This class is taught in English.

This multi-day course is designed to help middle schoolers and geography-motivated pre-middle schoolers sharpen their world map skills using engaging material, encouraging student academic confidence with  positive challenges. After finishing this course, students will be able to interpret political and physical maps as well as a variety of special purpose maps.     Students will strengthen their understanding of continents, direction, latitude and longitude. They will be able to identify patterns in political borders by continent, compare these to physical features and draw conclusions.  Students can ask geographic questions such as: why do people choose to live where they do; how does the physical environment affect human settlements;  how do people organize themselves in country boundaries.  The goal of this class is to provide students with skills and challenge them to apply these skills to increase understanding of the world beyond their own experience.  

 I am certified as a Social Studies Teacher in my state, and have taught Social Studies (including World Geography) for over 18 years.  My classes have had lots of fun and engagement with  creating and evaluating maps, delving into the wonders of special purpose maps, and engaging in Kahoot Challenges.

Homework Offered
Students are encouraged to complete a modest independent project after each class.  These are designed to give students an opportunity to practice skills we addressed in class.  Estimated time for each project:  30 minutes.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Independent projects and Kahoot quiz at the end of this mini-course will demonstrate mastery.   We will also provide a quiz after the last class plus an answer key.  This can be used as evidence of the Kahoot in-class quiz, or simply as follow up for review at a future time.
Grades Offered

U.S. Geological Survey. Bulletin on Orienteering With Topographical Maps.  https://www.usgs.gov/science-support/osqi/yes/resources-teachers/finding-your-way-map-and-compass?qt-science_support_page_related_con=4#qt-science_support_page_related_con

CIA World Factbook.  https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/

Worldbook Encyclopedia.  https://www.worldbook.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Or_BRC_ARIsAPzuer_F_x5MMudwMwOXk6wEHyQyLiT5vIaHy9VO4uyuBjrL53iOGp9oq-EaAj8NEALw_wcB  (available through many public library services)