Think Like a Geographer
All linked assignments need to be copied and printed. If you are a student and do not have a printer, copy the assignment, fill it out, and then open your share option to "anyone with the link" and then share the link with your teacher for grading.
Directions for the Graphic Organizer note worksheet, what to do with links, vocabulary, standards, maps, videos, and games are below and labeled for Teacher or Student.
Directions for the mini-project, and the bonus video for extra points on the exam, are below the link for the Graphic Organizer.
All the links to readings, videos, maps, and games are linked below each standard they go with.
Below all the standards is the video link for the extra credit.
Teacher
First: Work with students through any teacher led PPTs or short lectures. Using their graphic organizer linked below, students will take KWL notes, write down the standard they are learning as well as applicable vocabulary, and then they will play with the interactive maps, games, or videos that are provided. PPTs, Lectures, and resources will each have an area on the Graphic Organizer for students to record notes over. Each standard or topic will have a resource available for the student to use.
The students will work together in small groups of 3 for their intro-section. If there is an odd number of students that would make a group of 4 or two groups of 2, give two groups 2 the section over Think Like a Geographer, or create a group of 4 and give them Introduction to Physical Geography. For each standard, they will choose at least one of the provided resources to investigate as a way to learn more about their topic. For each standard, they will choose at least one of the provided resources to investigate as a way to learn more about Physical Geography. They will continue to use the provided graphic organizer as they work through each standard.
(Show What You Know) - Mini-Project: Each small group will create a presentation that has an illustration, a 5 slide ppt that explains further one of the "Want to Know" questions they had while working through the standards, and a summary they will read to class about the unit as a whole. (This is done best with large post-it sticky note paper) Or it can be done digitally and showcased on a smartboard if the classroom has one.
Think Like a Geographer Graphic Organizer
Bonus Video: If they watch the video, fill out the section on the graphic organizer for it, and they propose another question with their prediction and reason for prediction to the class at the end of their presentation, they get an extra 5 points on the exam!!!
Student
First:
Listen to any teacher led PPTs or short lectures if they take place.
Group up, groups of 3 preferred, or work independently.
Use the graphic organizer take KWL notes (Know, Want to Know, Need to Learn), write down the standards description if applicable or the topic information, depending on which is being asked of you on your graphic organizer.
For each standard, choose at least one of the provided resources to investigate as a way to learn more about that topic.
Fill in any applicable vocabulary
Manipulate and play with any interactive maps, games, or videos that are provided.
Think Like a Geographer Graphic Organizer
(Show What You Know) - Mini-Project: With your small group, you will create a presentation that has an illustration, a 5 slide ppt that explains further one of the "Want to Know" questions you had while working through the standards, and a summary you will read to the class about the unit as a whole. (This is done best with large post-it sticky note paper) Or it can be done digitally and showcased on a smartboard if the classroom has one.
Bonus Video: If you watch the video, fill out the section on the graphic organizer for it,. You will propose another question with your prediction and reasoning for your prediction in the graphic organizer, and it will be added to the end of your project and presented to the class as well.
You will get an extra 5 points on the exam for this!!!
Watch this video first! It is a fun and silly way to kick things off.
Now read the article with a (your) small group!
Think Like a Geographer Reading (National Geographic)
Now write a one pager about what you learned. Follow the instructions in the linked assignment below!
Think Like a Geographer, One Pager Assignment
Getting students to understand the importance of considering all things when looking at various regions is important to truly understand why those regions might be in the economic position they are in, or why they might choose to be on a particular side during war, why they might have a large working class or a high poverty rate. Considering all things is how we truly understand a region and its culture! This unit is mainly about getting students to prime their brains for how they go into learning about various regions and cultures of the past and into today. This introductory unit is also about showing students the skills they need to be successful at Geography, which is reading maps, charts, and graphs and employing critical thinking skills when it comes to understanding why people do what they do within the region and country that they live. Below are some various maps and tours for them to play around with and start learning to use. Also below, is a graphic organizer, ESPN. This acronym will get students to begin to think about all the things they should consider when thinking about what makes up a region and the people within it.
Directions for how to create an Interactive Map using Google Maps
Learn how to use interactive maps from the Census Bureau
Map showing true size of countries
ESPN
Economic, Social, Political/Physical, Natural/eNvironmental
