Time: 45 minutes
Age: K – 8th grade
Overview: Over the last two decades, explorers Dave and Amy Freeman have traveled over 40,000 miles by canoe, kayak, dogsled and sailboat through some of the most remote places on the planet. During this interactive and engaging virtual assembly they use stories, images, videos, sounds, artifacts and activities to introduce students to a wide range of habitats and cultures from the Amazon to the Arctic.
Habitats:
During the assembly students will learn about tropical rainforests, temperate rainforests, oceans, boreal forests, tundra, coral reefs, lakes, wetlands and mangroves. Students will learn what makes each habitat unique and examples of animals that live there.
Cultures:
The world is filled with different cultures and ways of life, from families in the Amazon whose houses are built on rafts to people in the Arctic who hunt caribou and catch fish through the ice. Students will compare their own lives to the lives of children in the Amazon and the Arctic, finding similarities and differences between themselves and kids living thousands of miles away.
Dogsledding:
The Freemans have traveled thousands of miles by dog team. Students will learn some of the basic commands mushers use to communicate with the dogs and the important roles that teamwork, communication and trust play in a successful dogsled expedition. Students will also learn about some of the specialized equipment that is needed to stay warm and safe at 50 below zero.
Character Education:
During their expeditions the Freemans have developed a series of guiding principles they follow to help them succeed. These same principles can help students succeed in school and in life. Sometimes the Freemans weave these life lessons (Expedition ABCs) into their Amazon to the Arctic virtual assemblies. If you would like to have a character education message included in the assembly just let us know.
Expedition ABCs:
Attitude – Our attitudes are contagious! If we have a good attitude, we will pass it on to those around us, which helps us all learn and grow.
Believe – Believe in yourself while encouraging your peers to do the same.
Care – Being caring and considerate towards others is important in the classroom and beyond.
Do your best – Do your best and work hard at home and at school.
Exercise – From practicing math problems to passing soccer balls or setting up a tent in a blizzard, exercising our minds and bodies helps us grow and learn.