Mystery Bag Findings!

Mystery Bag Activity

Item 1: Birch Tree Portrait

• When/ where? Created in 2004 in Russia
• What? The birch tree is a symbol of Russia. “Birch” is ancient and connects to the word “keep” or “care”. It was believed that the birch tree could protect people against spirits.
• Why? This was a present given to Dr. Smirnova to remember her mother land and native place.
• Conclusion: The birch tree is a beautiful symbol of Russia!

Item 2: Khohloma Russian Wooden Decorative Spoon

• When/where? Created in the 17th century in Russia
• What?  This is a wooden spoon that gives off a metal look. Khokloma artists applied free-hand brush paintings. This spoon is used in creation of splendid ornate wooden tableware.
•  Why? This spoon is a decorative piece of art where the colors are representative of (red-warmth & softness, black-brilliance, no sharp lines, disperses the light)
• Conclusion: This spoon is a beautiful representation of Russian art!

Item 3: Russian Diploma 

• When/where? This Russian Diploma was granted to Dr. Smirnova on May 4, 1989 in Russia.
• What? This diploma is a diploma of the candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.
• Why? This was rewarded to Dr. Smirnova in 1989 from the Cabinet of the Ministry of Education to award her her very own PHD of Pedagogical Sciences.
• Conclusion: This certificate/diploma is a representation of what a PHD is like from Russia where education is just as important as it is in the USA.

Here you can find our class PowerPoint and all of my classmates's Mystery Bag Class Findings!

My Reflection on Findings: 

I absolutely loved this activity because it inspired myself and my group mates to collect data and information on a country that we would not have otherwise discovered or explored! This was an excellent activity that sparked interest and also sparked curiosity in us as students. I would LOVE to use this activity in the near future for my students in order to allow them to put their heads together to discover deeper meanings in Social Studies!