This year, fourth graders in Ward Russell’s social studies class have embarked on a global adventure, traveling “Around the World in 160 Days.” Along the way, they’ve learned about Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, imagined themselves walking the Great Wall of China, discovered the Lemon Festival in France, and studied Brazil’s economy. At each stop, students research and collaborate to create presentations that showcase the food, culture, economy, and geography of each country. Their journey culminates in the Travel Expo, where families, friends, and fellow Lower School students visit student-hosted tables—each representing a different country—to sample traditional foods, learn about cultural celebrations, and experience the unique pastimes of far-flung countries around the world. 

Students across all three fourth-grade sections teamed up to create interactive displays about the countries they had studied. Each group designed a table featuring a slideshow, poster board, an artifact representing their country, and a takeaway pamphlet with key facts. At the Australia table, visitors discovered that the country is home to the world’s largest diamond mine and hosts the southern hemisphere’s biggest public parade—the Adelaide Christmas Pageant. They also learned about the spirited debate over how to serve fairy bread, a beloved treat made with buttered bread and sprinkles, which guests had the chance to sample. When visiting the France table, guests were greeted by beret-wearing students offering macarons to enjoy while learning about how the Euro compares to the U.S. dollar. At the Brazil table, visitors learned about the Amazon Rainforest and footvolley, a sport that combines beach volleyball and soccer - no hands allowed! 

Although students “traveled” to ten different countries this year, Ward Russell says the true value of the project lies not in how many destinations they reach, but in the depth of their exploration. “We never get to as many countries as I hope to,” he admits, “but that’s actually the beauty of it. We slow down to have meaningful conversations about culture, identity, and what makes each place unique.”