Our Suitcases
Click for detailed inventory:
Bolivia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica (elementary, high school), Day of the Dead, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico (elementary, high school), Music, Peru, Puerto Rico, Southern Cone, and Venezuela
Suitcase Lesson Plans
Geography and artifacts of Mexico, Fair Trade in a Global Economy, Child’s Play: Lotería game, Child’s Play II: Lotería game, Colores del mundo, Recuerdos de mis vacaciones mexicanas, Simbolismo de colores, Al mercado, Como lo veo, Where in the world?
Creating Learning Centers—How to create student learning centers that are engaging, standards-based, appeal to all learning styles, are cross-curricular and cross-cultural as well as sharpen FCAT skills using a traveling suitcase.
What is a traveling suitcase?
Traveling Suitcases are artifact collections reflecting daily life in specific countries and regions. Other suitcases represent other aspects of the culture such as music and traditio
nal celebrations. These unique collections of books, toys, music, product packaging, currency, national symbols, and other items have been collected by UF faculty, students, and friends while traveling in Latin America. Many teachers use them as a learning center, letting students handle items and discuss their uses. They are popular for displays during international fairs and Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15–Oct. 15. The teacher's guide includes an annotated contents list, country information, maps, teaching guidelines, additional resource lists, sample lesson plans, and an evaluation form. Common to all suitcases are collections of national symbols, such as maps, flags, and currency; artifacts from the agriculture, commercial, and service sectors of the economy; handicrafts, and newspapers. Items are packed in a sturdy plastic trunk.
Bringing Latin America to the Classroom—Article on the development and use of traveling suitcases for educators.
How do I borrow a suitcase?
All borrowers must have a current lending agreement on file with the Outreach Program. Once your agreement is on file, simply contact the Outreach Program (by phone, fax, or e-mail) with your request for materials from the database.
Suitcase Lesson Plans/Materials
The Outreach Program compiles lesson plans that adhere to state standards and support Outreach Library materials.