This class investigates the vital role geography has played in the last 100 years, where we’ve gone from primarily locally-produced goods, to factories and farms in far off places providing us with most everything. We will explore the history of trade routes, transportation systems and the science of logistics as well. Participants learn the value of reading labels on shoes, clothes and  packaging information, to determine where products were made. Learners also practice locating those places on a map, and will analyze and discuss the geographical factors that influence the location of factories, industries and access to markets.  

The pros and cons of globalization and the global supply chain are examined, as well.  Job losses in one place are net gains in another. Not only do products and people move easily and quickly about the globe, but so do infectious diseases. Participants practice higher order thinking skills, and learn to organize information using the blob mapping technique.