#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 October 25, 2016
Hey friends, welcome to -- I'm your host for tonight, and we'll be talking about toys, games and comics in geography.
Who is ready for a great ?
Go ahead and introduce yourself -- where you're from and what you teach. Don't be shy.
Chris from Illinois - attempting to chat via phone tonight!
hello - michael from columbus, oh - middle grades teacher - SO ready to play with and others!
Hi Ed, 7th grade world geography teacher in the suburbs of Chicago Loved your book. Looking forward to the chat!
Brent from South Dakota and teaching 7th grade World Geo. Go Cubs Go
Joanne from Missouri. I teach 7th world history and 11th modern global history. Looking forward to tonight's chat.
Hi & So glad you guys could join us tonight!
. Penny from Virginia. I teach AP Human Geo and World Geo.
Merri Southern California out of the classroom right now was HS Social Science BIG believer in making learning fun/engaging!
Please know that I'm welcoming everyone in my head -
Hi & I hope you both are doing great!
Working while following here from Austin. Looking forward to some new ideas.
Hi & Glad you both could make it!
Quinn's book is the topic of many conversations between me and my son in he car! https://t.co/jx2ysmGQbH
I'm in Utah, social studies teacher, and as of 2016 author of Play Like a Pirate. It's pretty great.… https://t.co/69O2jHp3y6
So great meeting you at Michael -- happy you're here tonight. https://t.co/J0zopRNwab
hello - michael from columbus, oh - middle grades teacher - SO ready to play with and others!
Hi Hope things are going well in Texas!
Welcome Ed! And thank you, that's very kind!
Hi Quinn! Can't wait to have some fun with
haha I have#twotcw and going tonight :)
Hi My guess is you are multi-tasking tonight! :)
Welcome Brent -- I taught 7th grade for ten years. LOVE that age.
A reminder, we'll use the Q1/A1 format; and don't forget the hashtag so we can all follow along. Q1 is coming up!
Hello new to Twitter this is my 2 chat
YES!! a good distraction ;)!
That's impressive! I don't think I can moderate and do a second chat! I will look back at later!
. LOL that's what teachers do!!
My oldest is in AP Human Geo right now, and completely loves it. We talk about it all the time.
Awesome! So glad you could join us Linda!
Hey, I *also* believe those things!
I was just in Austin a few weeks ago for -- great city you've got there.
Thanks for tagging me on . Bedtime stories with the little lady. Look forward to checking it out later!
AWESOME!!! I love it, it's my favorite class too!!!
Likely lurking tonight...kind of a big event going in for people in the Chicago area!
Welcome Linda -- where are you from and what do you teach?
A1 I remember an episode of Sesame Street years ago showing kids with a stick & tire in S Africa. Still talk about it.
Brandan from Virginia. Teach US history and civics and economics. Started reading this week :)
Everything that matters. LIFE.
A1 This is a great question and one that I would love to ask my students!
A1: In toys, you see symbols, designs, clothing styles. They truly relate and express cultural values and traditions
Welcome Brandan! And I'm excited you're reading it. Let me know what you think. Unless it super sucks.
A1 Not sure about other cultures, but I see a lot of societal gender id norms looking through toy aisles with my daughters.
a1: describes what is and is not socially permitted - toys have changed since I was younger!
A1 awesome question! toys are global, toys are simple, EVERY culture has toys-great to use to introduce to Ss.
i use matryoshka dolls to reflect spread of culture from china to russia and the value of family!
I know our focus is normally on global issues, yet I know my students are always most interested in kids their age
A1 exploring the toys (or lack of) from other cultures & other time periods provides a window & opportunity to explore
A1 Toys reflect many of the elements of culture - jobs, the arts,entertainment, affluence.
A1 (part 2) You can also use toys to look at gender roles in a culture, not just USA that has "boy" and "girl" toys
Toys represent the basic foundations of a culture. It's how children learn about their world and cultural values
I think the toys show that we are more similar than we realize! Dolls & action figures may be different, but still the same.
A1 Fave new discovery is the book Toy Stories -- pics of kids around the world w their fave toys. https://t.co/huQW15hyKP
A1 Toys may also show how different cultures view play - purchased vs handmade, ind vs. group
And my kids ask, "what video games do you think they play there?" without realizing that some countries don't have that tech.
Does anyone know good websites that highlight this? I know has sections on sports & hobbies of kids
I can't find the original viral video, but I loved watching this little girl question gender https://t.co/y6piTNeDsg
A1 Powerful look at disparity of wealth, but also the distribution of "stuff." How does a kid in Zanzibar get a He-Man toy?
I made it!!!! Running a bit late tonight.
I let kids play with Google Earth! (drink)
A1 look at toys from each generation. Our Parents toys, our toys, and today's toys are completely different .
Ask and you shall recieve! Going to have to check that one out
Aimee here from STL. Teach world history. Been out of the chat game for a while.
Hahahah. My guilty pleasure was birthday cake ice cream. No drinks tonight lol
Sorry ! My Cubs are stressing me out! Excited to talk!
Welcome back to the chat game Aimee! :)
A2 Tried this last year w/ issue of censorship in China. Kids had great creations as a closure activity
A2: using legos to construct population pyramids to have physical representation. great for human geo!
A2 Inspired after seeing work of Ai Weiwei w/ Legos
A2 so many thoughts in my head about what to include but would have them build a map, a city, flat or 3D, diorama.
A2 id have Ss build a model of a capsule hotel! They are fascinated about that when we talk about Japan & population.
a1:
gender sterotypes
pop culture reference
cost
traditions
They cross when games r simple+make players think (chess, et al)
. absolutely!!! an the resourcefulness of kids around the world. kids will turn anything into a game/toy.
A2: I'm honestly stumped on this one. Interested to see others' responses
A2 Legos to demonstrate population density. Maybe a corollary might be housing types?
hey ... jumping in a bit late
going to try to catch up!
Let is know your thoughts! It's on my list to read.
A2. hmmm, something showing spatial differences, size, scale, comparing sizes of lego buildings? or a lego map?
A2 I've got several ideas about using LEGO and geography/social studies in my book (which I'll only pimp 2 more times tonight)
A2 I brought in tubs of my old Legos, used a couple times as closure, every time I brought them out students got excited
A2
Build a city
Build the world
Build a spaceship to a new world+ what would you put in it?
Also, I'd love a Legos set on a "typical" village ANYWHERE on the planet.
Let us know your thoughts! It's on my list to read. Might need to move it to the top.
A2: I've used legos to have students physically represent what we are learning about and then defend/explain it to peers
A2: love this Q ... I'd use it w/ HEI & have the Ss design a prototype of something they consider "green design"
. I know that has done this. I think it was with population pyramids.
Pimp away ! https://t.co/7hW18AuJy8
A2 I've got several ideas about using LEGO and geography/social studies in my book (which I'll only pimp 2 more times tonight)
A2:
Concpet: population density (also use in math class w/fractions)
Set to build ancient and modern city skylines. What does our built env say about what we value?
Definitely fun with population pyramids! I wonder if they'd help kids understand climographs too?
Definitely fun with population pyramids! I wonder if they'd help kids understand climographs too?
A2 it's fun to start looking at relative pops with smaller countries, then have kids throw out their scale and start all over
A2: Ss used their personal LEGOs in the previous PBL ... they built evacuation shelters for various natural disasters
A2 No, sorry kids, we don't have a BILLION LEGO BRICKS (okay, I'm getting close)
it's worth moving it to the top of the list!
A2 Art project/architecture. Recreate any world structure.
I'm sure you may also touch base on this in your book, but how would you go about OBTAINING Legos? Donations?
I've seen similar touring exhibits...they're astonishing.
Has anyone explored using Minecraft with their geography classes?
A2 create 3D maps. Also to create their own country and place landforms etc. where they would want it to be.
A lot of people use DonorsChoose, it's pretty easy to get them that way; Ps often donate their "old" LEGO too.
A3 I like mini sims/video clips to emphasize concepts. Did "World as a Village" activity/ watched clips of "Soylent Green"
not SS, but I had a student complete a physical and chemical changes land in minecraft.
A3: Gaming is embedded into fabric of class. Protocols r designed 2 create competition (friendly)+prizes 4 extended thinking
A2 after reading responses would add after studying habitats have Ss create their ideal or create something to solve a problem
definitely ask parents! Some JH parents are looking to declutter kid toys!
A3: I've used simple games such as Battleship, Kahoot!, etc. to help emphasize specific concepts
A3 Simulation of gold/salt trade in med. West Africa. Mostly economic, but as geographers know, everything has its "place".
never got around to using it. I couldn't quite 'get there' and see the benefit
A3 In terms of games I feel I have either gone old school like w/ Jeopardy, Family Feud, & charades
Do you adapt Battleship somehow, or just use it straight up? https://t.co/kZ0GORHGAO
A3: I've used simple games such as Battleship, Kahoot!, etc. to help emphasize specific concepts
A3 Need help with games. Sounds like I have to go book shopping...
Yes! I've done simulations as well with economic systems!
I make my AP kids create board games for exam review. One of these days I'll play Settlers of Catan
i use fantasy geopolitics, & create simulations to replicate cultures & history. also trashetball review game.
A3 I have created vocabulary tic tac toe and vocabulary connect four. Created a vocabulary games to help with terminology.
A3: I use them review what we have learned. The globe game reinforces geography while working on questioning/crit. Thinking
A3: Geoguessr for mapping skills, Fantasy Geopolitics for current events & breakoutEDU to spark interests
I've been doing more with Minecraft and , and there's some great stuff going on there. https://t.co/wVPTdTsYpx
not SS, but I had a student complete a physical and chemical changes land in minecraft.
Examples of prizes? I struggle with this
A3 games work well w concepts of trade, political geography, agriculture related to problem solving
A3: Quizlet Live, Quizizz, Kahoot are all good.
A3 Vocabulary checker where there is a geo term and the Ss have to describe the term to move their checker.
A3 Black Death sim to look at how geo impacts spread of disease.
a3: I've used settlers to combine resources / landforms w/ probability in math. placement of cities matters!
I've done stimulations with the trade for my Civics students to teach global trade. They had so much fun
. Just started using fantasy geopolitics this year! Students and I are addicted! It is awesome!
A3: Geoguessr and Smarty pins are fun as well. Quia has easy games you can build as does super teacher tools.
I'm definitely doing more learning than sharing this ! This is an area of growth for me!
doesn't have 2 b tangible. LevelUps towards a certificate at end of class, class Vs class 4 bragging rights
A3 more history than geo but... the Misson US games https://t.co/Zcu5NTpu2f could be adapted for geo topics have Ss create
. how long does it take to do the simulations? I know some Ts are afraid of that kind of commitment.
amen to that! he also has videos on how to incorporate games into the classroom
He is The Man. https://t.co/Yg9WuT23lu
amen to that! he also has videos on how to incorporate games into the classroom
my kids rush through work to play GeoGuesser!
A4: a goal for this yr is to have Ss create their own game that another class period can try out
A3 another good one is geography 4 pics 1 term.
A3: Heads up (Headbanz) is always fun. Plus improv games like Zip zap zop are a easy brain break.
There's a lot of geography embedded in those too. You just might need to coax it out. https://t.co/jr1c78lJR5
A3 more history than geo but... the Misson US games https://t.co/Zcu5NTpu2f could be adapted for geo topics have Ss create
. Drone Guesser, Smarty Pins are awesome!
Love it! https://t.co/K1LJZVxxWO
A4: a goal for this yr is to have Ss create their own game that another class period can try out
anywhere 45 minutes to an 1 hour and a half. Depending on student interest but it beats a lecture
A4 YES!!! students create games for their exam review. World G kids create games for their EOC review
Love simulations can cover lots of content & Ss super engaged just needs good planning & sense of humor for errors regroup
A4 Ss create games in my class instead of test. I encourage them to create their own version of games. It can be creative.
Do you have them play and evaluate the games? What kind of rubric do you give them?
A4: Did a full 9th, 10th, and 11th grade Amazing Race challenge for a few years. The kids helped with ideas for the stops.
How do you set that up? How tight is the rubric?
I tend to micromanage things like that--overformat it for them.
student created gaming is the best
- I did something similar as a Mid-Term Exam ... each stop was a series of challenges from a unit we covered
Same as Tailored to that time frame. More meaningful 2 reflect on even the failures.
A4 In past when Ive had this as an option I often get a version of a Monopoly Board is their a way to inspire other ideas?
I love this idea! Want to steal it now!!!
An improv game. We give students a topic, like culture of Latin America. They have to name terms that fit topic.
A4 Actually no. Would be a great summative.
Every time I host a Twitter chat, Carter (12) makes brownies. And I have no problem with this.
It's so fun! We had a global grid, a wheel of religion, lego building pop pyramids, etc. :)
that sounds awesome! Did you collaborate with other subjects/teachers?
i'm also stealing this! going to use this as review for exam!! great idea!
OOOOOHHHH!! YES!! I love zip zap zop but I love the alteration to ss
- we had a recreate the structure of the earth ... they had to get creative w/ art supplies
I recall this in a chat as well. Approved.
A Street Through Time - place
And when ends tonight, I will wander over to my column for for some more ideas!
A4: For review I have my students create their own games & play them but I'm trying to think of ways to make it go further
There's a lot going on over here!
A5: lots of SEUSS. i use butter battle book when covering cold war.
Yes! 4-5 teachers. 9 challenges for 9th, 10 for 10th, etc. Some overlapped, some were grade specific.
A5 also any from Material World Book to talk human/geo interaction, place
A5 Butter Battle Book for Cold War
The Day Gogo Went to Vote - South Africa election
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - Malawi
Can't go wrong with the good Dr. https://t.co/tYu27HJ3PH
A5: lots of SEUSS. i use butter battle book when covering cold war.
If the Earth was a Village
Love the Boy Who Harnessed the Wind so much. https://t.co/aOki5j0hoK
A5 Butter Battle Book for Cold War
The Day Gogo Went to Vote - South Africa election
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - Malawi
A5 I use Yertle the Turtle, The Butter Battle Book, The Real Story of the 3 Little Pigs & The Terrible Things
however i also use some kids books from when ive traveled to allow perspective. books from ghana, china, austria.
A5: I don't have the traditional "picture book" that comes to mind ... many class library books have images for reference
a5: I don't have a lot of picture books so.... reading through these resources is AWESOME!
A5: I can contribute to this one! Two White Rabbits by Jairo Buitrago and Migrant by Jose Manuel Mateo & Javier Martinez Pedro
Who is making a list of all these great books?!? I can't keep up!
and then there is Hungry Planet as well which does the same thing with food
A5: We use Material World to help with standard of living as well. Wonderful information
Terrible Things is another powerful one for the Holocaust... https://t.co/WIpQJr0ftv
A5 I use Yertle the Turtle, The Butter Battle Book, The Real Story of the 3 Little Pigs & The Terrible Things
A5 The Snowy Day, Grandfather's Journey, Miss Rumphius ... geography, geography, geography
Made it back from class for the last 20 min of !
A5: thinking of using The Lorax to introduce a PBL later this yr.
A5: if the world were a village is my favorite because it promotes global citizenship which is a huge focus for me
------> puts the archive together at the end of the chat.
Terrible Things is SO powerful. It really enables the students to feel the mindset.
yes, this drew you out of the shadows
You weren't (and are not) the butt of jokes. Join the conversation!
A6 I have three Best Recommendations for comics to teach geography:
Haha! Glad you could join us. Now go back to the death star you are building out of legos.
A6 They all can, geography is life. You can pull topics from anywhere and use it to fit Geo class. https://t.co/661Q6BjA7N
Q6 Are there comics (comic strips, comic books, graphic novels) that could be used to teach geography?… https://t.co/BgktXnDBNz
high level graphic novel, refugeeland, describes issues in Palestine.
A6: I'm actually having my Ss create graphic novels this quarter ... we're using others for analysis
A6 alternate realities and world, compare/contrast. Comics are perfect for geography class. Utopia Vs. apocolypse Vs. reality
A6 I use the fight between the Ewoks and the Empire when teaching characteristics of MDCs/LDCs
YES!!! . I'm so impressed that you're doing this! How is it going? https://t.co/ozhI8qJwFz
A6: I'm actually having my Ss create graphic novels this quarter ... we're using others for analysis
thanks! I need to get some for my classroom! Adding it!
A6: Ss r analyzing social protest mvts, so we're looking at Maus, Persepolis, V for Vendetta, The Dark Knight Rises, Watchmen
A6: any comic can you can get comics from all around the world and have students analyze the geography and make connections
A6 Maus is never irrelevant, Persepolis, Pride of Baghdad, Alan Moore's run on Swamp Thing
- right now they're completing their background research on mvts & then will create storyboards for AU comics
Sorry I've been MIA! Got pulled away for a bit
Keep us updated with progress!
Persepolis is my fav graphic novel. So many geo applications
A6 I don't know enough about graphic novels, but now my Ss want Choose Your Own Adventure geography books
A6 I know its not geography related yet I just finished March: Book 2 and it is so good!
This is on my to read list!
A6 I do include a lesson plan/ideas in Play Like a Pirate for The Arrival -- (only one plug to go!)
I've never read Persepolis. Is it acceptable for middle schoolers?
honestly anything that Ss will read and want to 'know more/dig deeper' is OK in my book.
thanks Quinn! I've got some shopping to do!!!
I love it. Such an interesting perspective, you don't see it anywhere else. https://t.co/P5EhuWNGIl
Persepolis is my fav graphic novel. So many geo applications
It's completely unique. I can't recommend it to teachers enough. Crosses all age levels, subject areas.
so true!!! https://t.co/IpV5Z8pYUT
honestly anything that Ss will read and want to 'know more/dig deeper' is OK in my book.
Do you have some mvts pre-picked for Ss to choose from/ class planning/brainstorm session?
A6 Joe Sacco books are great, mature. Palestine. Safe Area Gorazde. Footnotes in Gaza.
maybe not . About Iranian Rev. I think there is language, I'd have to check
A7: Introduced into the class this year. The ability for ss to meet other ss around the world and ask questions
I read The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century
by Sarah Miller last year. It was so good!
A7 You need to use the stories told by the people themselves.
A7 we had a discussion in our class about what the "typical" American looks like. Never has it been so quiet.
- they've done individuals research on various topics & then sit down for a proposal approval mtg w/ me
Ah, love his so much. Just picked up Rolling Blackouts by Sarah Glidden, also Middle East-related.
this is the topic we are on now. I need to check it out! Thanks Merri!
use some of Aladdin to look at muslim stereotypes; discuss, & analyze US portrayal of muslims in news
A7: By digging deeper. Understanding the bias/fear/ prejudice and time period helps to debunk a lot then S's can go deeper
this is great. I might use this to open my culture unit next week.
A7: Teaching about cultural sterotypes begins w/ a difficult convo about being honest that they exist, but are not true.
A7 within the first week of school I teach a lesson about Stereotypes, so we can have the vocabulary to have that discussion
A7 break the cycle of stereotyping by facing it head on! list stereotypes and then what's false!!
A7 Include talks like Chimamade Adiche's "The Danger of a Single Story." Good start to course. Reference throughout.
Q7: the power of spoken word poems can help Ss understand stereotypes of all kind. One of my favs https://t.co/Vthjxnfdts
- topics include: BLM, YaMeCanse, OccupyWallstreet, Umbrella Rev, ShoutYourAbortion, WhyIStayed, Arab Spring, etc.
A7 using examples from school (cheerleaders, nerds, teachers) and then digging deeper. Kids get it.
A7 I've mentioned it a lot before, but the Danger of a Single Story Ted Talk is great for realizing that we never know all ppl
YES. https://t.co/q6W4YJnisd
A7 Include talks like Chimamade Adiche's "The Danger of a Single Story." Good start to course. Reference throughout.
I'M starting culture next week, too. we use stories of teens around the world
A7: discuss cultural appropriation v. appreciation, stereotypes, etc... but sometimes it's just setting a standard of respect
once they see it, Ss work to keep us (class) accountable.
Used clips from this Dateline ep to intro the concept of stereotypes https://t.co/d402VaIYgw Led to great conversations!
This is so crucial, so great to hear educators are addressing it.
A7 great responses from amazing Ts I found it was always good for Ss brainstorm in a KWL way before then... & own experiences
agree! I only show the first 5 minutes, but they are SO powerful!
Asking students for their own experiences feels so risky...but it's so powerful. https://t.co/pD4KN1GLu7
A7 great responses from amazing Ts I found it was always good for Ss brainstorm in a KWL way before then... & own experiences
thank you, you have given me much to think about/ use
A1 We were talking about the symbolism of the toy soldier in the book PAX
Our time is drawing to a close! Thank you so much to for being our guest Mod tonight! Great job by everyone!
Thank you so much for leading our chat tonight! Teaching, learning, & geography should be fun!
. yes, and clips from things like Color of Friendship when stereotypes/prejudices get overcome
I really can't believe that the hour is over..... whoa.
Thanks to for letting me host tonight--I love geography and the global connections we can make with kids.
thanks for moderating tonight! So much fun
It's been an hour (and now I have brownies to eat!)
Yeah, you need to have that relationship and safe space in your classroom to even begin that conversation.
Thanks to everyone who joined us tonight! As usual I'm leaving with a full mental shopping cart!
TY & the whole team & Ts GREAT night of learning (& a bit of a distraction from the game)
Thanks Jennifer -- hope we all got lots of ideas out of it!
another chat another dozen tabs open!
Thank you for hosting and graciously letting us participate! We have a great community of educators here.
Thanks for leading the show tonight!
Whats our topic next week
I'm glad I was able to come hang out. I usually have family stuff Tuesday nights...but got out of it. :)
Thank you, , for all the AMAZING ideas! Can't wait to read your book for even more ideas!
Thanks Sam -- so great to connect!
Great topics tonight I really liked the Lego conversation and the games. Now Let's get some runs Cubs!
It was my pleasure. Love geography. Y'all do great work.
A3) I use MyMaps for Ss to locate examples of places, regions. Ex: created one for country they selected for 5 themes of geo
I've been scared to check. :{
Thank you so much for ways to play in the sandbox.
Thanks Joanne -- always love seeing you on the Twitters. :)
