Brazil’s capital city, far removed from the Amazon, sits on a plateau that is also home to home rugged cliffs, streams, and waterfalls, indigenous communities, homesteads of pioneering families, and habitats found in these mountains and nowhere else.

Learning Objective

Students will learn about Brasilia, Brazil’s capital city, Chapada dos Veadeiros, and habitats surrounding the city.

Social Studies Standards

People, Places & Environments: C, E

Discussion Prompts

• Discuss the similarities and differences between Brasilia and Washington DC., the capital city of the United States.
• Why were the shapes, patterns, and buildings that made Brasilia an ultramodern city interesting and perhaps unique? Why is it significant? What is their meaning?
• Why was it important to move the capital to the center of Brazil? Discuss potential benefits and losses and whether it was a good move.
• How were mines found in your region? Compare the mine in the video and talk about the economic and environmental impact of mining in both places.

Lesson Activities

• Create a 3D model of Brasilia’s landmarks using recycled materials, LEGOs, or software.
• Explore the influence of the two Brazilian visionaries, urban planner Lucio Costa, and architect Oscar Niemeyer on the creation of Brasilia. Draw or design patterns inspired by Neymeyer’s curved lines and Costa’s urban grid.
• Create a digital or physical field guide including flora and fauna of Chapada dos Veadeiros, and endemic species like the maned wolf.
• Thinking like environmental engineers, design a plan for responsible mining practices that minimize harm to the Cerrado and ensure long-term benefits for local communities. Include 2 to 3 ideas that promote the environment and community.

Vocabulary

• biome
• chapada
• cerrado
• crystal friction
• crystal vein
• extraction
• homesteads
• quilombo
• rugged
• streams

Download

In the Americas Season 11 Lesson Episode 7