Intro to World Cultures Lesson - What on Earth Alien Activity | Print & Digital

What is culture? This culture lesson challenges your class to explore the meaning of culture and examine cultural traits from around the world. Use it as a culture activity or world cultures lesson where students analyze examples of beliefs, customs, traditions, language, food, clothing, and daily life. The alien observations format makes the lesson engaging for students, and the guided 5-E structure is easy for you to use. Everything you need is included!

What’s Included:

• Guided Lesson Slides
• Fill-in Notes
• 2 Practice Activities
• Fill-in Rubric
• Answer Keys
• Teacher Guide

Start with a “What in the World?” warm-up featuring Manu Martian, an alien who has crash-landed and is confused by life on Earth. Students examine culture and its traits through his observations, then learn key vocabulary and concepts with guided instruction and fill-in notes. Next, students complete a “Culture Survey” to reflect on their own cultural identity. Finally, students design “Martian” cultural landscapes as a creative way to demonstrate their understanding.

Why Teachers Love This Lesson:

• Engages students through a creative and memorable scenario
• Reinforces cultural concepts through structured activities
• Encourages reflection on personal and global culture
• Clear format makes implementation and grading easy

Skills Covered:

• Understanding the concept of culture
• Identifying cultural traits in different societies
• Applying cultural concepts through creative expression

Aligned with Social Studies Standards:

• CCSS, TEKS, ELPS & NCSS

Total Pages:  62

Time:  90 Minutes

Grades: 5-12