Geography is Everywhere and is Everything

GeoQuests combine a map with activities using the map as an interactive component. The Earth Science GeoQuest is available for every state in the U.S. Each focuses on the climate, land use, and resources of that state. Each uses an Understanding by Design-style Ask, Acquire, Explore, Analyze, and Act framework to engage students. While climate, land use, and resources available on that land relate to Earth Science, they are all features of geography too.  In addition, these topics lend themselves to discussions about economics and history. The ELA class may benefit from this extended content to understand an author’s point of view or the meaning of a book. While these GeoQuests are intended for Earth Science, here is an excellent example of how content can be cross-curricular and benefit numerous studies and age ranges. 

Biographies help students learn about the people that have inspired, developed, led, or otherwise engaged us. From sports figures, to artists, to women, to world leaders, to African Americans and so many more, biographies fundamentally tell stories. They must be engaging. They follow a linear plot. They highlight successes and failures. And most important, they show us what humans can do.

Review our extensive collection of biographical material, including articles, maps, videos, and more. 

Analyzing Use the GeoQuest for your state in class by projecting it on the board and going through the questions and activities, or assign it as homework. Through it, students will analyze the importance of the climate, land uses, and resources of your state.

Making Connections Ask students to pick a biography from the Maps101 collection to focus on and then have them explain why they picked this person to learn more about. What connection do they have with the student? How is the person similar to or different from them? How is this person inspirational? Encourage students to make connections between their own lives and the lives of others.