Virtual Atlas education

http://www.evergreen.edu/user/virtatpnw/

Lesson Twelve

Spatial Understanding of the Cities and Towns in the PNW.

Purpose:

Engage in a fun stand up, move around activity that teaches some basics of geography.

Objectives:

1. To familiarize students with geographic location of cities and towns within the PNW
2. To develop concepts of distance between community locations
3. To understand compass directions in relation to the PNW
4. To practice giving and taking directions in an organized manner

Related Washington State EALRs:

Geography

2.2 describe the patterns humans make on places and regions

National Geography Standards:

3 How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context

Length of Time Required:

One hour

Curriculum Connections:

Map reading, mental mapping,

Materials:

1. Masking tape or other means of clearly marking the floor or ground.
2. Large floor space (indoors or outdoors)
3. Two lists of cities, one of obscure cities/towns and one of more well known cities/towns. Two cities/towns for each student minus four. Two students will be directors.
4. 5x7 or larger cards. A card for each city/town.
5. Political map that covers desired area.

Procedure:

Step 1: Before this exercise starts you will need to outline your chosen state or region with masking tape preferably oriented to its appropriate compass points. You may choose to do this before class or make it an assignment.

Step 2: Hand out the cards with the names of the cities on them. Use the better known cities first. Ask the students to move to the appropriate relative location within the outline. If the students are geographically familiar with the region most will move near to the appropriate position if not, they may need some help. The students with the map can provide this help, preferably given in compass directions.

Step 3: the two students with the political map need to be in a position to view the location of the other students within the map outline. Using the political map they can direct there class mats to the appropriate relative location of their cards city. For instance, two steps North and five East.

To make the exorcise more challenging they can use relative miles or kilometers. This process may go quick and smooth, or not depending on how filmier everyone is with the area.

Step 4: When everyone is in their appropriate location, a short discussion on important characteristics of the different communities may be instigated. South, southeast-west etc. orientation should be pointed out and made clear.

Step 5: The second portion of the exercises is much the same as the first and should be carried out with a speed, and in depth manner appropriate to the participants grasp of the given geographic location. Keep it moving and good luck.

Key Vocabulary:

Cardinal directions – one of four principal compass points north, south, east, west

Absolute location -

Conclusion:

A spatial awareness of distances, and locations is essential for a measure of relative distance and choruses.