GEOGRAPHY

Where are you? Where are you in relations to others? Where did events occur? How does geography affect history? Do you know the capital of Germany? How does Germany sit among other European nations? How about the United States? Let’s try something simple… Do you know where New Orleans is at? What state? Can you point it in a map?

Elementary? Unfortunately not, as this AP story points out: “Poll Shows Many Can't Find La. on Map” It is so tragic that our students do not have a sense of geography. In my brief experience teaching 10th graders European history – it became clear that they not only did not know their geography, they were not encouraged to learn it. Why? I was told it was something they had not been exposed to and would perhaps be too difficult?

I have to admit I was shocked to hear what I heard. I proceeded with my convictions and did in fact teach geography as we covered Europe during WWI. Was it difficult considering the students did not have any prior exposure (incredible as it sounds)? The answer was yes, it was, but how can you explain the “Schlieffen Plan” without a map for example? How can you point to the critical nature of the Dardanelles or Gallipoli without breaking out he maps?

With all the tools available to teachers and students there is little reason not to touch this critical subject… Here are some references – just in case for your use

World Clock – fantastic reference tool for setting up meetings or finding out what time is it in any part of the world, or even set up a series of clocks for different parts of the world. Great tool.

Google Earth – a 3D view of the world – outstanding teaching tool

National Geographic – outstanding lesson plans for teachers

Perry Castañeda – outstanding map collection at The University of Texas at Austin both current and historical maps - truly an excellent collection at your fingertips

Hopefully this will give any reader a start…