Overview Human geography courses tend to be compartmentalized into distinct topics, such as the geography of migration, religion, linguistics, politics, land use, agriculture, urbanization, and economics. This segmented approach, akin to a “grand tour,” can hinder learners’ abilities to recognize overlaps among geographic phenomena. Spatial thinking is frequently cited as a key tool for making […]

Overview Embark on a global storytelling journey! World Geography meets middle grade books through First Chapter Friday. Students make real-world connections through weekly reads that have a setting in a current region of study. The World Geography curriculum shines through weekly read-alouds while fostering inclusivity and a love for books. Session Focus Middle School/Junior High […]

Overview As part of the Department of Geography and Sustainability at UTK GIST curriculum, we offer an elective 400-level course titled GIS in the Community. This is a community engaged learning course in which students are exposed to challenges facing local community organizations. They then work collaboratively with the organizations, using their expertise and drawing […]

Overview Marine biological research activities provide a rich and engaging basis for geographic educational activities with a strong foundation in STEM content. In this presentation, learning activities based on marine biological research are described, as activities conducted in field and lab were documented and delivered to audiences from pre-K students to professionals. Multiple research activities […]

Overview TeenMaptivists is a national student organization where students contribute data in OpenStreetMap all around the world. Students are learning the power of the map and making a difference one edit at a time. Come learn more how your students can become part of the mapping revolution! Session Focus Secondary/High School | Mapping, Activism, Community […]

Overview During WWII, President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 resulted in approximately 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry to be forcibly removed from their homes on the West Coast, then incarcerated in government-built concentration camps. Two of the ten War Relocation Camps were located in Arizona, notably on American Indian reservation lands. 13,000+ incarcerees were “relocated” to […]

Overview Timelines provide students with a look at chronology. Maps allow students to observe spatial information. The GeoHistoGram provides educators with a resource that puts spatial information and chronological information all in one place for students. In this session, participants will experience the GeoHistoGram, completing several different classroom activities utilizing the GeoHistoGram in different ways. […]