Spanish Cities - Geography and History

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 La Historia de Barcelona (The History of Barcelona)

Standards Addressed:

  • Communication Standard 1.2: Learner understands, interprets, and analyzes what is heard, read, or viewed on a variety of topics.

  • Culture Standard 2.1: Learner uses the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between practices and perspectives of cultures.

  • Connections Standard 3.1: Learner builds, reinforces, and expands knowledge of other disciplines while using Spanish to learn about geography and history.

  • Comparisons Standard 4.2: Learner uses Spanish to investigate and reflect on the concept of culture through historical and geographical comparisons.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this activity, students will be able to:

  • Identify key geographical features of Barcelona

  • Understand basic historical facts about the city

  • Use simple Spanish phrases to describe location and time periods

  • Create a digital timeline of historical events

Article

Barcelona: A City by the Sea

Barcelona is a special city in Spain that sits between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of Catalonia, a region with its own unique culture and language. The city was founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago!

What makes Barcelona unique is its location. The Collserola Mountains protect the city from strong winds, while the Mediterranean Sea provides a beautiful coastline with beaches. The city has a warm climate that makes it perfect for outdoor activities all year round.

Barcelona's history is fascinating. The Romans built the first city walls. During the Middle Ages, it became an important trading port. In the late 1800s, the city grew bigger and famous architects like Antoni Gaudí started creating amazing buildings that still make people wonder today.

The city hosted the Olympic Games in 1992, which helped make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Today, Barcelona is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and exciting sports teams.

Comprehension Questions (Answer in Spanish)

  1. ¿Dónde está Barcelona? (Where is Barcelona?)

  2. ¿Qué hay cerca de la ciudad? (What is near the city?)

  3. ¿Quién construyó las primeras murallas? (Who built the first walls?)

  4. ¿En qué año fueron los Juegos Olímpicos? (In what year were the Olympic Games?)




Short Essay Question (Choose one to answer in Spanish, minimum 3 sentences)

  1. ¿Por qué es especial la ubicación de Barcelona? (Why is Barcelona's location special?)

  2. ¿Qué período de la historia de Barcelona te parece más interesante? ¿Por qué? (Which period of Barcelona's history seems most interesting to you? Why?)



Optional Technology Activity (DOK 3)

Create a Historical Timeline of Barcelona

Using Google Drawings:

  1. Open Google Drawings

  2. Title your drawing "La Historia de Barcelona"

  3. Create a timeline following these steps:

    • Make a horizontal line across the page

    • Add at least 5 important dates from Barcelona's history

    • Include small pictures for each event

    • Write a brief description in Spanish for each event

    • Use different colors to organize time periods

  4. Share your timeline through Google Classroom

Go Beyond

Explore more about Barcelona:

Glossary

  • ciudad = city

  • mar = sea

  • montañas = mountains

  • murallas = walls

  • historia = history

  • años = years

  • playa = beach

  • puerto = port

  • edificios = buildings

  • juegos = games

  • ubicación = location

  • clima = climate

Grading Rubric

4 (Exceeds Expectations)

  • Shows comprehensive understanding of Barcelona's geography and history

  • Creates detailed responses using varied Spanish vocabulary

  • Includes specific historical dates and geographical features in answers

  • Essay demonstrates deep thinking about Barcelona's significance

  • Timeline (if chosen) shows extensive research and creative presentation

  • Work reflects understanding of both historical and modern Barcelona

3 (Meets Expectations)

  • Shows good understanding of Barcelona's basic geography and history

  • Uses appropriate Spanish vocabulary to describe locations and events

  • Includes correct historical and geographical information

  • Essay shows clear comprehension of the topic

  • Timeline (if chosen) includes all required elements with accurate information

  • Work demonstrates good grasp of Barcelona's development

2 (Approaching Expectations)

  • Shows basic understanding of Barcelona's location and history

  • Uses simple Spanish vocabulary with some errors

  • Includes some historical and geographical facts

  • Essay attempts to express ideas but lacks detail

  • Timeline (if chosen) includes basic information with some gaps

  • Work shows partial understanding of Barcelona's significance

1 (Below Expectations)

  • Shows minimal understanding of Barcelona's features

  • Uses very limited Spanish vocabulary with major errors

  • Historical and geographical information is incorrect or incomplete

  • Essay is brief and lacks clear understanding

  • Timeline (if chosen) is missing key elements

  • Work demonstrates limited comprehension of the topic

0 (No Evidence)

  • No work submitted

  • Responses are in English rather than Spanish

  • Shows no understanding of Barcelona's geography or history

  • Timeline not attempted

  • No evidence of engagement with the material

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