Geography Awareness Week: Practice Mapping Skills

Our world may seem smaller and more connected, but, ironically, geography is one of the subjects that is often overlooked. Educators have so much information to cover, just teaching the basics, that there may not seem like there's enough time for what some may consider "extras". While an in-depth approach to learning about a subject is preferred, even a cursory perusal is better than nothing. Since November 15th - 21st is Geography Awareness Week, parents and teachers might want to take this opportunity to devote a week to learning about the exciting countries, topography and cultural customs that make up our world.

Geography Awareness Week or "My Wonderful World" is a campaign created by National Geographic, along with other national business and non-profit organizations. According to the website, the impetus for "My Wonderful World" was the desire "to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in communities." Geography knowledge provides children, our future leaders, a key global understanding of people, cultures, economics and environments.

A National Geographic-Roper study revealed these staggering details in a survey. "Half of young Americans can't locate world powers like Japan and India. Twenty percent can't even find the Pacific Ocean". The campaign also includes contests, partnerships with 4-H, web resources, public events and policy advocacy in Washington, D.C.

There are many ways you can teach students about geography. Map skill worksheets are a great way to introduce some basic mapping concepts. The GARMIN GPS worksheet uses the handheld device to teach about different areas. It features current high tech gadgets with old school orienteering. Parents could design a "hunt" where the GPS and a compass go head to head showing which one helps you locate an object quickest. Map scales are used to help people determine distances. Measurement and Scale Drawings teaches students how to figure out scale differences. This is a great way to demonstrate how separate subjects, like math and geography, are interrelated.

Types of Maps is an interactive site. Educators can touch on each distinct type of map with a map lesson unit. There is also a dictionary, and review tests. There are many blank maps available. This way parents can pick individual countries and test their children on general knowledge. After going over the country, children can fill out the same worksheet again. It is perfect compare and contrast tool. Some lessons follow that can help students become true world travelers.

Geography Awareness Week Lesson Plans:

Project Map uses map scale techniques. Children compare a map scale on a map, taking those skills and applying the information gleaned to a chessboard in two different scales.

Edible Map Lesson Plan has students make maps and get to eat the fruits of their labors. By using common candies, and other foods, children create a map to show a route, including a legend.

Music in Your Neighborhood has children learn about music in their areas and other cultures. It introduces the concept using music that was on Sesame Street, which is wonderful way to include the younger set in geography and cultural learning.