#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 September 27, 2016
Good evening ! Share your name, a notable geographic feature in your area, and teaching subject
Here we go! Let's map the past to the present via + nonfiction.
Wecolme So excited for the chat tonight!
My name is Ed, I'm a 7th grade world geography teacher in the suburbs of Chicago
Pete here from Hallowell in the Great State of Maine on the banks of the Kennebec River!
Hi , this is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from Berkeley, CA.
Let's get these introductions going...I'm ....so excited to chat
Hi How is the week been going so far?
Chris from Illinois - 7th grade geography & moderator. An Illinois feature? Flatness.
Going to be another great here in Austin. High school social studies. Notable: Keep Austin Weird…maybe?
Let's get started . What's a notable geographic feature in your neck of the woods? https://t.co/8WefCWjlWb
Good evening ! Share your name, a notable geographic feature in your area, and teaching subject
Hope you've recovered from the migraine you suffered from last week, Chris.
Hi hope things are going well on the West coast!
I'm Ted from , joining and . I taught kindergarten and the Long Island Sound Watershed is a fave.
An amazing night for - Thanks for being our guest tonight !
Busy. New project I'm working on.
That it is.... That it is...
What exactly makes Austin weird?
I'm Nicole and I can't wait to chat with all of you tonight from Portland.
Aside from the fires south of us, things are great here in the East SF Bay area.
Hi one of my favorite things to see in Austin is the bat colony under the bridge So cool!
You can watch your dog run away for three days?
been head deep in a project with . I'll prob be lurking tonight.
Thanks - yes - it hung on until Thursday night!
Welcome everyone! First question coming soon...We will follow the Q1/ A1 format
Joanne chiming in from Missouri! Grading and tweeting.
I'm Robert from Cary, NC & I teach World History. Glad to join the chat!
Excellent when you can get 2 'rs to collaborate!
Gosh, I guess one of the most notable geographic features here is the SF Bay with its two magnificent bridges.
Welcome in! Glad you found
How did flatness contribute to the history of Illinois?! https://t.co/wU8lCrCVvA
Chris from Illinois - 7th grade geography & moderator. An Illinois feature? Flatness.
Oh my. Glad it resolved finally. My wife has a history of migraines - not pleasant at all.
Always glad to have Joanne in
Q1: What tools do you use to make geography exciting and relevant for students?
Hi and So happy to have you join us for your 1st
Hmm. Stage coaches started further west than us. Now I'm really thinking!
Welcome! So glad you could join us tonight!
What is up Joanne! What are you grading tonight?
A1 While I never taught stand alone geo, I always tried to use unusual maps to spark kids' imaginations.
A1. Maps, Current Events, images, get local as quick as possible then take local to global and global to local...rinse/repeat
A1 Pictures, pictures, pictures! Pictures are worth more than 1000 words and can get even shy kids talking!
A1 I know the go to resource for most Ts in my building is
Soviet Union timelines and writer's notebooks.
A1 In addition I also love &
Look at - sucking up to the moderators! https://t.co/SPYb9VvjMX
A1 I know the go to resource for most Ts in my building is
Q.1 Current events, interesting photos from around the world,
RT : Q1: What tools do you use to make geography exciting and relevant for students?
We made Nonfiction article from 1 of our PLT team goals to help with ELA so right on!!! https://t.co/EU2tVKbmLe
A1 I know the go to resource for most Ts in my building is
Tell me more - I've heard of it, but haven't used it yet!
A1 Just started this year using Fantasy Geopolitics. Had our 1st draft Monday. Students have been so excited!
Interactive/online maps as well as GoogleEarth to emphasize maps as needing interp and interaction
Glad you're here tonight Laura!
Google expeditions is a fantastic way to make items come to life
Not lying! Working w/ our LSCs today on HST stuff and 1st website they mentioned!
I agree w/Chris! Ss are so visual. I like narratives 2 that describe landscape and encourage the Ss to visualize.
Fantasy Geopolitics? Share more...
My school hasn't been chosen yet ! :(
A1:tools
Collaborative mindset
laughter
LCD projector
ProjectBasedLearning
Good Storytelling
I will try and be as present as possible miss the chats
Do you have a go to interactive map you could share?
Do you have Ss create digital timelines Joanne?
I used Newsela just this week.
A1. Google earth, videos, articles, making topics relevant to students
We played this ! So much fun for Ts and Ss.
A1 collaborative inquiry around big ideas like hunger, education, things that effect everyone
Great idea! I need to use that more!
Love the conversation so far...Q2 coming soon...
AHHHHHH !!! I'm late! It's Sam from MA. I teach 7th grade world geography. So excited for
This was set up by It is similar to fantasy football but for current events
And we're so glad to have you here tonight!
Rachelle, I teach 7th grade WG
I love getting Ss 2 the point where they build their own maps/content in GoogleEarth/Maps
Any particular areas of the world that spark students' attention?
A1: I also find aspects of do an job showing & reference geography & relating 2 Ss daily lives
Yes. They use or Google Draw.
On to the next...Q2: How do you teach the impact of geographic region on political ideology over time?
No doubt! Top of my EDU wish list is to get a class set of VR equipment for Google Expeditions!
I hope joins - she's a Fantasy GeoPolitics veteran!
Glad you're with us tonight Rachelle!
Right there with you Student created maps, earth, expeditions
Draw their own maps? Maps their own world? Map how the new unfolds around them?
Our city flooded and we used to the timeliner tool in GoogleEarth so see before/after.
Awesome! Seen so many good things about on need to try it out! Any tips?
A1: Google Earth is a HUGE tool we use. Looking to use this year to bring the world into the classroom
Whoa! RT Our city flooded and we used to the timeliner tool in GoogleEarth so see before/after.
I can NOT rave enough about MysterySkype!
My Ss are fascinated by Africa - especially once they realize its not all poverty & famine!
I loved it except I have some low students and I couldn't go low enough on the SRI score.
A1 infographics ss love those easy to read and easy access to relevant information and also have ss create them
They really do - I'd love to get Carl Azuz to join some time!
Hi Sam! Glad you could join us tonight! Another item on my classroom to do list.
I agree! There are SO many great ones out there and tools to create their own..in the shape of a map or region.
RT
Q2
https://t.co/DNIC2oayyt
On to the next...Q2: How do you teach the impact of geographic region on political ideology over time?
A2 I teach ancient world history and geography influences everything.
RT : Our city flooded and we used to the timeliner tool in GoogleEarth so see before/after.
A2 The land always influences the people - on a broad scale, it explains so much of the culture.
Q2: I use Immigration maps to see patterns and change over time.
A2: Geographic region factors into how Ss understand this upcoming election...
A2 When I previewed the ?s this is the one that stumped me. Need the crew to get the brain working for me.
Does anyone post a timeline in their classroom for students to interact with?
I know tweeted out an article about migration patterns earlier this week Need to find it!
Agreed about Q2! Browsing and lurking on this question
I have a premium account which allows me to set up classes. part 1
I can assign community timelines for instruction and also have Ss create their own. Part 2
Very cool! I hadn't seen that one has so many excellent resources for Ts!
I've been trying to work with this idea !!! For now the timeline is in their notebook but I wanna go bigger !!
A2: Time lapses of changes maps/borders are awesome. Love the idea of students creating these.
my thought - nations that have few resources are often ones w/ problems leading to authoritarian gov
Did you survive the debate?
Haven't done this yet but sounds like an awesome idea. Add events as we discuss. Give Ss visual like anchor charts
A2 I try to get Ss to use guiding questions like these when trying to put events into context. https://t.co/sC5d8a4l0r
That's a good idea. https://t.co/AC5Kzi8iF8
A2: Time lapses of changes maps/borders are awesome. Love the idea of students creating these.
A2: Maps Compare and the True Size of are just 2 interactive Maps that to help with projections.
You're back! Welcome home!!!
Hans Rosling has amazing video/ Ted talks one even in Qatar that the ss like watching and so relevant great to visual data
Q3: What background knowledge do your students need to be successful in understanding geography over time?
Great idea - my Ss love looking at the Aral Sea disappearing - other places shouldn't be different!
thanks ! It's been a hellish few weeks, looking forward to getting great ideas from u guys again !
It figures 25 minutes in an I'm about 3 minutes behind. Typical
A2 Added to that great list, I always want students to think about how issues play out in SPACE and TIME
A3: Ss should understand basic economics to understand one of the ways that countries connect https://t.co/nIsQqRb05c
Q3: What background knowledge do your students need to be successful in understanding geography over time?
RT
Q3
https://t.co/zMYOufU9Qp
Q3: What background knowledge do your students need to be successful in understanding geography over time?
Ken from Western Oregon Univ just arriving from playing uber driver for ballet kids. Will try to get caught up.
A3 Here is a great (currently free) iOS app that illustrates political geography changes over time. https://t.co/R5dPXHQu6D
A3 Ss need to understand what geography looks like - its human & physical characteristics!
Welcome!..Q3 What background knowledge do your students need to be successful in understanding geography over time?
A3: Ss observe with spatial lens understanding societies made decisions with info they had @ time not with today's knowledge.
A3: social justice and the impact on different societies. So we need to help provide schema that will help in geo
A3 (cont) but more specifically, they need something that connects THEM to the country/region.
Ooooh! That looks awesome! Adding to my list!
Welcome! Probably a great way to explore local geography. https://t.co/ivovcjhQ0Y
Ken from Western Oregon Univ just arriving from playing uber driver for ballet kids. Will try to get caught up.
A1 use videoconferencing in variety of ways for geo to engage Ss, such as talk w/ experts, other cultures, field trips, etc.
Yes, building up that schema is so necessary
A3 Vocab is key, also using primary sources, Ss need to know the past of places to understand the current situation
Hey - what do you hit on w/ economics?
A3: Ss should understand world regions and similarities between countries
Right, the language of the time...
Q3: What background knowledge do your students need to be successful in understanding geography over time?
Always glad when no one is booking during
Sorry ... I'm barely jumping in! Need to catch up!
A3. Basic knowledge of the world regions. And an open mind.
A3 Ss need science to understand changes in climate and geology, sociology to understand the dynamics of people movement.
A3: Geography is complicated. Start asking questions
A3: Where you live affects how you live.
I agree that students need to be able to understand their world before they can connect it to other worlds.
I get lost for hours down that rabbit hole.... for realz.
Geography is so much about understanding how subject areas work together
A3: basic mapping skills & skills in analysis ... it's great starting w/ a blank slate when studying geo
A3: Geography isn't a single topic. It's all inclusive.
Love this - I spent more time on Human Rights & justice to start the year!
I always wanted to teach my global studies class with an Earth Science teacher. Imagine the collaboration!
I think 's biographies and time machine articles could help students build the background knowledge needed as well
A3: Ss need to understand local geography and how that shapes their own reality.
a coupleyears ago my board brought out a social justice and me package with great ideas using picture books
Agreed! How do we define our "American World"? Interesting activity.
Then, they are ready to expand their boundaries...their narrative informs so much
Which books made the list?
Finishing up Q3 https://t.co/vaxIkg9OCW
Q3: What background knowledge do your students need to be successful in understanding geography over time?
Was so glad to see the famous speeches & primary source documents added. Shared w/ my dept at Sept meeting
Ok, Q4 is ready...How does your local geography factor into your teaching of past and current issues?
Exactly - which is why geography needs to be started at younger grades!
if the world we're village, midnight golf, one green apple, really a long list that my brain just can't remember all
A4: I live right by the US/Mex border ... so, take what you will from that
And will be revisiting frequently this year. Any ideas on how to get the Ss to take action?
I look forward to that list soon!
RT Q4 https://t.co/AgmFnQXe1K
Ok, Q4 is ready...How does your local geography factor into your teaching of past and current issues?
Yes, getting maps in front of students early is key...early practice in visual literacy skills
Make that all social studies! Too often it is the 1st content area to be omitted! :(
We would map our classroom and playground in kindergarten! And then build it out of unit blocks.
A4: Beginning with local geographical issues allows Ss to connect to the concept, then going global is easier 4 Ss 2 relate 2.
I will try and remember to take a pic of some of the books in my room first thing tomorrow
Understanding our home helps us see the similarities (and differences) in the world outside our bubble. Connections are key
Exactly - reading a map has a lot of similarities to reading a book - its tells a story!
I think when we are passionate it will helps get passionate and find something to take action in
If you get a chance later this week would love to see more titles. Love incorporating picture books!
How do you help students see the connections between the local and global?
A4: Interesting to live in a more Republican area in a Democratic state (MA). That affects debate...
A3 Have to start w/ foundational knowledge before can teach complex topics. Reason geo must start in elem & to build concepts
I would like to frame this tweet & hand it to every Kindergarten teacher in the world. https://t.co/p17p1CTTCm
We would map our classroom and playground in kindergarten! And then build it out of unit blocks.
- they came in today super excited about breaking down the debate ...
A4 local scale helps prepare students to understand global concepts.
That would be awesome! A shelfie! Thanks Laura!
A4- local geo in nj - our diversity speaks volumes !! As do our port towns and post industrial cities
A4 Understanding our home helps us see the similarities (and differences) in the world outside our bubble. Connections are key
RT
Q4
https://t.co/mZStRNn46G
Ok, Q4 is ready...How does your local geography factor into your teaching of past and current issues?
A4: Connect to what’s imp. & relevant. Ex. great text set on what’s going on in Charlotte: https://t.co/rsR6Gjx7HN
A4 I teach the other side of the world, but we do look for similarities with the familiar.
A4 Its all about making connections - when you can compare your community to another place, it makes it personal for Ss.
A4 I start with local examples to help explain more complex geo concepts in APHG
So true. Can't get the big picture until you can paint the little things
love what we have to say about Q4!
A4: New school leads to new boundaries and great opportunities for Ss to participate in local govt. https://t.co/3gwlk973Kb
Geography is all about connections
A4: In 6th grade most students have limited global experience, but they can make connections to their community
A4: Understanding what makes a neighborhood (via geo) is key to Ss' understanding of the(ir) world https://t.co/ClgCBEnAD0
Ditto here in IL! Though in this election, my Ss seem far less Republican than normal!
A4: Helping ss realize their place in the world. They're not small ants. Helps them create connections with past and present
A4 Kids around the world share so many things in common. Once they connect w/just 1 of them.... learning becomes organic
Connecting to local govt. lends purpose to local geography
Nowhere near enough; teaching pre-1500CE in SoCal, I feel missed opportunities to link to content
we had a large timeline in the back of my SS classroom where we would add events as we studied them
Students can start by thinking about just how their school community/environment impacts them and then thinking bigger
Place is sometimes so abstract and hard for Ss to put their heads around. Why is here, here?
We end up talking a lot about how there wouldn't be suburbs w/out a city. And why is Chicago where it is?
A4: showing growth patterns over time.where do we see ultralight patterns is this based on immigration from certain areas
Anyone have an example of students taking action? Sometimes students are inspired by seeing work complete by other students.
A4 can use local to c/c w/ other areas. Look at how global geo issues impact local, push/pull factors, etc.
You have to, right? I'm sure your kids found lots of similarities to their Palestinian peers?
Opens up to more questions about population and industry...
did it stay up all year long ? Were there categories ? Wanna do something like this !
Q5 on deck...How do you help students understand the experience of a landmark city past and present?
Exactly! And the physical features that explain why we are where we are!
Some great teacher used "Maps in the Wild" encouraged Ss to share any seen outside the school walls.
Same thing in 7th - they are amazed to see the world outside of our community!
Land Use in our Community using our area to see how land is used.could compare to other regions https://t.co/oJhSkvUVXS
Have been wanting to Collab with LA to create a based on Prisoner B or Anne Frank books.
I'm sure there are plenty of HS Ts in who'd consider doing this. https://t.co/eke7Vmd92L
Any Geography Ts willing to jump in a global collaboration? https://t.co/zqVv1yWDMB
Looking for an American High School Geography class in major city. My class send your class questions and vice versa. Any1?
A5: Even walls can be landmarks, but a wall can be many things. Division, unity, property, art... https://t.co/CR0fn7tNbB
I did the same thing today! We plotted where students clothing items all came from on GoogleMaps
Innovative ideas are being spread tonight!
it was grade 6 ancient civilizations. Was able to have Ss see major events overlap from diff locations
Nice! I hadn't seen that one!
I mean - of course you did! Need to find a date for you to host since the VP debate is next week
A5: virtual tours are awesome, but many Ss will reference buildings w/in our own community
Shared that story with students today as part of our reading minute!
Is the color coding by product type?
RT
Q5
https://t.co/nimPoQtAp3
Q5 on deck...How do you help students understand the experience of a landmark city past and present?
the geography of prosperity and inequality are very much a part of landmark cities...
How did I not know about these?! Can't wait to explore more
A5. Ss create maps using streetview images to illustrate unique cultural landscapes along with placelessness of Austin.
Sorry, friends! I have a sick kiddo to take care of tonight! Look forward to catching up on the tweets later!
A5: Landmarks and monuments affect individuals. Share stories of what monuments means to individuals
Loved discussing what surprised students about our map!
love this strategy. Amazing
Lurking tonight as I multitask work and conference prep. Great thoughts and resources being shared.
Help students understand why certain cities have become landmark cities.
Thanks for lurking! I agree great thoughts and resources... you are an awesome group!
A5 It's all about getting Ss to understand why a city is significant yesterday & today!
Sad to say we are closing in on the end...
A5 These are GREAT questions. There is so much. Movement of people and goods. Development of technology & industry.
and then asking....will it be significant in the future?
Oh no, how has an hour slipped by so fast?
Definitely a great conversation to have w/ Ss. Asked this as we discussed 9-11 Great 60 mins ep on the museum
We need to discuss this Ed!
- love anything from Hans Rosling ... actually using some of his material in our demography unit!
Yes! What led people there and why did they stay? So many connections to past ring true today!
It is time...What are your go-to resources for helping connect the past with the present?
There's a more recent one - I'll have to find it!
Hey - take a second to help any T not familiar with you understand how you can help all social science Ts!
Need to do a map of day similar to my daily reading minutes So many great ones out there that you can lear from
Yes! Connecting ppl, places, and events!
A6 It really depends on the project. I prefer 2 use primary sources like antique atlases so Ss can put their hands on history
Sure thing! Social science Ts . publishes 8 non fiction articles a day at 5 different reading levels!
A5 Living Atlas and ChangeMatters from
Lay it all out for the Ss. Let them make the connections between past and present.
A6... and have I mentioned GoogleEarth?
One of my favorite resources for helping people connect the past with the present is the Oxford English Dictionary.
RT
https://t.co/sSvEVy5YBy
It is time...What are your go-to resources for helping connect the past with the present?
Looking at the challenges that people in the past faced and how they are similar/different to challenges we face now
Sure thing! Easy to do! Happy to help!
We just expanded to include a Library of non fiction with primary sources, biographies, issue spotlights...
can support multiple entry points in complex content - connecting ppl, places, and events
For me, its about asking (& getting Ss to ask) the WHY questions. If we ask why something IS, we have to look to the past!
This is fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing
And time machine articles...a great source to connect the past to the present speaking to tonight's theme!
Yes, WHY is at the core of building inquiry that stretches across time
Sorry ! Once I got home had some family things had to do & bummed missed most of the chat :(
Our time is drawing to a close. Future topics:
10.4 - NO WGC for VP debate
10.11 - Student Led Classrooms
Artifacts from the past also help students understand what that time period was like
Thank you so much for hosting tonight! Definitely learned of new features and ways to use your site! So awesome!
Thank you so much for joining us tonight! Such great educators sharing amazing insights.
More Topics:
10.18 - Using Fiction in Geography
10.25 - Making Geography Fun w/ guest moderator
