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Subscribe to our monthly EE Week newsletterEE Week 2012 Greening STEM Planning Toolkit:
Geography Connections
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| Students conduct a geocaching activity. |
Below, we outline projects and activities organized by grade-level as well as resources that engage students in STEM learning around geography.
Grades K-4
Keystone Species in Shark Bay
Sci, Tech
In this activity by National Geographic Education, students create a food web using photos and facts about Australia's Shark Bay. National Geographic's MapMaker Interactive tool is used to show a map and images of the bay. Then, students will identify the keystone species in the ecosystem.
Introduction to Latitude and Longitude
Sci, Math
In this National Geographic Xpeditions lesson, K-2 students learn an overview of latitude and longitude. They also explore the variations in temperature and conditions at different latitudes.
Where in the U.S. Would You Want to Live?
Sci, Tech
Students use National Geographic's MapMaker Interactive tool to examine the diverse terrain of the United States, and think about which places would be most suitable to live in. They then compare this physical map with a map of population, and explore reasons why people live where they do.
Sci, Tech
In this activity, students use National Geographic's MapMaker Interactive tool to learn about the movement of ocean currents and investigate how currents affect pollution events.
Using Maps in Ocean Research
Sci, Tech
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students consider a number of ocean research scenarios and determine how mapping might help answer questions related to that research.
The Perils of Plastic
Sci, Math
Students learn about the world's largest "landfill," make a connection to their own lives, and calculate how much trash they generate in a week, a year and ten years.
Mapping Our Human Footprint
Sci, Tech
Using the Human Footprint data layer in National Geographic's MapMaker Interactive tool, students will discover the degrees of human impact around the world and how humans impact the physical environment.
Grades 9-12
Mapping Our Human FootprintSci, Tech
Using the Human Footprint data layer in National Geographic's MapMaker Interactive tool, students will discover the degrees of human impact around the world and how humans impact the physical environment.
The Perils of Plastic
Sci, Math
Students learn about the world's largest "landfill," make a connection to their own lives, and calculate how much trash they generate in a week, a year and ten years.
Climographs: Temperature, Precipitation, and the Human Condition
Sci, Tech, Math
In this lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn how to use and create climographs as a tool to study climate data. In doing so, they gain an understanding of the effects climate has on humans in different parts of the world.
Resources
Websites
BioBlitz
Education
Sci, Tech,
Math, CS
Whether
participating in a National Geographic/National Park Service BioBlitz or a
local schoolyard or park bioblitz, the bioblitz experience helps students study
biodiversity firsthand with activities that support students to make
observations, record data, understand classification and map their findings.
FieldScope
Sci,
Tech, Math
National Geographic FieldScope is a web-based mapping, analysis, and
collaboration tool designed to support geographic investigations and engage
students as citizen scientists investigating real-world topics - both in the
classroom and in outdoor education settings.
Sci, Tech
The University of Minnesota has partnered with National Geographic to develop this innovative GIS mapping tool for educators. The website helps teachers use real data to convey how decisions are made and better understand geographical impacts on society.
MapMaker Interactive
Sci, Tech
An interactive mapping experience from National Geographic Education with rich layers of information on the physical earth, oceans, culture and more.
Books
Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities
Sci, CS
Place-Based Education uses the local community and environment as the starting place for curriculum learning, strengthening community bonds, appreciation for the natural world, and a commitment to citizen engagement.
The Atlas of Water: Mapping the World's Most Critical Resource
Sci, Math
The Atlas of Water uses vivid graphics, maps and charts to explore the complex human interaction with water over time and across the world.
Games & Apps
GIS In Action
Sci, Tech
This interactive online experience is a fun way to use GIS to learn about wildlife around the world. Users can select different GIS map layers to see where different species live and compare their habitats to locations of human population.
Wave Simulator
Sci, Math, Tech
This online game from National Geographic Education allows students to employ math and science to create ocean waves and observe the effect on an ocean vessel.
Alice & Andy in the Universe of Wonders
Sci, Tech
Follow twins Alice and Andy as they explore the world in this interactive app. Available for iPad, iPhone and e-books, this app can supplement science and geography lessons.
Ansel and Clair's Adventures in Africa
Sci, Tech
This app available for iPad is an engaging educational experience for kids. Users follow characters Ansel and Clair as they have adventures in three different locations in Africa. This app can supplement geography, history and science lessons.
Latitude and Longitude Map Match Game
Tech, Math
This online game helps to reinforce the concepts of latitude and longitude. Players use given coordinates to locate Hannah.