Learning about Arabic Influence on Blue Tiles

World Languages Department Chair Dr. Lisa Machnik was awarded funds to support a multidisciplinary project as students explored the Arabic influences  on Moroccan blue tiles and their history and place in the culture in France, Portugal, Spain and Italy during their world language classes. Both students and teachers benefited from the funding of this project.  As a department, teachers and students  got a deeper understanding of the Arabic influence on the cultures of the languages being taught in Somerville PS.  Dr. Machnik reported that  watching students engaged in the project was really special.  In addition to that, World Language teachers were happy to relay that students were very engaged in creating the tiles and were proud of their beautiful work.