While 7th grade Math students were busy planning their itinerary to New Orleans to participate in Mardi Gras, 7th grade ELA students were learning about the event.  With the help of actual Hurricane Katrina survivors from the New Orleans area, the students learned about the history of Mardi Gras, the colors of the event and what they represent (purple=justice, green=faith, gold=power), the signs and symbols of Mardi Gras (doubloons, masks, beads), and the students experienced the food (King Cakes) and music (Zydeco) of Mardi Gras.  For the past 5 years, Mrs. Tilley has worked with Boudreaux Elementary School in Terrytown, LA, just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans through The National Paideia Center.  The staff there gave her enough Mardi Gras beads for all 7th students, and staff.  They also shared Mardi Gras information and a DVD of the event to show.   Mrs. Castle, Mrs. Tickle, and Mrs. McLendon all helped with taking part in the celebration, taking pictures, and serving King Cakes.

Needs Microsoft Office 2003 Add-in: Office Web Components

Students plan a vacation to the Mardi Gras using all the technology tools available from map quest, to finding how much gas it will cost to drive to New Orleans and back.  Expenses are based on one to four people going by car or air and have to stay on their budget. They also have to figure out when and were they should stop along the way. What they will do when they get there and where they will stay.   They must graph all their expenses.  Then they write a persuasive paper on why you should choose their vacation itinerary and why. 

North Carolina 2004 Technology Educator of the Year

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