Buenos Aires: A City of Color, Culture, and Curiosity
An Eight-Week Exploration of Argentina’s Vibrant Capital
This dynamic unit immersed students in the heartbeat of Buenos Aires—a city where art, literature, history, and invention meet on every corner. Through hands-on learning, creative expression, and cultural exploration, students discovered what makes this South American capital a global gem.
Week 1: History of Discovery and Anthropology
Students began their journey in La Boca, one of Buenos Aires’ most colorful neighborhoods, exploring the iconic El Caminito street and the cultural roots of Argentina’s immigrant history.
Week 2: The Arts
From alleyways to city walls, Buenos Aires is known for its bold street art. Students studied the role of public art in storytelling and activism, then created their own stencil art inspired by the vibrant local aesthetic.
Week 3: Language Arts
In a city famous for its literary culture, students explored the tradition of literary magazines and crafted their very own zines—mini-magazines filled with poetry, stories, art, and reflection.
Week 4: Natural Science
Capybaras—the world’s largest rodents and beloved creatures in Argentina—were the focus of this week’s study. Students learned about wetland ecosystems and animal adaptation, connecting science with the local environment.
Week 5: Invention
The ballpoint pen, invented by Hungarian-Argentine László Bíró, revolutionized writing. Students explored this clever invention’s backstory and even designed and assembled their own functional pens.
Week 6: Bookstores of Buenos Aires
Home to more bookstores per capita than anywhere in the world, Buenos Aires is a book lover’s dream. Students traced the city’s literary legacy and practiced traditional bookbinding to create their own books by hand.
Week 7: Cuisine
Empanadas and pineapple cider brought the flavors of Argentina into the classroom! Students learned about the fusion of Spanish, Indigenous, and immigrant food cultures, then cooked and sampled popular local dishes.
Week 8: Carnaval Murga
The unit concluded with a rhythmic, colorful celebration of Murga—Buenos Aires’ unique form of street performance blending music, dance, and costume. Students joined the fun by crafting their own instruments and participating in a mini-Carnaval.
This unit was more than a tour of a city—it was a journey into the soul of Buenos Aires. From street art to science, literature to invention, students were inspired to explore with open minds and expressive hearts.