How do you understand a place as complex as the Darién Gap? If you're in our sixth-grade classroom, you talk it out Socratic-style.
Sixth graders participated in a lively Socratic seminar exploring the nature, geography, resources, cultural connections, and human stories of the Darién Gap as part of our study of Latin America. Students took the lead in discussing big questions, listening closely to one another, and building on each other’s ideas. The Socratic seminar method encourages them to think critically, support their opinions with evidence, and consider multiple perspectives -important skills both in and out of the classroom. By learning in this way, students not only deepen their understanding of the complex geography and human experiences within the Darién region, but also grow as thoughtful, respectful communicators who can engage in meaningful conversations about real-world issues. As their discussions wrapped up, students realized that exploring geography is never just about maps. It’s about people, choices, and stories. We hope their curiosity continues to inspire them to look a little closer at the places that shape our world.
