Time Travel: Destination Czech and Slovak Republics
Written by Cindy Terry in conjunction with Jan Stoffer and the educational committee from the NCSML (2005/2006)

**This lesson is designed to follow the lessons on immigration and timeline of Cedar Rapids History found in the 3rd grade Social Studies curriculum. If completed at another time, a discussion of immigration of immigration and how immigrants contributed to the development of Cedar Rapids would need to be part of the pre-teaching activities
 
 
 
 
 
 

Main Objective: To acquaint students with the history and heritage of the Czech and Slovak people and aid in student’s exploration of the contributions these immigrants have made to our area.

Overview: The purpose of this lesson is to provide students with an understanding of Czech and Slovak history, as well as the contributions the Czechs and Slovaks have made to the development of the city of Cedar Rapids. Students can explore the lands, people and customs of the Czech and Slovak Republics through a variety of activities. These activities can be tailored to fit the needs of each classroom. The activities in these sessions will allow students to become familiar with the location of the Czech and Slovak Republics and gain an overview of the events that lead to the formation of the two independent countries. Students will explore what it is like to live in the Czech and Slovak Republics. They will learn about immigration of the Czechs andSlovaks to the United States and about the development of Czech Village and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. During the tour of the village and museum, students will learn more about the Czech and Slovak people and their contributions to Cedar Rapids. Through interactive stations, students will learn about the development of Czech Village in Southwest Cedar Rapids and about traditional customs of the Czech and Slovak people.