Pokémon and Their Inspirations from the Americas - Videos + Extension Activities

This course covers 22 different Pokémon and their connection to American culture and mythology. This course is not a comprehensive overview of American history; instead, we focus on the aspects of the Americas that have to do with Pokemon. Students will come away with a basic understanding of some American gods and magical creatures, and how they are connected to their favorite Pokémon.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has four parts to it. Each “part” consists of a downloadable video presentation (between 12 and 17 minutes long) hosted on Google Drive, along with some resources and project ideas to expand the students’ understanding.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ COURSE OUTLINE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

Here are the Pokemon and American connections we will cover in class:

Rufflet and Braviary - the American Eagle

Baltoy - Kachina

Torterra - The World Turtle

Ho-Oh - Achiyalabopa

Zapdos - Thunderbird

Xatu - Totem poles

Aipom - Ahuizotl

Lunala - Itzpapalotl

Rayquaza - Quetzalcoatl

Umbreon - Tezcatlipoca

Bronzong - Tlaloc

Decidueye - La Lechuza

Maractus, Lombre, and Ludicolo - Mexican folk music

Hitmontop - Capoeira

Coalossal - Cherufe

Kyogre - Cai Cai Vilu

Groudon - Tren Tren Vilu

Espeon - Carbunclo

Skarmory - Alicanto

Sigilyph - Nazca Lines

We'll end with an exploration of six creatures from American mythology and folklore that would make great Pokémon. (This can be used as a launching point for students to create their own Pokémon!)