Instead of practicing long division or learning science facts, 75 fourth graders at H.C. Schaumberg Elementary school took a spin around the globe on Thursday.

In an effort to make students more aware of cultural diversity, their teachers organized a virtual tour of France, Africa and Mexico – the FAM Tour ­-  with help from the Ponchartrain chapter of The Links, an organization of successful, service-minded African-American women,  and the Louisiana International School.

Students got their FAM Tour passports stamped as they entered their classrooms, which had been transformed into France, South Africa and Mexico. The students traveled from country to country, learning phrases in other languages and gathering information about each culture along the way.

“It brings a sense of realism,” said fourth-grade teacher Lynell McKnight, who organized most of the event. She said the interactive setting is more intriguing for her students than simply reading about other cultures.

To add another level of interest to the tour, third-grade students from the International School, a New Orleans charter school that immerses children in foreign language by teaching subjects in French or Spanish, presented information and sang songs from each country.

Having children teach other children is beneficial because it shows the Schaumberg students that it’s possible to be fluent in another language and knowledgeable about other cultures, said Claudia H. Clark of The Links.

Organizers tailored the presentations to help the children recognize similarities between New Orleans culture and the culture of the foreign countries.

Ariel Baham, 10, said she noticed similarities between New Orleans and South Africa.

“They like spicy foods, and New Orleans is all about spicy foods,” she said. Ariel said their trip to Africa was by far her classmates’ favorite stop on the tour. They learned that the familiar red beans and rice dish has African roots.

In the South Africa room, Links member Currita Waddy taught the children a South African welcoming dance and invited the girls to wear the utility cloths used by women to carry children and groceries.

Students were greeted in French as they entered France, and taught how to introduce themselves in the language. Later, hands shot up as they vied to demonstrate their new knowledge of the colors of the country’s flag in French.

In Mexico, International School students sang “La Cucaracha,” a song many members of their audience recognized. They also taught the class a few Spanish words.

“I know my numbers up to 10, and I know two colors. Well, I forgot one,” said Jeremiah Edwards, 10. “I know their salsa’s real hot, though.”

Claudia Tozzatto, a teacher at the International School,  said that her students understood the difference between the terms “Mexican” and “Spanish” so they could explain it to the other students.

“Mexican is a person from Mexico, and Spanish is the language they speak,” Tozzatto told the class.

The event was not only a learning opportunity for Schaumberg students, but also an outlet for International School students who sometimes feel that their hard work is for naught, said Tozzatto.

“It’s important for them to see why it’s important,” Tozzatto said. “When they come and do these kinds of things, they feel special. They see that it’s not something that makes you better, but it sets you apart.”

McKnight said her main goal was to cultivate curiosity about other countries’ cultures and values. The entire fourth grade at the school is black, leaving little opportunity for the students to learn about other cultures.

The International School students, a more racially diverse group, were able to share some of their experiences of different cultures.

“There are lots of different people from around the world who come here,” said Ella Aiges, 8. She said that knowing Spanish allows her to meet and become friends with people from Spanish-speaking countries.

McKnight said it was also important to include The Links, because they provided positive professional role models for the children.