Introduction to Geography Lesson Plan By Seth Rivard

Overview Objectives Vocabulary (Flashcards) Crossword Puzzle Computer Based Learning Reference Learning Multiple Choice Quiz Essay Quiz Extra Credit (Independent Study)

Objectives – Students should be able to… Understand what is meant by the term “geography” and why it is important to be geographically literate. Understand how the field of geography evolved. Be able to identify places in terms of their absolute and relative location Identify the four traditions of geography, and know each of their approaches to geographic understanding. Know the size questions that geographers ask to understand the nature of geography. Understand that size and scale can affect the interpretation of geographic phenomena. Classify regional descriptions as being either “formal” or “functional.”

Vocabulary: Make Flashcards Absolute Direction Accessibility Connectivity Culture-Environment Tradition Functional Region Region Relative Location Site Spatial Diffusion Spatial Interaction Absolute Location Area Analysis Tradition Cultural Landscape Formal Region Locational Tradition Relative Direction Scale Situation Spatial Distribution

Create Crossword Puzzle Using Vocabulary Terms (Sample) Must include Abbreviated Definitions as Clues to Terms

Computer Based Learning Answer a series of questions (3 or 4) using the listed web pages: The Association of American Geographers – Michigan State University – National Council for Geographic Education –

Reference Learning Consult an encyclopedia article on the history of geography. Annotate the time lines below to include important events and periods of Classical Geography and Modern Geography.

Multiple Choice Quiz Select the most correct answer from the alternatives given… (20 questions)

Essay Quiz What are the six questions which are employed to define the field of geography? Why has geography been called “the mother of sciences”? Differentiate between “absolute” and “relative” location, and explain the importance of each. Remember to use vocabulary terms correctly in your answers for full credit.

Extra Credit – Independent Study Under the heading “exploration, geographic” entry of an encyclopedia, look up additional information on any two explorers listed in this entry. Write a short biography of each person, focusing on the contribution made to increasing our knowledge of the earth.