#worldgeochat Archive
#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Dear
WELCOME
I’m Pete from Maine I’ll be one of the mods tonight.
Topic: Mapping beyond memorization https://t.co/N2sflWooID
Chris from IL - 7th grade World Geography & total map dork.
Looking forward to tonight’s chat here in Austin. HS Social Studies
Hi everyone, Ed from Chicago, 7th grade world geo teacher who is enjoying spring break!
A few suggestions/tips
1.Use hashtag
2.We follow a Q1/A1 format. Use A1,A2,etc 4 responses
3.Be kind, supportive+professional
Matt Doran, Social Studies Coordinator, Columbus, OH
Thanks for being here tonight! Can't wait to hear what you have to say!
Sarah from MA - 6th & 7th world geography teacher & excited for baseball to begin next week
Hi Glad you both could make it!
Kevin, high school history from Massachusetts
Welcome in Sarah! Glad to have you join us!
Joanne from Missouri. 7th grade world history and 11th grade Modern Global Issues.
more suggestions
1.follow each other/Grow your
2.share photos+stories w/ tag
3.ask Qs+challenge each other 2 be better
Thanks...Just a sucker for maps
My daughter right now is studying a map of Canada right now. We were planning a summer trip to Niagra Falls.
Jeremy, CT. Not a teacher. But major map nerd who loved quizzing my 6th grader--but know there's more to it. So here to learn.
Merri SoCal 11th & 12th grade AP Human Geo / US History
I don't know if will plug , but its worth it to check it out!
'rs!! You should try a with ---> and follow him!
Hi & - so glad you're joining us tonight!
So glad you could join us tonight
The night only gets better when joins the party!
That's as good of a reason as any!
Hey Merri! Glad you made it!
always great to have as many voices and perspectives as possible at . WELCOME!
I swear I just saw pop up - but I blinked & she's gone!
Hi & Glad you both could make it!
Hi everyone- Emily, 7th grade World History & Geo from TN.
I had a hard time narrowing down questions for tonight. Each question brought up more + more interesting questions behind it.
Greg from the great city of Dallas. World Geo/APHG
So glad you're here! Has the snow melted yet?
Hi & So glad you joined us tonight!
Always glad to have you here Greg!
Check out Pete's video. My eyes welled up.
You're a trooper to be joining us then! Where in Tennessee are you?
How are these attacks in Brussels similar to the attacks in Paris? Discuss this current event w/Ss: https://t.co/ECJTsFumqw
A1 Maps foster new questions...often leading to more maps...then more questions...cooler maps...cooler questions.
Jen from NY- 6th grade world history ❤️ maps- happy to find this chat!
Hi & Glad you could make it!
A1 maps explain so much but also bring up lots of questions my US Ss know I almost always use the map to explain history!
A1. Maps are an efficient way of visualizing physical and human features of a given place.
A1
are an art form. They paint a picture that tells a compelling story. They give us context. They spur our imagination
A1: to look at spatial distribution of the physical and human world. Look for patterns and trends
We're even happier to have you joining us for !
Enjoying vewing all the posts. Pre-serivce Social Studies teacher here. Based in Des Moines, IA.
is teaching kids to think spatially by dropping factbombs! GOLDSTAR!
A1 We use maps because they are visual representations of place. Seeing is believing, even if you see dif. things.
IKR! My tag line *maps are dreams in reality*
don't hesitate to chime in!
A1 Maps help piece together what text can't. Maps are ever changing, and we should look at them as much as we can!
see, this is why I feel at home here. ;)
Love this way of saying it!
A1 they are perfect for those visual learners who need to SEE it to believe it!
A1 Maps are so engaging for Ss. When used well they tell a story and lead to better understanding of an area or period of time
A1 feel it's important to teach maps because US is so behind the rest of the world in Geo & want my Ss to have some knowledge
perspective is everything!
A1 Maps are essential @ helping us answer the Q of why people live the way they do & where they do.
hi! Have a niece in fourth grade in Des Moines.
Welcome in! Glad to have you!
and we all somehow can see different things in the same map
Exactly! https://t.co/X1piXCPOQM
A1
are an art form. They paint a picture that tells a compelling story. They give us context. They spur our imagination
On her first drops the mic! Give her a huge welcome! https://t.co/UI5pRqQySo
A1 Maps help piece together what text can't. Maps are ever changing, and we should look at them as much as we can!
GREAT ANSWER!!!!
https://t.co/JGd00kWnm9
A1 We use maps because they are visual representations of place. Seeing is believing, even if you see dif. things.
that's a little freaky! Just doesn't look right! 😁
is just getting warmed up! Lots of familiar and NEW faces! Welcome all!
Maps are a great visual to understand how geography influences settlements and development- access to resources=power
A1 Maps are so useful as concrete visual representations.
I totally agree! Reading about a place doesn't do it justice sometimes - and for non-readers - maps tell so much!
yes, I've seen this map (had it in my classroom for a time)
A1 Teaching how to use a map is so important, but they can often be used to teach other skills too such as inferencing
Isn't it? I start the year with an upside down whiteboard map, talking until a S corrects me. Teachable moment
maps should have the capacity 2 get us out of our comfortzone if they are telling the story right
So right - maps can tell us why people eat what they do/build with materials & so many other parts of culture.
are they concrete? Or open to interpretation?
Love that! I need to see if I can order a pulldown South on top map.
Q2: Why do many so teachers rely on memorization of maps? What are they doing wrong? (or right?) https://t.co/j8doBHvdah
Maps can also have Ss ponder why people stay? why the border is there, where did that name come from?
should be standard in all geography classrooms
Borders may be open to interpretation, but maps are concrete representations, I think. Accuracy can b questionable
always the question "why"....
A2 Memorization is done in classes today b/c its what Ts did when we were Ss.
That clip comes in handy when I teach my map projections unit. I love it too!
A2 There is some benefit to having foundational knowledge of locations, but it is only the first part to why?
A2 But if I can find any place on the earth w/ a simple Google search, do I *need* to know exactly where it is?
source reliability- good tie in to CCLS
A2. Some of it is habit. But always wonder, the maps we ask them to label never look like the real thing. Unless it's Google.
A2 Why memorize what u can easily access & is always changing https://t.co/hnvJWj4HCo Too many other important things to learn
A2 I struggled with this question. I feel that there are some foundational skills that memorization is an OK methodology to go
A2 con't It's more advantageous to create a environment where the memorization aspect is embedded in a game to learn maps
A2 It's habit old school not necessarily wrong turns Ss off of Geo instead of seeing it as the thread tying all subj together
A2.It's often seen as a prereq for understanding current events, but I think it's more meaningful to teach them simultaneously
Define memorization though - knowing exactly where it is, or knowing that Botswana is somewhere in Southern Africa?
This is what I was struggling with when writing up questions.
A2) My 6th grader had to memorize, and I think it matters. For perspective. To answer other questions. https://t.co/HsTcvLQPQV
Q2: Why do many so teachers rely on memorization of maps? What are they doing wrong? (or right?) https://t.co/j8doBHvdah
A2 Memorization is the traditional way for Ts to CFU of Ss.
I'm fairly certain that rote memorization doesn't result in long term memory. Repeated references to maps does though.
A2: I don’t like rote memorization, however … some students need it to have the confidence for deeper map analysis
so you're saying that memorization has it's place alongside reflection/discussion/inferencing et al?
A2 As a novice teacher, I struggle with it. How can we make memorizing maps more active and engaging for Ss?
A2 I'm very selective of what my Ss memorize from maps. Would rather they be able to close their eyes and "see" in their minds
I sing this in class ALL the time...
agree. We can design lessons that help with memorization/location, Have Ss describe specific patterns in regions.
But why? Why do Ss need to know that exact location?
Nice 2 see a parent 'getting it'. foundational questions only lead 2 bigger,more complicated questions https://t.co/eOWuIyOvFK
A2) My 6th grader had to memorize, and I think it matters. For perspective. To answer other questions. https://t.co/HsTcvLQPQV
Q2: Why do many so teachers rely on memorization of maps? What are they doing wrong? (or right?) https://t.co/j8doBHvdah
my Seniors even like it. Helps with Geo-Cognition imo
A fair statement. I wouldn't require memorization of a bunch of places on the map w/o discussion about those places
There is foundational knowledge that needs to be memorized, but then let loose from there.
I embed the practice of memorization into games. they don't know they are learning
Good evening all, ready to learn with you tweeps!
agreed. thats the hard part... where to let loose.
A2: Memorization speeds up analysis, like mult tables help calculations. Should be practice work, not the big game
A2: Some Ss they can’t get through the analytical piece alone, but they can label a map. I want all students to feel success
Indeed. Where is ? Where is ? Why does that make a difference in what we talk about? https://t.co/FmVvAajtRn
A1 We use maps because they are visual representations of place. Seeing is believing, even if you see dif. things.
With all do respect, I disagree. Rote memorization can kill Ss enthusiasm for our subject.
heating up! Having trouble keeping up.
one concern w any memorization is that studies show w/I 1 week Ss forget 35% & then 1 month 70% want Ss to absorb internalize
This is the compromise we need here. https://t.co/W7hjoNI7Kv
A2: Memorization speeds up analysis, like mult tables help calculations. Should be practice work, not the big game
A2. It's the same approach with history; don't memorize a pile of decontextualized people and events. It won't be meaningful.
You can make it a scavenger hunt. Or pin the pin on the map using clues.
- you're making my argument for me!!! https://t.co/dW1mSbC3zf
one concern w any memorization is that studies show w/I 1 week Ss forget 35% & then 1 month 70% want Ss to absorb internalize
A pianist learns scales for the same reason geography students remember locations
I have levels: students can choose how much they want to challenge themselves (and not worth extra credit)
I wish that had mapping activites to practice the skill - too much else to do in class!
Maybe not exacts, but know who's in the "Geo-hood."
A2 Maybe memorization is wrong word. Start with concrete, move to understand,apply on your way to evaluate/create.
I also (used to, at least) do this. Have Ss determine their own goals for memorization. They loved it.
yes it can. I feel that if embedded properly in a gaming environment it becomes practice towards faster analysis
Yes. I'd have a hard time if piano lessons only did scales. They're great to practice independently
A2: My students hate when they see we are mapping w/atlases on Monday and quizzing on Friday. MUST CHANGE this habit.
Do the results change when students present their maps in small group discussion? Aka Ss become the T
Thank you all for the tips/ideas!
Q3:What does map literacy + map fluency mean to you? Do you explicitly teach these concept 2 students? https://t.co/Sw9GjzKuYf
. Stopped requiring Ss to memorize a couple years ago and it has freed up so much more time!
A2: Not limited to rote memorization, I like asking relative location Qs that require visualization of area with
on the APHG exam, students are often shown maps of countries without labels.
I hear you, but I've got tons of other targets to address - I can't take time to game up memorization.
A2: I don't know what % of my students retain the info after they move on, or if they brain dump the material.
Yes. This is the kind of memorization that does no good. But playing a round of QuizUp? Yeah!
love the term"Geo-hood"-- I agree students need to have an idea of where countries are located.
Memorization leads to faster visualization? Yes/no?
A2 Memorization, drill&practice have value, but I'm more interested in making connections, themes. Students tune out if bored
A3 Ask Ss what does this map tell you? What does this map not tell you? How would you map/visulaize what you want to know?
sure, our affinity toward a subject may bias us. What do you do with kids who don't learn thru maps?
Totally agree with the Geo-Hood. Know where Benelux countries are, but maybe not which one is which
A3: Map Literacy = knowing many parts of the map (& functions) to help make sense of what you see. Fluency is the speed/ease
YES!!!
https://t.co/1NZtkR4KwC
A2 Memorization, drill&practice have value, but I'm more interested in making connections, themes. Students tune out if bored
A3 Map literacy is that Ss understand the language / mechanics & fluency is that they can apply that understanding
Our scope is thematic instead of regional, so I'm intentional to go into a history/cultural session after mapping
You can teach plenty with maps, I just don't want to waste time having Ss memorize them
one and done is doing Ss a disservice. I have Ss sketch maps instead of filling in blanks.
Oh really?? Click on more subjects to see different options.I used to assign it when students completed a test.
If students know a competition is potentially involved, yes.
I've seen the vocab piece, but not Geo.
agreed. More concerned they can make connections between commonalities and differences between places
A3
Map Literacy=Know how 2 read it (memorization stuff)
Map Fluency=Know how+when 2 recall for deep understanding+reflection
A3 Teach parts of map & how to use at start of the year After it is just through frequent incorporation of maps into r lessons
tks- my niece will love this!
why that's a good analogy. It's only the beginning of learning... and not what you come to hear.
That’s why thematic maps are wonderful; they tell a story that isn’t limited to a map, it can be a chart or graph
A3 "How do you teach map fluency?" Have Ss create some maps. Let them figure out the challenges to gather and visualize info.
A3 Map literacy is being able to read a map, make inferences from it, annotate it & make it useful to the Ss!
Exactly! It keeps them thinking, and doesn't have to be Geo, the other subjects are worthwhile!
Thx for the shoutout, Bark! btw, ZBL curriculum covers all 12 geo stds fm . Won award for it. :)
A3. Map literacy - yes. I struggle with fluency. It bothers me when they can't use one map to label another.
we're not fighting! just expressing different perspectives in a constructive manner :)
I created a Zombie Choose Your Own Adventure for latitude and longitude application this year, it was hilarious
YES! Totally on board with that!
A3 Fluency -- Exposure to many different maps and have Ss explain what each map tells them.
it has to be consistent like ur saying. It gives the the rhyme and the reason
With fluency, its just like reading. The more you use maps, the better Ss will be with them.
I like them to use trial and error in their first maps. Like trashing my room after they drew their treasure maps
Zombies, anything that sparks creativity, relevance, and engagement. Love it!
A3 Fluency means being able to tell the story of the maps and how it relates to us in our time
spot on! I use to gamify it for points on the next quiz.
A4. Language Arts teachers can pinpoint locations from literary contexts: settings. Ex: TwoKillMockingbird and Macomb, GA
A4 I also teach Civics. I have Ss updating a US map w/current primary results in their journals.
https://t.co/DpJsNU19WW
It's great when contiguous states hold primaries on the same day! My 8th graders appreciated the visual update. https://t.co/EMKdGW6zKo
was driving home so had to take a break😋Malls, cities, bike trails, schools-all maps that were someone's dream✨
A3: Grasping meaning from maps, evaluating, making connections, drawing sound conclusions beyond the explicit words & images
A4. Plenty of quantitative analysis with maps for math, climate/environment for science,
A4 - I think having maps EVERYWHERE in a building helps. Having them in a LA class for literature from other cultures.
A4 -ELA Ts often ask for maps relating to books they are reading in class. bio Ts used ebola maps of most recent outbreak
A4: Students excitedly said that the health teacher showed maps of global health trends. Potential for many science topics too
A4. Use maps to reinforce concepts--in history, here's where happened. In ELA, is story influenced by geo? For math, navigate.
Have them in math & encourage Ts to use them to teach scale.
A4. My math T uses maps to teach scale. Can use for science to study disease, astronomy.
A4
2 many teachers think isn't important when in fact it is the most important b/c it connects EVERYTHING together
A4 try to lure in the math Ts & have had some success & have had Chem T support a mapping of the Periodic Table!!
Have art & music Ts use them to show where different styles come from? Right, ?
understood. I learned state capitals on my own bc I wanted to. Ss can always extend their knowledge.
I’ve seen awesome Google Earth Tours (or through a Google Map) with significant places plotted
is just showing a map in class enough? Can we start using the same map in our class and share grading?
This is new to me! Have to check it out.
Missed out on Q3, but goal is to someday have Ss be able to understand this article years from now
https://t.co/QdYGokE5qm
A3: it's knowing the parts of a map, how to interpret, and even generate maps
A4 I am on an interdisciplinary team with 5 subjects total so most projects / essays connected
Just like literacy is something that crosses subject areas, so it map literacy.
And its not just world maps. Looking at maps of your city, the mall, a stadium all add to map skills!
I agree! Maps and geography are crucial in understanding public health issues
This is the way of the future https://t.co/cQzckLA6HG
A4 I am on an interdisciplinary team with 5 subjects total so most projects / essays connected
sounds cool! I imagine they learn to associate other things with a place than location and shape.
agreed! When we start throwing globes, then there's a problem
no, but it is a place to start. Doing A Long Way Gone with 9th Lit Ts next month. Working in lots of maps.
A4 when Ss have reading I often throw in a map for my part "Into the Wild", "The Things They Carrried", "Mary Sutter"
A4. Show them how.Had cadre of Ts-art,math,science,SS, world lang-all make a lesson & activity that was taught via
Or the past - lots of Mid Schools are going back to Jr High model.
are everywhere. https://t.co/lTZ8cJs9MX
And its not just world maps. Looking at maps of your city, the mall, a stadium all add to map skills!
I have students write a Text Dependent Analysis citing evidence from an article and multiple MAPS.
One of the best mapping activites was having Ss try to draw the districts of the Hunger Games. Fascinating what they pulled
Map literacy helps with assembly directions and reading building plans
One of our ZBL T's kicked butt w/geo, so her school adopted zombie theme cross-subject! Woo!
I must hear more about this. Do you have an example you could share??? Seriously love this idea.
A4: All Social Studies Ts can use it as can Math, English, and Science. Maybe a Map PLC with core Ts
sounds good to me. Maybe I would've actually liked gym class.
Popping in late and checking out all your resources! Thanks all!
I don't know. I've spent my whole life staring at maps & I still cant build Ikea furniture! :)
a4
Create a math project in Google Earth
Create a map of Huck Finn's trip down the Mississippi
Create a map of Ebola
Ss are always surprised when they see that the districts are various regions of the U.S.
We advocate using a unifying theme to tie together cross-subject. Space, time travel, something loose.
A4 Today’s tech makes mapping so much easier than before. It is not as difficult to help Ts visualize geo in their content.
My district is staying as a Middle School for the foreseeable future. :)
has a traveling map that we send all over TX and many PE Ts love it
Q5 Share an example or idea for a experience that incorporates map literacy and/or map fluency? https://t.co/sQHS8uzkLk
A5 School boundary changes. District demographer company came out and talked to Ss about the issues of boundaries.
Preach. https://t.co/0e7HLPEQ8f
A4
2 many teachers think isn't important when in fact it is the most important b/c it connects EVERYTHING together
Must watch this tonight as well!
THIS IS THE ONE IVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR! I FOUND IT ONCE & FORGOT WHAT IT WAS CALLED! THANK YOU THANK YOU!
wow good idea- can u share a sample
This is a fantastic resource. Easy for Ss to create their own thematic maps from their data
A5: Have City GIS Dept produce maps so Ss can be Urban Planners
A5 I gave Ss the map the UN proposed for Israel/Palestine in 1947 & had them figure out why it didn't work. Great inferences!
Hard to leave this discussion w/o a mention of West Wing episode: Cartographers for Social Equality. https://t.co/7PyezmO0AA
Yes! styles and so much more. The cultural sound + other aspects of music helps to create a mental map
why includes maps... of fictional places. Shows the storytelling significance of beyond "facts."
Some great ideas floating around right now
such a great tool! Ss researched,summarized and mapped their top invention from past 100 yrs
online simulation for mod smallpox outbreak for Ss can spur discussion & tie to a PBL on outbreaks https://t.co/BjiHNphzwU
OH! there was some NPR show that was doing a project like this. Not Fresh Air...
Great project. Our county engineers office will print historical maps of various parts of the city for Ts and Ss
As we start to wind down tonight I'd like to thank everyone for adding their voice and perspectives. That was FUN!
I use DBQs that usually have maps.
Not totally Geo, but my Ss will spend time next fall looking at Electoral College maps & finding paths to victory.
If you liked tonight's , help us by bringing a friend/teacher next week :)
Dear 'rs:
You should check out 's project he just started this week. Maybe we can do a 1?
Can certainly tie in the shifts in # of electoral votes for each state to rustbelt/sunbelt migrations.
So true. so sad..... so very, very sad.
Next week in - Review Strategies, right ?
