Geography tools classroom

We already know, Geography is one of the complex scientific discipline, and with its interdisciplinary approach, it encourages studying in an unconventional manner. Therefore, learning geography is creative and can inspire interest about the world that involves a curiosity about nature.

However, a learning experience does not necessarily have to be rooted in a traditional way of learning based on books; it can be learnt through various different pedagogical approaches. Up until the early part of the 20th century, geography held a valuable place in education. It was an expectation for all educated citizens in America to learn geography. Geography was specifically taught as one of the four core subjects: reading, writing, arithmetic and geography.

However, as we head to 21 st century, it is becoming challenging for geography teachers. They are looking for the methods on how to teach the subject effectively in the twenty-first century while remaining true to its rich heritage and embracing emerging and exciting tools and perspectives.

Teaching geography effectively in the twenty-first century requires a teacher to find the right tools and resources to teach as we are in ever-changing era where new opportunities are developing along with new technologies, making the learning process difficult.

Herein, through this article, let us learn why geography is important and what are the various tools and applications for the modern-days classrooms. Studying geography creates an awareness of a place. Had our founding fathers not identified places, we would have not known about the places on earth. We would not have known the different cities, countries, continents, sea etc.

Most importantly, understanding geography helps make sense of current and historical events, whether of economic, political, or social importance. Individuals become better critical thinkers knowing this information. It pervades just about every aspect of our lives! Studying geography is one of the best ways to develops non-fiction reading skills.

Leisure at the international scale: tourism 3. Leisure at the international scale: sport 4. Leisure at the local scale: tourism 7. Leisure at the local scale: sport and recreation 8. TNC Case Study: Nike Measuring global interactions Changing space—the shrinking world Economic interactions and flows Environmental change Sociocultural exchanges Political outcomes Global interactions at the local level.

Classroom Tools. A selection of classroom tools used during the teaching of geography. National Geographic MapMaker Interactive. Teaching geography effectively in the twenty-first century requires a teacher to find the right tools and resources to teach as we are in ever-changing era where new opportunities are developing along with new technologies, making the learning process difficult. Herein, through this article, let us learn why geography is important and what are the various tools and applications for the modern-days classrooms.

Studying geography creates an awareness of a place. Had our founding fathers not identified places, we would have not known about the places on earth. We would not have known the different cities, countries, continents, sea etc. Most importantly, understanding geography helps make sense of current and historical events, whether of economic, political, or social importance.

Individuals become better critical thinkers knowing this information. It pervades just about every aspect of our lives! Studying geography is one of the best ways to develops non-fiction reading skills. It uses complex visual representations such as maps, pictures, charts, and graphs that must be interpreted depending on the purpose. It also develops a working knowledge of how to read and process non-fiction text features since those features are woven throughout all aspects of the content.

Besides these, geography builds important vocabulary and background knowledge about a country and world too. Studying geography help develops better spatial awareness. Learning map sense and globe-reading skills is essential yet these activities are virtually gone from education today. But by studying geography and mapping skills, students can foster the development of spatial awareness and also create the link to understanding the effectiveness of key spatial geographic systems such as GPS.

Last but not the least, geography helps build a global community. Those who know geography better understand the interdependence of our world and how we are connected through location, place, movement, region, and human-environment interactions. Also, as we develop our understanding of the important themes of geography, we also help build awareness for cultural diversity —how and why people live the way they do.

Explore and adapt these:. Start with these. Introduce or review basic maps skills by asking kids to map their memories. Get an idea of what that can look like at this Tumblr. Then ask students to create a map that targets something specific to them on a map. Ask kids to create maps of their favorite video games or movies.

Activating prior knowledge and connecting that to a visual format such as a map is perfect for building map skills.