While learning about other countries is important, nothing compares to experiencing foreign cultures.

In their social studies course this year, the sixth graders of Old Hammondtown School learned about nations half a world away through a project that allowed them to taste Laos’ sticky rice, chat with a native of India and throw spears Papua New Guinea style.

The students turned their hands-on research into projects for a Geography Fair held on Tuesday, June 5.

“In our school improvement plan, global awareness is one of the points we’re trying to encourage,” said social studies teacher Amy Casi. “The fair is the culmination of those projects.”

“The children, at this point, are the ones who have to do the leading,” said Casi.

“All year long they’ve enjoyed participating, but the projects take it up to another level. I think it’s eye-opening.”

As their textbook focused more on Western countries, students rounded out the globe by focusing on nations in the Middle East, Oceania and Asia.

And, like a science fair, they displayed their findings on a tri-fold board.

“They’re presenting their work to the community,” said Casi.

“They really enjoy that and feel very proud of the work that they’ve done.”

Sri Lanka, China, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were just a few of the countries represented at the fair.

Casi said the projects exposed kids to foods and experiences they might not otherwise encounter.

Isabella Rodrigues spent about a month researching Indonesia for her project, learning about its gross domestic product, jade trade and coffee production.

Although she didn’t know anything about the country before her project, it’s now on her list of travel destinations.

“I want to go there and stay for a long time. It’s so cool,” she said.

For more photos, visit www.Sippican.VillageSoup.com.