Overview
Cemeteries are a unique cultural landscape. In this session, educators will see a showcase of AZ cemeteries and how they can teach local geography and history. Educators will then be introduced to a field study where students explore the symbols and demographics found in this unique environment. After gathering their information in the field study, students then present their findings in charts, graphs, and written communications. All materials needed for the field study are free and online. The concepts learned in this session can be applied to cemeteries in any location.
Session Focus
Middle School/Junior High | Field Study | Local Geography and History
Conference Room
Covetto
Meet the Presenter
In the past 30 years, Gale Olp Ekiss has continually showcased the application of K-12 geography
skills and content at local, state, and national social studies conferences. Gale is a past Co-
coordinator of the Arizona Geographic Alliance (AZGA). During her 18 years as Co-coordinator, she
was the Project Manager for three National Geographic Society Education Foundation grant projects:
GeoLiteracy, GeoMath, and GeoLiteracy for ELLs. Gale helped secure consistent funding for the
Arizona Geographic Alliance making this alliance one of the most visible supporters of geography
education in the nation. She taught for Mesa Public Schools (Mesa, Arizona) for 28 years before
moving to the university level.