Brazil: A Changing Land of Sight, Sound and Movement

Brazil: A Changing Land of Sight, Sound and Movement is Minoa Elementary’s effort to breathe new life into the third grade social studies unit on Brazil through a visiting musician. The $600 grant will be used to highlight the arts by integrating them with classroom learning to support core curriculum. The focal point of this project is the creation of “Sound Boxes,” a tool that Syracuse musician Edward Ruchalski has developed to increase sensory experience around a topic. The boxes are collections of visual and auditory elements that will be arranged within a box. Mr. Ruchalski will bring his own instruments handmade from recycled materials to encourage creative solutions. Connections will be drawn to Brazil’s many environmental concerns, and thus the benefits of using recycled materials. The unit will incorporate third grade social studies, science, English language arts, visual arts and music in interdisciplinary fashion. Minoa Art Teacher Christy Sanzaro is the grant project leader.