1. The past is the overarching theme – history – all that happened
The rest of the strands of social studies
describe how humans have lived
(and continue to live together) in groups and have interacted with their world –
Geographically
Politically
Economically
Socially (creating a shared culture)
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

2. Effective Instruction in Geography
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3. Themes of Geography
The Association of American Geographers and the National Council for Geographic Education have identified five themes that should be explored as part of geography education: (1) location (2) place (3) human interactions with environments (4) movement (5) regions
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

4. Location Refers to one’s position on the earth’s surface.
Students should learn how to use the coordinates of longitude & latitude.
Maps & globes are used to determine relative location and where something is in relationship to something else. (for example – Spain is south of France)
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

5. Place
Refers to the differences in natural (landforms) and cultural characteristics on the earth’s surface. (may include religion, language, society, social customs, economies & government)
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition
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6. Human Interactions w/ Environments
People’s natural environment influences a wide range of human activities. We teach this theme by looking at how lifestyles and technologies of people vary across time and place in response to their physical environment.
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Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

7. Human Interactions w/ Environments – cont’d.
Humans have interacted with their natural environments – and that impact has not always been positive.
We can also teach this theme by having students look at how their school, neighborhood or city has changed physically over time.
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition
fladoodles.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/coasta..

8. Movement Refers to the interaction, travel and
communications between people in various regions.
People have moved for thousands of years for a wide range of reasons. Goods have also been traded across the globe for thousands of years and continues to this day.
Advanced communication and transportation is making this increasingly easier every year.
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9. Regions
A region is a basic unit of geographic study. It can be defined as an area of any shape or size that has a common characteristic, or a set of characteristics.
Regions can be determined by physical characteristics as well
as culture, government,
politics, language,
heritage, or religion.
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

10. Six Map Reading Skills
There are six essential map-reading skills for elementary and middle school students.
Directional orientation
Locating places on a map and globe
Expressing relative location
Using scale and computing distances
Using scale to estimate traveling time
Interpreting map symbols and visualizing what they mean
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

11. Working with Maps
Recognize and teach the different types of maps – including physical, political, and special purpose.
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

12. Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition
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13. Teach Map Vocabulary
Also be sure to teach the terminology of maps so students can “read” them and understand how they can represent a three-dimensional surface.
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

14. Understand how map skills can require spatial thinking & abilities
For some children this can be difficult. They may not have used this much at home, or just find it very challenging. Be patient. They may feel “dumb” because they can’t “picture it” quickly like others can. Some adults have trouble with direction!
Include directions in your instruction. Use them throughout the year. “The waste basket in the southwest corner…” etc.
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

15. Where to start?
Younger grades - use their immediate world. Begin with the most familiar environments: classroom, school, home (but remember, some students map live in a duplex, an apartment, or perhaps be homeless) neighborhood, then expand out to city, state, nation, boarding nations, etc.
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

16. Working With Globes In teaching globe skills, invite
students to see the earth as a spherical planet moving through space.
Elementary and middle school students should be familiar with the terms and concepts on page 273 of the textbook.
Students should also understand the difficult job of map makers who must represent a round, three-dimensional globe on a flat surface. (have them try it and see where the problems occur)
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

17. Be aware of the various types of world maps.
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

18. Using technology - Google is changing the world! - -
One of the most interesting updates in teaching map & globe skills is Google Earth. You can literally go any place in the world. The satellite images show the actual roads, buildings and landforms as a satellite photograph. It’s an excellent resource for making map & globe instruction concrete.
Give students the name of a city, state or country and have them go on a treasure hunt!
Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

19. Making Connections in Elementary and
Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition