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Cynthia Kimura

Cynthia Kimura is a financial mentor guiding young minds towards a future of financial literacy and responsibility. With a passion for empowering students with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role as an educator with 16 years teaching experience.

Her journey into the world of personal finance began during her own childhood, where she learned the value of money through hands-on experience managing her savings at an early age. This exposure sparked her interest in financial education and planted the seeds for her studies leading to her degree in Consumer Science.

She has volunteered at Dr. William Buckner's Consumer Counseling Center, where she gained valuable experience working with individuals and families navigating through the complexities of budgeting and debt.

Cynthia has gained additional financial experience through her employment as an account for Pioneer Electronics.  She became a real estate investor in 2009 and currently manages rental properties for her  company.  Cynthia is looking forward to creating a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to explore topics such as budgeting, saving, spending, and entrepreneurship.

By instilling financial literacy at an early age, Cynthia believes, we can empower students to make sound financial decisions, avoid debt, and achieve their short and long-term goals.

Cultural Geography II

Prerequisites: Ability to read and write.


Homework: Elective Class with Optional Homework.


Get ready for an exciting world adventure without ever leaving the classroom! Students will "travel" across continents to explore the rich traditions, geography, and daily life of people from many countries around the globe.


Exciting new destinations to travel to.  From sparkling blue oceans, tropical islands, amazing animals, and cultures spread across thousands of miles of sea in Oceana to a land of ancient wonders, golden deserts, and dazzling cities where history and the future meet in the Middle East to areas bursting with adventure—from vast deserts and roaring waterfalls to incredible wildlife like lions, elephants, and giraffes in Africa.


Throughout each session, you will visit a new area of the world, discovering a sampling of the countries there.


For each country we visit we’ll learn the following:

  • Location on a map and include the land, animals, and plants that live there, along with the major landmarks.

  • Discover the country's holidays, customs, religions, and / or traditions.

  • Explore what kids wear, what school is like, and how people get around.

  • Create a craft to help us remember a special part about this country.  We’ll become experts on the world around us!

  • Learn about popular foods, music, and entertainment.

  • Practice greetings and counting in the country’s language.

  • Get a passport stamp for each country visited (arrival and departure).

  • Create a travel brochure or zine promoting the destination.

  • Write a travel guide page

This hands-on course blends geography, language, art,writing, and social studies into a global learning experience. Come explore the world and celebrate the people who make it so amazing!

Fall:   The Middle East

Jordan

  • Petra (ancient city carved into rock)

  • Desert landscapes (Wadi Rum)

  • Connection to trade routes and ancient civilizations

United Arab Emirates

  • Ultra-modern cities (Dubai skyline, Burj Khalifa)

  • Desert vs futuristic life contrast

  • Innovation, technology, and global trade

Israel

  • Important historical and cultural sites

  • Mediterranean geography (coast, desert, hills)

  • Mix of ancient and modern daily life

Turkey

  • Blend of Europe + Asia cultures

  • Famous sites (like Istanbul, Hagia & Sophia)

  • Food, markets, and history

Winter:  Africa

Egypt

  • Pyramids, mummies, and ancient history

  • The Nile River and how it supports life in a desert

  • Hieroglyphics

Kenya

  • Safari animals (lions, elephants, & giraffes)

  • Savanna ecosystems

  • Maasai culture and traditions

Morocco

  • Colorful markets (souks), spices, and crafts

  • Desert life (Sahara) vs mountain vs city

  • Architecture and mosaics

Spring:  Oceania

Australia

  • Famous animals (kangaroos, koalas)

  • The Great Barrier Reef

  • Aboriginal cultures and connection to land

New Zealand

  • Māori culture and traditions

  • Mountains, volcanoes, and stunning  landscapes

  • Outdoor lifestyle and environmental focus

Papua New Guinea

  • Extremely diverse cultures and languages

  • Rainforests and remote village life

Traditional lifestyles very different from modern cities

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