From Page to Prototype: Seventh Graders Recreate Cuban Exodus Journey

Seventh graders at The Peck School are diving deep into history, literature, and engineering in their Spanish class with an exciting hands-on project! After reading El Escape Cubano by Mira Canion, which tells the story of two families escaping Cuba during the mass exodus to Florida, students are now stepping into the shoes of the book’s main characters—by building their own model rafts.

Using a specific list of materials, including popsicle sticks, straws, Styrofoam, plastic, and hot glue, students must construct a raft that could feasibly endure the conditions faced in the novel. Much like the characters, they must consider real-life challenges: unpredictable weather, powerful ocean waves, and the need to carry essential survival supplies; tying in perfectly with the seventh grade’s essential question: How can one work to understand the perspectives of others?

Their rafts will be tested in a small water basin, where students will simulate waves and assess whether their designs can stay afloat while supporting a one-pound weight—symbolizing the weight of several passengers.

“This project challenges students to step into the shoes of those who have risked everything for a better future. It pushes them to think critically about survival, resilience, and the difficult choices families must make in search of new opportunities,” says Upper School Spanish Teacher Chantal Rivers.

Students will reflect on the following questions at the conclusion of their project: What adjustments did you make to improve your raft’s design or stability? Did these changes work, or did they create new challenges? How did your group collaborate to solve problems and make adjustments to the raft?

This project blends literature with STEM, encouraging students to think critically about a piece of Cuban history, survival, and engineering while applying their Spanish language skills in a meaningful way. By combining storytelling with problem-solving and hands-on experimentation, seventh graders gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by Cuban refugees—and the resilience required to embark on such a daring journey.