ACT I

Hassan: Hello guys, may I inquire as to what your favorite subject is?

Yousef Amr: Of course, personally my favorite would be social studies.

In quite murmurs, Ali Haytham and Belal agree, tilting their heads.

Hassan: Why did you choose this subject?

Ali Haytham: We learn about new cultures and their history’s, which is
fascinating.

Belal: I’m curious as to what our topic for today’s session will be, do you
guys have any idea?
Most of them nod their head in disagreement.
{The teacher enters}

Teacher [Lina]: Goedemorgen studenten!

The students seem confused but catch on and realize the teacher is
saying good morning.

All students: Good morning!

Teacher [Lina]: Do you guys have any clue what we'll be discussing
today?

Hala: Will we be discussing the school trip to Holland?

Teacher [Lina]: That's an excellent guess Hala, you are correct; we will
be discussing Holland so that you may learn more about it before
heading there.

Teacher [Lina]: Before I start sharing my information with you, does any
of you know anything about Holland?
The students raise their hands.

Teacher [Lina]: Hala do you know any information?

Hala: According to an article, the name Holland (from Houtland, or

"Wooded Land") was originally given to one of the mediaeval cores of
what later became the modern state and is still used for two of its 12
provinces. As a result, it is originally known as the Netherlands.

Teacher [Lina]: Hala, that's fantastic information! Is there anything

more anyone wants to add before I begin?
Tamim raises his hand.

Teacher [Lina]: Go ahead, Tamim.

Tamim: According to what I recall, Holland is famous for its cheese

marketing industry, specifically Gouda cheese.

Teacher [Lina]: Oh, that's intriguing information; thanks for sharing it.

Teacher [Lina]: The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is

known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling
routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh
Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during
WWII. Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including
Rembrandt and Vermeer remain from the city's 17th-century "Golden
Age."

Teacher [Lina]: This is the information I’ve gathered does anyone wish
to add anything?
Students raise their hands.

Teacher [Lina]: Yes, Farah.

Farah: I wanted to ask a question, is the Netherlands belonging to
Germany as I know they speak Dutch?

Teacher [Lina]: That’s a great question does anyone know the answer
to her question?
Rawan raises her hand.

Teacher [Lina]: Yes, Rawan.

Rawan: The Netherlands is not a part of Germany, but rather a separate

country. They are, nonetheless, neighbors, and both nations' languages
are based on the West Germanic language. The Netherlands and
Germany were both once members of the Holy Roman Empire.

Teacher [Lina]: Thank you Rawan! Does anyone else want to ask a
question or share information?
Maha and Yousef Amr raise their hands.

Teacher [Lina]: Yes, Yousef?

Yousef Amr: According to my previous visit to Holland, the gardens of

Keukenhof are among the most frequented of the country's most
recognized sites. Keukenhof is Europe's biggest garden, although it is
only open to the public for 8 weeks of the year.

Teacher [Lina]: Fascinating! What about you Maha did you want to
share or ask anything?

Maha: Yes, I did. I wanted to ask what was so important about Hollands
windmills? Aren’t they like any other windmills, why is it famous for
windmills?
Teacher [Lina]: That’s a great question, does anyone know the answer?
Belal raises his hand.

Teacher [Lina]: Yes, Belal.

Belal: Windmills are known worldwide as an iconic symbol of Dutch

culture. Also, historically, windmills in Holland served many purposes.

Ali Mohamed: Also, the most important probably was pumping water
out of the lowlands and back into the rivers beyond the dikes so that
the land could be farmed. In the fourteenth century, hollow-post mills
were used to drive scoop wheels to drain the wetlands.

Teacher [Lina]: Wow that is wonderful, well that concludes our session
for today see you guys next time. Tot ziens!