How Geography Shapes Our Past, Present & Future: China Tour
In this one-time tour through China, we shall explore how massive mountains, oceans, rivers, deserts shape the way we live, how it applies to environmental design, participate in a map activity, and get a bite-size taste of geopolitics.
Eva Leung
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(3)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Have you ever wondered how geography is applied to the profession of environmental design? This introductory class is designed as a virtual story -- on our relationship with natural landforms so big and far from us that we may not see them unless we "zoom" (no pun intended) way out! Why is it important to understand these relationships at various scales? From massive continents and countries, to a smaller human scale such as parks and houses? Join me on an adventure on geography, from the view of a professional architect. Class Interaction Students will be introduced to how geography plays a key role in shaping the way we live from thousands of years ago. The tour will be facilitated through a combination of maps, powerful imagery, and videos. In addition to telling a geopolitical story of China, it will also be used as an entry point to discuss how geography is applied to environmental design thinking in general, with an emphasis on ecological sustainability. We will explore how mountains, oceans, rivers, forests, deserts influence choices that affect our daily lives, many of which we don't question. For example, why are cities located here and not there? Students will be prompted with "why do you think...", "what if...." type of inquiry to encourage critical thinking. Though not required, participation is encouraged. It could be in the form of reflection, dialogue, whichever is more comfortable for the students. Class Outline (teacher will adjust content and style to students' level of interaction in real-time): 1. Class introduction (5 min) 2. Virtual tour through China (20 min) 3. Guided map activity using Google slides (10 min) 4. Case Study / Career discovery - how does geography apply to environmental design? (10 min) 5. Reflection exercise - how does geography apply to where you live? (5-10 min) Interested but not seeing the right age group? Send me a message and let me know!
Learning Goals
Class Objectives
1. Observe natural systems at a large (planetary) and small (human) scale
2. Develop critical thinking and gain basic knowledge on how landforms impact us
3. Inspire awareness about their environment through reflective exercise
4. Improve memory retention through graphics (e.g map activity)
5. Experience storytelling using maps
6. Case study / Career discovery - applied geography in design thinking around sustainability
Other Details
Supply List
Pens, markers, paper, notebook for sketching and note taking (optional)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Nice to meet you! My name is Eva and I have a passion for growing the awe factor in learning. I love seeing the "big picture", as well as the amazing interconnections in life. This is the basis of my beginner's mindset, design and teaching approach. I have come to learn that the more complexity we can hold, the better chances we have at making sustainable decisions for ourselves, our communities and the planet. Also, why not learn it in a fun way!
Architecture and ecological design taught me how to bring nature, art, science, and compassionate service together. Graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Design, I am an architect in the USA since 2005. Sustainability is the baseline of my work. It also inspired me to step up my role from a designer to an educator and storyteller. In 2015, I co-founded an education non-profit called Terra Cura Inc., teaching kids anywhere from elementary through graduate school about healthy food and Permaculture design. Take a peek here: www.terracura.org
I lived in Hong Kong until 9 years old, completed B.A. Architecture in Singapore, relocated to New York City and eventually Boston to explore sustainable living and design. I am also currently working towards an EMBA to support a rather unexpected entrepreneurial journey.
Did you know that up to 85% of jobs in 2030 do not even exist yet? To me, this means that kids have to be more creative in managing uncertainties than ever. I hope to provide a "really?!" moment into career pathways for them. Aside from designing healthy environments, cultivating emotional sustainability is essential for dealing with stress and anxiety, especially if we are taking on leadership roles. Vipassana meditation along with other compassionate-based mindfulness practices are part of my daily life. Over the years, 3 learning arcs have emerged, and they form the backbone of all my classes:
1. Develop Critical and Systems Thinking
2. (Going Beyond) Sustainability in Design
3. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion.
Classes may take on a specific focus, but all 3 capabilities are integrated to support well-rounded learning. Topics serve as entry points to develop and apply the above. My teaching style is based on Storytelling, usually with a strong visual, sensing process. Facilitated through powerful imagery, games, craft, multi-media drawing, public speaking, maps creation, group inquiry and self-reflection exercises etc., I hope to bring joy and beauty to online learning!
P.S. I love Muay Thai, lop eared bunnies and anything yummy.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
2-4 learners per class
