Topic: Cultural Events
Mode: Interpersonal
Level: Novice
Students will engage in a fun “pop quiz” to test their knowledge of the historical/cultural facts they have learned.
Components of this activity: index cards cut in half or post-it notes
Instructions to the teacher
Before class, get a pack of index cards and cut them in half. Post-it notes could also be used. Write the name of a historical event, figure or location from the target culture that has been covered in class on the card. Mix them up and distribute them randomly. Students should NOT look at the cards in their hand. Without looking, students will stick the card to their foreheads; their job is to ask other students questions until they find out who or what is on their card. Of course, students cannot directly ask their classmates who or what they are. Instead, they have to ask roundabout questions like “Am I a person?” their classmate will respond, “Yes/no, you are (not) a person.” Instruct students to only ask one question at a time and to then give their partner a turn. It is your choice if students will remain with the same partner until they successfully guess what is on their card or if you want them to change partners after each question/answer exchange.
Instructions to students
You have a stack of cards with different historical events, persons, and locations in your hands. Do NOT look at the cards. Pick up one card and stick it to your forehead. It is your job to ask questions of your classmates until you can guess what is on you card. You may ask questions such as, “Am I a person?” Your partner will respond, “Yes/No, you are (not) a person.” Then your partner will have a chance to ask a question. Next, you might ask, “Am I a woman?” Your partner will answer. You should ask just one question at a time. When you answer, you should respond with a complete sentence, not just yes or no.