Discovering Brazil: Exploring the Geography and Society of a Vibrant Nation

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Discovering Brazil: Exploring the Geography and Society of a Vibrant Nation

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the geography and society of Brazil.

Introduce the learning objective and ensure that students understand what they will learn in the lesson.

What do you already know about Brazil?

Introduction to Brazil

Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world and is located in South America. It has a diverse geography and is known for its vibrant culture.

Provide an overview of Brazil's location and geography. Introduce the idea that Brazil has a rich culture.

Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world. What are the four larger countries?

Food in Brazil

Brazilian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and influences from Africa, Europe, and indigenous peoples. Some popular dishes include feijoada, churrasco, and brigadeiro.

Introduce Brazilian food and its diverse influences. Consider including images of popular dishes.

Music in Brazil

Music is an integral part of Brazilian culture. Samba, bossa nova, and forró are some popular music genres. The country is also known for hosting the world-famous Carnival celebration.

Favelas in Brazil

Favelas are informal settlements that are home to many Brazilians who live in poverty. These communities often lack basic services and infrastructure.

Introduce favelas and their significance in Brazilian society. Discuss how poverty and inequality are major issues in Brazil.

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Sports in Brazil

Brazil is known for its passion for soccer, which is the most popular sport in the country. Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup a record five times.

Introduce Brazilian sports and their importance in the country's culture. Consider including images of famous Brazilian soccer players.

Beaches in Brazil

Brazil has more than 7,000 kilometers of coastline and is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro are some popular beach destinations.

Introduce Brazilian beaches and their significance in the country's tourism industry. Consider including images of popular beach destinations.

The Amazon in Brazil

The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world and is located in Brazil, as well as several other South American countries. It is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species.

Introduce the Amazon rainforest and its significance in Brazil's geography. Consider including images of the rainforest and its wildlife.

Deforestation in Brazil

Deforestation is a major issue in Brazil, as the country has lost a significant amount of its forest cover in recent decades. This has contributed to climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Discuss the issue of deforestation in Brazil and its impact on the environment. Consider including images of deforestation in the country.

Poverty in Brazil

Poverty is a major issue in Brazil, with many people living in favelas and lacking access to basic services. The country has made progress in reducing poverty in recent years, but inequality remains a significant challenge.

Discuss poverty in Brazil and its impact on society. Consider discussing the government's efforts to address poverty and inequality.

Language in Brazil

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil and is spoken by the majority of the population. Brazil is also home to several indigenous languages.

Introduce the Portuguese language and its significance in Brazilian society. Consider discussing the diversity of languages spoken in the country.

Geology of Brazil

Brazil has a diverse geology, with significant mineral resources such as iron ore and gold. The country is also home to the world's largest aquifer, the Guarani Aquifer.

Discuss the geology of Brazil and its significance in the country's economy. Consider including images of mineral resources found in the country.

Aquifer

When a water-bearing rock readily transmits water to wells and springs, it is called an aquifer. Wells can be drilled into the aquifers and water can be pumped out. Precipitation eventually adds water (recharge) into the porous rock of the aquifer.

Transportation in Brazil

Transportation in Brazil includes a variety of options, such as buses, trains, and planes. The country has also invested in infrastructure projects such as the Belo Monte Dam and the Rio-Niterói Bridge.

Introduce transportation in Brazil and its significance in the country's economy. Consider discussing major infrastructure projects in the country.

Review

In this lesson, we learned about the geography and society of Brazil, including its food, music, favelas, sports, beaches, Amazon, deforestation, poverty, language, geology, and transport.

Review the main points of the lesson and ensure that students understand the key concepts.

What did you find most interesting about Brazil? What surprised you?

What is a favela?

1. A type of tree in the Amazon
2. A famous Brazilian soccer player
3. A traditional Brazilian dance
4. A slum in Brazil

What is the name of the world's largest underground water source located in Brazil?

1. Mekong River
2. Guarani Aquifer
3. Amazon River
4. Nile River

What is deforestation?

1. The clearing of trees in a forested area
2. The practice of preserving forests
3. The process of making paper from recycled materials
4. The planting of new trees in a forested area

Which music genre originated in Brazil in the late 1950s?

1. Bossa nova
2. Samba
3. Tango
4. Hip-hop

In what year did Brazil host the FIFA World Cup?

1. 2018
2. 2014
3. 2006
4. 2010

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.

Homework

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) dry black beans

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pound (450g) pork shoulder

2 large onions, sliced

1 head garlic, peeled and chopped

1 pound (450g) carne seca or corned beef, cut into chunks

1/2 pound (225g) fresh sausages, such as chorizo or Italian sausage

1 pound (450g) smoked sausage, such as linguica or kielbasa

 1 smoked ham hock or shank

3 to 4 bay leaves

Water

1 14.5 ounce can (411g) crushed tomatoes

Kosher salt

Feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean Stew)

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/feijoada_brazilian_black_bean_stew/

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/easy_brazilian_cheese_bread/

Ingredients

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread 

1 large egg, room temperature

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan

2/3 cup milk

1 1/2 cups (170 g) tapioca flour

1/2 cup (66 g) packed grated or crumbled cheese, your preference

1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)