Candy Culture Simulation: Cultural Interactions and Landscapes FRQs

Answer the following free-response questions (FRQs) using your knowledge of cultural patterns and the "Candy Culture" simulation. Be sure to address each part of every question thoroughly, using specific examples from the simulation where appropriate.

FRQ #1: Cultural Interactions and Identity Prompt: In the "Candy Culture" simulation, students represented various groups with distinct traits and behaviors. Use your knowledge of cultural patterns and the simulation to answer the following:

Define material culture and provide one hypothetical example of a material trait for the Life Saver culture based on their values.

Describe the ethnocentric attitudes displayed by the Skittles culture during the "Mingle Time" activity.

Explain how the Smarties culture’s insistence on eye contact functions as a cultural trait that defines their group identity.

Contrast the taboos of the Jolly Rancher culture with those of the Smarties culture regarding interpersonal communication.

Explain how the Airheads culture’s attempt to change the perspective of negative cultures is an example of acculturation.

Describe one way the built environment of a region might change if the Life Saver culture, which values traditional farming, became the dominant group.

Using the concept of cultural convergence, explain what might happen to these six distinct candy cultures if they were all subjected to the same global social media platform over several decades.

FRQ #2: Cultural Landscapes and Globalization Prompt: Cultural patterns—such as language, religion, and ethnicity—shape our sense of place and influence interactions. Analyze the "Candy Culture" simulation through the lens of geographic landscapes:

Define non-material culture and identify one example from the Starburst culture.

Explain how the Jolly Rancher culture’s behavior might lead to cultural divergence in a shared geographic region.

Describe how the sequent occupance of a "Mingle Time" space might be observed if the Skittles culture moved out and the Airheads culture moved in.

Identify the type of society (homogeneous or heterogeneous) represented by the total group of six different candy cultures mingling together and justify your answer.

Explain how the Life Saver culture’s greeting and distance from the camera create a specific sense of place.

Contrast how the Starburst and Smarties cultures view their own cultural identity in relation to others.

Explain how syncretism could occur if a member of the Starburst culture (who says "Howdy!") married a member of the Airheads culture (who says "Booyah!").