Name: Fundamental Human Need: Project Due:

Dear families,
In our day to day life, we quickly get swept up in what’s happening, what needs to be done next, or even
trying to catch up on what we forgot to do. We move so fast that it becomes easy to forget that there is a
whole world out there, full of people just like us. We tend to lose sight of how everyone and everything
on Earth is cosmically connected. There are people across the world, or even across town, that we think
share absolutely nothing in common with us, but, in reality, are more connected to us than we realize.
This quarter’s project focuses on teaching your child that beyond our differences and across space and
time, we all have fundamental human needs (FHN) that must be met.
Maria Montessori formed a Cultural curriculum that revolves around five Great Lessons. These lessons
are impressionistic introductions to the coming of the universe, life, humans, language, and numbers. An
extension of the third and fourth Great Lessons are the Fundamental Needs of Humans. With all of her
research into human development and global experiences, Maria Montessori was able to narrow down a
select few fundamental necessities that every human needs to fully survive and thrive. She divided the
needs into material needs, necessary for survival, and spiritual needs, which are necessary for our souls
and intellect to be fulfilled.
Your child will be exploring one of those fundamental human needs in depth. They will reflect, research
and review one particular fundamental human need as it relates to themselves, their community, and
globally. Your child will choose their fundamental human need in class, which will be their focus for the
entire project.
This project’s activities include:

- My Fundamental Human Needs Book

- A Need Through Time(line)
- Community Helper Interview
- A Global Look at *insert FHN here*

Materials will be provided for the first 3 activities. Please refer to rubrics for how your child will be
scored. When turning in the project, make sure your child turns in all parts at one time. I want this
project to be a fun and explorative process. As a reminder, please make sure the project is your child’s
work. They may require some help with understanding directions, brainstorming, or legible handwriting,
but the project should be 100% of your child’s work! As always, I am available for questions and
support along the way.
Your Partner in Education,

Teacher Name Here

Activity 1: My Fundamental Human Needs Book- 15 points

 Project Due: October 12th

For this activity, students will illustrate and describe how each of their
fundamental human needs are met. The finished product is a compiled book of
the student’s personal fundamental human needs. The finished book must
include a total of 8 fundamental human needs. Each page must include a
fully drawn and colored picture and a description of how the
fundamental need is met and why it is important. Food, shelter,
transportation, clothing, and communication are required for the book.

Your child must choose 3 from the remaining list:

- Vanity (beauty, self-adornment)
- Culture (fine arts)
- Defense (safety, protection)
- Spirituality (religion, philosophy)
- Social Acceptance
- Physical Health

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 Project Due: October 12th

Activity 2: A Need Through Time(line)- 15 points

For activity 2, your child will work with the concept of time, past and present, by
demonstrating how their fundamental human need has evolved over time. The timeline
must have at least 6 moments in history. These 6 moments will be based off the six
major historical periods of human development in Western Civilization: Prehistory,
Egyptian, Greek, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Modern Time. Your child is free to add
more moments to their timeline that they find significant to their fundamental human
need’s evolution, but the timeline must have these 6 time periods as a minimum. I have
provided a roll of paper to draw/record the timeline.

The timeline can be as simple or detailed as desired, but MUST include the following:
- Title and name
- Organized in chronological order
- Dates in MM/DD/YYYY format
- Pictures or illustrations for each moment
- The 6 key historical periods of human development in Western Civilization:
Prehistory, Egyptian, Greek, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Modern Time

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 Project Due: October 12th

Activity 3: Community Helper Interview- 20 points

We have many people in our community that help us meet our needs each day. Depending on our family
structure, housing, and income, the amount of time and effort it takes to have these needs met varies. To
put it plainly, we all have 24 hours in a day, but those same 24 hours look different for each person
because we have to split our time in different ways to get our needs met. It is important we remember to
notice and appreciate these community helpers who make sure our fundamental human needs are met on
a daily basis.
Your child will interview a community helper to get their perspective on fulfilling their specific
fundamental human need. They will record the responses to questions and write a reflection on the
process. Interviews can conducted via phone, email, virtually, or in person. In person is preferred for the
hands on experience. 
Below, I list several professions that help meet each fundamental need. These are suggestions and
examples. I encourage your child to choose a community helper for their fundamental human need that
is beyond their typical daily encounters.

Shelter: Habitat for Humanity, Homeless Coalition employee, Realtor, Architect, Landlord,
Contractor, Interior Designer

Food: Food critic, Chef, Nutritionist, Fast food employee, Water treatment plant worker, Baker,
grocery store clerk

Transportation: Gas station clerk, Semi truck driver, UPS driver, Pilot, Naval Officer, Sailor, Train
Conductor, Car salesman, Uber driver

Clothing: Seamstress/Tailor, Fashion Designer, Dry cleaner, Retail employee, Thrift store employee
Communication: Interpreter, Telemarketer, mail person, Customer Service Representative, Social
Media Influencer, News Reporter

Defense: Locksmith, Lawyer, Banker, Veteran, Postal Inspector, Military employee, Security
company employee, Police Officer

Vanity: Makeup Artist, Jeweler, Nail technician, Tattoo Artist, Beautician, Mental Health
professional, Plastic Surgeon

Culture: Author, Librarian, Musician, Artist, Museum curator, Historian, Youtuber, Blogger, Dancer,
Actor

Spirituality: Priest, Nun, Pastor, Imam, Rabbi, Yoga Instructor, Reiki healer
Physical Health: Waste Collector, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist,
Apothecary, Doula/Midwife

Activity 4: A Global Look at My Fundamental Human Need- 20 points

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 Project Due: October 12th

According to the dictionary, the word “fundamental,” means “of central importance” or
“a central principle on which something is based.” The fundamental human needs Maria
Montessori lists are necessary for all humans to meet their physical, social, and emotional
needs. Only by having each need met are we able to be our fully best selves.
For activity 4, your child will research how their fundamental need is met across the
world and investigate how different countries support their citizens who cannot have their
needs met on their own. This activity’s final product has room for much creative
freedom. Encourage your child to use their imagination!
Examples of final products: poster, slideshow, essay, book, brochure, song, video,
website, artwork, etc.
Questions to consider:
1. Is my fundamental human need met the same way all over the world?
2. How is my fundamental human need met on each continent?
3. Compare how the fundamental need is met in other cultures versus at home.
4. Do people survive without my fundament human need? Why? How?
5. How can societies make sure every human has this need met?

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 Project Due: October 12th

Activity 1: My Fundamental Human Needs Book- 15 points

Standards:
2.SS.G.HS.9. Interactions among cultures lead to sharing ways of life.
W.2.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question
3.SS.G.PR.5. Daily life is influenced by the agriculture, industry and natural resources in different communities.
W.3.4 With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are
appropriate to task and purpose.

Rubric:

Proficient Progressing Needs Improvement

Objective
^ /
Student illustrates how Student illustrations Student illustrations Student illustrations
8 fundamental human include 5 required include 5 required are not related to FHN.
needs relate to their FHN and 3 elective FHN and less than 3 Illustrations are not
personal life. FHN. All illustrations elective FHN. related to personal life.
display direct Illustrations display Work is incomplete.
connection to student’s direct connection to
life. student’s life.
Student explains Writing explains Writing is missing Writing is off topic.
fundamental human personal fundamental personal connection or Writing is in
need and importance. human need why particular FHN is incomplete sentences.
connection and why it essential. Writing is in Writing has many
is essential. Student’s complete sentences errors. Work is
writing is in complete with some errors. incomplete.
sentences with little to
no errors.
Student’s work is Finished product is Finished product is not Finished product has
aesthetically pleasing. neat and organized. It neat or difficult to no name with
has name, follow. Some pictures drawings that are
recognizable drawings, are missing or difficult unable to be
legible writing and to decipher. Writing is deciphered, lacking
correct spelling. Work missing, incomplete, color, or writing
is creative. or hard to read. cannot be read or work
is incomplete.

Activity 2: A Need Through Time(line)- 15 points

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 Project Due: October 12th

Standards:
2.P.HT.1 Time can be shown graphically on calendars and timelines
2.SS.HS.H.3. Science and technology have changed daily life
3.C.HT.1. Events in local history can be shown on timelines organized by years, decades and centuries.

Rubric:

Proficient Progressing Needs Improvement

Objective
^ /
The student will Student uses Student uses past and Student uses only
establish time as a appropriate tenses present tense when present tense when
continuous concept of when discussing/writing discussing/writing
past, present, and discussing/writing descriptions about descriptions about
future. descriptions about events. Student events. Student does
events. Progression of identifies 2/3 periods not present.
timeline of time in their life
during presentation.
Student demonstrates Timeline has at least Timeline has less than Timeline is
time graphically on student’s age for 6 required notable incomplete, out of
timeline. number of significant advancements for order, or not dated in
moments in fundamental human proper format.
chronological order need. Most of the dates
with dates in proper are chronological and
format. in proper dated format.
Student work is Timeline has title and Timeline has title and Timeline is incomplete
aesthetically pleasing. name. Timeline name. Timeline has or not student work.
includes recognizable some Missing pictures or
pictures or illustrations pictures/illustrations, illustrations or detailed
with a detailed or details missing. descriptions.
description and is Information on
creatively completed. timeline is irrelevant to
FHN.

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 Project Due: October 12th

Activity 3: Community Helper Interview- 20 points

Standards:
2.SS.G.HS.9. Interactions among cultures lead to sharing ways of life
2.SS.E.PC.15. Most people around the world work in jobs in which they produce specific goods and services.
W.2.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
3.SS.G.HS.7. Systems of transportation and communication move people, products and ideas from place to place
3.SS.G.CP.10 Individuals make the community a better place by taking action to solve problems in a way that
promotes the common good.
W.3.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes
on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
Rubric:

Proficient
Progressing
Objective Needs Improvement /
^
Student will investigate Student leads interview Student interviews person Student did not conduct
profession related to a with person from from profession related to interview. Profession is
specific fundamental profession related to FHN. FHN with support. unrelated to chosen FHN.
human need by Student asks follow up Student asks prepared
conducting an interview. questions, in addition to questions.
prepared questions.
Student will reflect on Student includes personal Missing 1 of the Reflection is incomplete,
interview to draw opinion of interview following: personal off topic, or not student
connections between FHN experience and shares opinion of interview work.
and community. what they learned from experience, shares what
interviewee. Student’s they learned from
reflection demonstrates interviewee, or
understanding of FHN and understanding of FHN and
impact of profession that impact of professions that
meets FHN. meet FHN.
Student will demonstrate Student writes in complete Student writes mostly in Interview responses are
age appropriate use of sentences, including complete sentences, incomplete sentences.
grammar and mechanics capitalization, spelling, including capitalization, Missing capitalization and
in writing. and punctuation rules for spelling, and punctuation punctuation rules. Work is
reflection. Few to no rules for reflection. Some missing.
errors. errors.

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 Project Due: October 12th

Activity 4: A Global Look at My Fundamental Human Need- 20 points

Standards:
2.SS.G.PR.6. The work that people do is impacted by the distinctive human and physical characteristics in the
place where they live.
2.SS.G.HS.9. Interactions among cultures lead to sharing ways of life
2.SS.E.PC.15. Most people around the world work in jobs in which they produce specific goods and services.
W.2.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects
3.SS.G.PR.5. Daily life is influenced by the agriculture, industry and natural resources in different communities.
3.SS.Gvt.CP.10 Individuals make the community a better place by taking action to solve problems in a way that
promotes the common good.
W.3.7 Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

Rubric:

Proficient Progressing Needs Improvement

Objective
^ /
Students will use a Student uses Student uses at least 2 Student uses only 1 of
variety of sources to combination of books, of the following: the following: books,
acquire knowledge websites, and media to variety of books, websites, or media to
about FHN around the research about topic. websites, or media to research about topic.
globe. research about topic.
Students will create a Student creates Student creates visual Student work does not
final product that engaging visual or or written work that show FHN on global
shows knowledge of written work that shows FHN from scale, is incomplete, or
FHN on global scale. shows FHN from global perspective. not student work.
global perspective and
its impact.
Student will Student writes in Student writes mostly Interview responses
demonstrate age complete sentences, in complete sentences, are incomplete
appropriate use of including including sentences. Missing
grammar and capitalization, spelling, capitalization, spelling, capitalization and
mechanics in writing. and punctuation rules and punctuation rules punctuation rules.
for reflection. Few to for reflection. Some Work is missing.
no errors. errors.

Dear Parents,

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 Project Due: October 12th

      As part of first quarter Cultural Studies, “Fundamental Human Needs,” We are
asking students to choose a community helper to learn about. Your child will need to
interview a community helper of their choosing that connects to their fundamental
human need project. Use the interview and reflection sheets attached. We prefer that
they do not interview their parents, but if they can’t find someone else to interview, a
parent will be fine. Most importantly, your child should have an interest or a curiosity
about the profession of the person they interview.

Fundamental Human Needs Community Helper Suggestions

Shelter: Habitat for Humanity, Homeless Coalition employee, Realtor, Architect,
Landlord, Contractor, Interior Designer

Food: Food critic, Chef, Nutritionist, Fast food employee, Water treatment plant
worker, Baker, grocery store clerk

Transportation: Gas station clerk, Semi truck driver, UPS driver, Pilot, Naval Officer,
Sailor, Train Conductor, Car salesman, Uber driver

Clothing: Seamstress/Tailor, Fashion Designer, Dry cleaner, Retail employee, Thrift

store employee

Communication: Interpreter, Telemarketer, mail person, Customer Service

Representative, Social Media Influencer, News Reporter

Defense: Locksmith, Lawyer, Banker, Veteran, Postal Inspector, Military employee,

Security company employee, Police Officer

Vanity: Makeup Artist, Jeweler, Nail technician, Tattoo Artist, Beautician, Mental
Health professional, Plastic Surgeon

Culture: Author, Librarian, Musician, Artist, Museum curator, Historian, Youtuber,

Blogger, Dancer, Actor

Spirituality: Priest, Nun, Pastor, Imam, Rabbi, Yoga Instructor, Reiki healer

Physical Health: Waste Collector, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist,

Massage Therapist, Apothecary, Doula/Midwife

Community Helper Interview Form

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 Project Due: October 12th

Student Name (Interviewer): _________________

Date of Interview:       _______________________
Person I Interviewed: _______________________
Person ‘s Occupation: _______________________

1. Why did you want to go into this career?

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2. What is important about your job?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
3. How long have you been doing this job?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
4. What is your favorite thing about what you do? 
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

5. How do you meet the needs of our community through your

work?
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 Project Due: October 12th

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
6. What do you think would happen if your job did not exist?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
7. What is difficult about your work? 
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

8. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to go into this
type of work? 
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

**Remember to thank your interviewee for their time!**

Use your interview questions and answers to write a paragraph

reflection(5-7 sentences) about your experience and fundamental

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 Project Due: October 12th

human need. Refer to Activity 3 rubric in project packet for

support.

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