The European Migration Crisis: A Project-Based Learning Unit

Students in my social studies classes have started working on a project-based learning (PBL) unit related to the European Migration Crisis. Students are investigating a variety of issues related to this topic, including:

• Why people have had to flee their homes and/or their countries
• Movement options
• Land vs. sea journeys
• Migration routes from Africa and the Middle East to Europe
• Redistribution of refugees across the European Union

The guiding question throughout their investigation is:

What effects does mass migration have on a country's culture, economy and sustainability?

Part of this PBL requires students to investigate and analyze European migration routes.  Students are creating interactive Google maps (maps imbedded with multimedia content) to apply their understanding of the various demographic groups of refugees and the unlikely routes they must take during their perilous journeys. More importantly, they have discovered some of the challenges refugees face as they seek safety, and that while their futures may be uncertain, many remain steadfast in their efforts to reach their desired European destination and begin a new life that is founded on safety, freedom and prosperity. 

The maps are a work-in-progress, but should be completed by Friday. This has been quite a transformative learning experience for students and one that they are looking forward to sharing with a wider audience. Ask your child to share their map with you at home. 

Stay tuned for more information on the final phase of this project which requires students to analyze the economies, demographics and unemployment rates of countries in the European Union and from that, determine possible solutions for redistributing refugees across the European Union.  

Creating interactive Google maps for refugee migration routes