Synthesis

Subject: Geography

An 8th grade instructor in Humboldt, CA said,

“Geography promotes interdisciplinary thinking. Students who understand and apply geographic concepts enhance their critical thinking skills, and make connections more easily in all subject areas. Funding geography education is truly fundamental to good learning.” (Jones, L. in Speak Up for Geography, 2011)

Educators and geographers took a stand against the decrease of geography being taught in middle and high schools and explained the reasons why teaching geography in the classroom is essential.  They cited various issues pertaining to the lack of education in geography and how it already affects and will continue to affect our generations’ decisions and preparation for future issues.   To read more stories, click here 

Interactive activities can interest students in learning while teaching them valuable information and honing their decision making and prediction skills.

Go West Adventures with Lewis and Clark – Students will head west with Lewis and Clark in this simulation game that tests their preparedness and decision making as they encounter various roadblocks along the way. To play the game, click the image or click here 

(National Geographic, 2012)

Bridge to Classroom – Students will use this bridge building simulation game to determine what type of bridge is best to hold up against earthquakes and other natural hazards.  Students will need to use the provided information about the area’s geography and bridge construction to assemble a study bridge.  To build your bridge, click on the screenshot or click here 

(Eduweb, n.d.)

Stop Disasters – In this interactive simulation game, students enter an area that was just recently  hit by a natural disaster, and using the information and assistance provided, they must plan and develop a safer environment for the remaining population.  The game includes an Information page with Teacher Resources, Fact Sheets, data videos, and additional links. To play this simulation, follow the link through the screenshot, or click here 

(Stop Disasters, n.d.)

Continue to the next level of learning, Evaluation