity can be completed in school or assigned for homework. The site Things to do in the Netherlands listed below will provide the information needed.

Extending the Lesson:

Having students complete further research on any aspect of the Netherlands could extend this lesson. Topics might include: government, economy, language, history, customs, food, etc. Students might also look at one of the tourist attractions they selected and research it in greater detail.

Sources & Resources:

Books:

Dahl,The Netherlands (Countries of the World).Capstone Press, 1999.

Websites:

Travel to the Netherlands (a video)

Introducing the Netherlands

Cities in the Netherlands

Things to Do in the Netherlands

Credits:

This lesson was developed by Robert McClelland, Metropolitan School District.

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