Photo source: destinationbride/files/latin-america.jpg

1. ¡Bienvenidos a América Latina! Welcome to Latin America! Photo source: http://www.destinationbride.com/files/latin-america.jpg

2. Directions • You will be going on a fun and informative trip to Latin America! • Don’t worry, no luggage is needed, for we will be taking this trip from your seat. • As you go through each slide, we will click on the links and follow the stated directions. • Please make sure that you are completing your worksheet as proof that you took the voyage! • Enjoy your trip!

3. Wow! • Did you know that Latin America includes 28 countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean? • Latin America is known as a Cultural Region, because the majority of the countries speak Spanish. • Test your map knowledge! • Go to the following website: • http://www.ilike2learn.com/ilike2learn/Samerica.html • Find the countries on the map and answer the question on your worksheet. Click on me!

4. Caribbean Central America South America Go Back to Previous Slide

5. Explore the Physical Features of Latin America • Latin America is the home to the driest place on earth…the Atacama desert. Follow the link and read the article. Then, answer the worksheet questions. • http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0308/feature3/?fs=www3.nationalgeographic.com&fs=plasma.nationalgeographic.com • Don’t forget to take a look at the pictures found on the left side of the site – some of your answers lurk there. Photo source: http://www.gonomad.com/gallery/northern%20chile/northern%20chile%20photos/Atacama_desert.jpg

6. Amazon Rain Forest • The Amazon rain forest is home to thousands of unique plant and animal life. Unfortunately the forest is being threatened by people’s actions. • Read the article on the site and then answer the questions on the worksheet. • http://rainforests.mongabay.com/amazon/amazon_climate_change.html • http://worldwildlife.org/places/amazon Photo Source: http://www.wayfaring.info/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/red-eyed-tree-frog.jpg

7. The History of Latin America • People have lived in Latin America for thousands of years. Eventually civilizations emerged in the area. • Incan Civilization: • Stretched from present day Ecuador to central Chile • Built paved roads and suspension bridges connecting their empire • Certain Inca stone construction can still be seen in Peru • Explore Machu Picchu, an Incan village situated in the Andes Mountains, by clicking on the link: • - http://www.peru-machu-picchu.com/map.php • - Be sure to click on the Royal Tomb and the Condor Temple and any others of interest! Map Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/C005121/data/spain2_files/image003.gif

8. Mayan Civilization: • This Native civilization was found in southern Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula, and parts of northern Central America. • Had sophisticated forms of mathematics and astronomy • Many Mayans and descendents of Mayans still exist today • Read about a popular ball game played by the Mayans that had a harsh penalty for losing: • http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/mayanballgame.htm • Now, try playing this game yourself by following the link below: • http://www.ballgame.org/main.asp?section=3(Click PLAY GAME) Photo source: http://www.duplooys.com/images/mayan/tikal2.jpg Map Source: http://www.hi-story.de/themen/maya/maya-map.gif

9. Aztec Civilization: • The Aztecs built an empire in what is now central and southern Mexico. • Their capital city, Tenochtitlan, was located in present day Mexico City and, at one time, was one of the largest cities in the world! • Taken over by Spanish conquistadors (conquerors) Map source: http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/2/22/Aztec_Empire_c_1519.png Photo Source: http://www.ifip.com/inca-4-1.jpg

10. Present-day Latin America • By the 16th century, the Spanish had come over to many parts of Latin America • The Spaniards took over many of the native civilizations and spread their language and religion throughout the region. Today, many of the people of Latin America still speak Spanish and practice Roman Catholicism

11. Language and Culture • With the exception of a few countries, most of Latin America speaks Spanish. • Learn how to speak Spanish! Use the online translation site to convert English into Spanish: • http://www.bing.com/translator • Make sure that you choose “English to Spanish in the drop-down menu. • Try to convert some common English phrases into Spanish, including the one on your worksheet. • Note: Do you know what language is spoken in Brazil?

12. DANCE! • Several dances have originated in Latin America, such as Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Tango, Rumba, Flamenco, etc. • Many of the dance moves include hip movements and close interaction between partners. • Learn how to dance the merengue! • Go to http://www.thedancestoreonline.com/ballroom-dance-instruction/merengue-free-lessons.htm • Read about the Merengue. • Then, click on the windows media player version of the free video instruction. • Feel free to get out of your seats and try! Photo Source: http://www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com/dominican-republic-music.html

13. Weather and Climate • Go to: http://www.weather.com • In the local weather box, type in “Buenos Aires, Argentina” and press enter. • Scroll down on the right to Todays’ Averages and Records and click on “historical data” • Change drop down menu to “monthly averages” • Look at the graph showing the average climate for Buenos Aires. Answer the worksheet question based on the data shown in this graph.

14. Our time is up, and your trip is over. I hope that you have enjoyed this journey!