Patchwork Designs >BELIZE PATCH PROGRAM

BELIZE PATCH PROGRAM
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1.Belize (formerly British Honduras until the name was changed in 1973) is a tiny country located on the Caribbean Sea. The country has 8,867 square miles, of which 174 miles are its coastline. For comparison, Belize is a little smaller than the State of Massachusetts in the United States. What continent is it located on? What countries and bodies of water are near it and border it? Identify the capital, flag, and currency used. Try to name the symbols on the patch and find other national symbols of Belize.

2. Central America was conquered by Spanish conquistadors many centuries ago and all of its countries share Spanish culture and language, except Belize. Belize was formerly called British Honduras. Its name changed in 1973. It was a British colony until 1981. The official language of Belize is English, but not everyone speaks it. Learn about the different people in Belize and the languages they speak. Learn how to say a few words in one of these languages. Examples include: Belizean Spanish, Creole, Maya, Garifuna.

3. The first people to live in Belize were the Mayan Indians, from 100 A.D. They came over land bridges to Central America, and traveled from neighboring Mexico and Guatemala. The Mayans were great builders, and had pyramids similar to those in Egypt. Learn about Mayan ruins and go on an archeological dig; study geology.

4. Belize is a festive place. Once a year, in February or March, they dress up in costumes, paint each other with lipstick and flour, march in parades, and have competitions in music and dance for a state holiday called Carnaval. Carnaval is Spanish for "carnival." This celebration can last a day or a week, depending on how much fun they are having! Learn more about holidays and festivals in Belize. Some examples include: Carnival, Baron Bliss Day, the Cashew Festival, National Day, Garifuna Settlement day, Caribbean Christmas, Deer Dance Festival, Coconut Festival, and the Toledo Festival of Arts.

5. Beans and Rice are a very important food in Belize, but since there are such a wide variety of cultures, languages, and people in Belize, there are also many different types of food. Maybe you have tried some of the same food Belizeans eat such as: Fried bananas, smoothies, fruit salad, tamales, corn tortillas, fresh fish, and bread. Central America is also famous for hot sauces and cool drinks like coconut milk. Try a Belizean recipe or eat some Belizean food.

6. It is hot and humid in Belize, so everyone wears light and breezy fabrics. Research what Belizeans wear on special occasions and for its festivals. Some examples are Mayan weaving and Carnaval costumes.

7. Belize was the first country to create a "Wild Cat" reserve, and has the only one in the world specifically for Jaguars. This reserve is called Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve and is 102,000 acres. Belize also has a zoo, its called the Belize Zoo. Learn more about endangered animals, and if you can, visit a local park or zoo. Some endangered or special cats in Belize are: Ocelots, Pumas, Margays, and Jaguarondi.

8. Everywhere you go in Belize there is a different terrain. The three main regions in Belize are the northern lowlands, the southern highlands, rainforests, coral reefs, and the coastal areas, including cays (which are little islets that dot the coastline). Learn more about Belize's terrain, and where the most people live.

9 . In Belize's rainforests, as many as two thousand species of animals and plants can depend on a single tree for survival. How do animals in the rainforest interact with each other? In addition, there are over 500 species of bird in Belize, and more than 90% of all of the creatures in the rainforest are insects. Name some things you would see in a rainforest, including plants, animals, and insects.

10. Over one fourth of the medicine sold today was derived from plants, but only 5% of all of the world's plants have been studied for medicine. Find some interesting plants and learn how they are used today. Some examples are: Cacao, Chicle, Rubber Tree, and Aloe.

11. Belize has the seventh highest waterfall in the world and it is called the 1,000 Foot Falls. How tall is this waterfall? Where is it located? How are waterfalls created? Where are other tall waterfalls? Visit a waterfall near you or make your own waterfall.

12. A tropical coral reef can house over three thousand creatures. What is a coral reef? Where are Belize's coral reefs located? Belize has the second largest Barrier Reef in the world. What is the largest barrier reef? Where is it located?

13. Many miles of the Belize's coastline border the Caribbean Ocean. A lot of people go snorkeling, fishing, canoeing, sailing, and diving. What kind of plants and animals live in the Caribbean Ocean? How is the ocean different from a chlorine pool? Which one is easier to swim in? Play a game about the ocean or play a game at the beach or pool.

14. Traditions are important in Belize. Learn about traditional arts, dances, music, and stories. Some examples are: Embroidery, Garifuna dancing, Kriol songs, and Mayan folk tales.

15. Because Belize is next to an ocean, it is often hit with strong storms, floods, and hurricanes. Each year, many people all over the world are devastated by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and tornadoes. Learn about these natural disasters and how to prepare for them. Donate time to someone that is a victim of a natural disaster, or donate to Red Cross, orphanages, local organizations, or participate in a blood drive.