As a social studies teacher for almost twenty years, many times during open house I had to justify to parents the importance of social studies in our schools. But when I was asked about the subject of geography here are my FAST FOUR reasons why kids should be learn geography.
1) Geography is key to all other subjects! Econ, government, and history are all rooted in geography. A nation's economy is based upon the nature resources, which are directly related to geography. Governments, there successes and failures are based upon geography. Also, representation in many democratic nations are directly tied to geography. Finally, history - wins and losses based upon geography.
2) Geography is most relevant! It's the most likely social science my students will deal with after high school. Let's face it. As a government teacher, I want all my students to be well informed and participate in our government. But, statically speaking, they will not vote, let alone write their congressional leader. Sadly, the same might be said for their historical skills. But, how likely will they be to use a map? No matter if that map is printed on paper or on a GPS. How many of our students will deliver pizza, or need to read a bus route map? I think most of our students will.
3) Geography helps me understand the world! Geography is so much more than memorization of capitals and the place of a nation on a map. It's the understanding of cultures, religions, and languages. Geography will give my students the basic tools to unlocking the world outside their culture. It allows the to understanding how people across this huge globe survive.
4) It's the BEST tasting subject! Okay, I love history and I love government. But, how often do I get eat totally different foods when teaching government or history. Yes, sometimes in history. But, in geography the opportunities for new foods abound. What better way to a student's heart (and mind) than through their stomach...
Also, if you are looking for some great geography lessons, check them out here: Social Studies Super Store
I agree that Geography doesn't get the attention/appreciation it deserves...in fact, I've only seen it taught in 1 school district out of the 5 I've been part of over the years. I'm teaching Geography right now and on the first day one of my kids asked why he had to take it and my response was, "if you get a job offer in Helsinki one day you're going to want to know where it is/what the climate is like (etc)" and to my chagrin the kid goes, "is that even a real word?"...We NEED to teach Geography for all too many reasons.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephieshistorystore...
ReplyDeleteI have a couple true stories about how geographical errors have nearly created or did create international problems. 1) Great Britain in 2002 invades Spain - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1827554.stm.
2) The US bombed Chinese embassy because of faulty map information. http://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/oct/17/balkans.
Feel free to share this with your students or anybody else...Enjoy!
Hey, Stephanie, I saw your post on TpT, linked to your blog, and just wanted to give a thumbs up to the importance of geography. I have to admit, I was pretty poor at geography until I started traveling abroad. Egads, my ignorance had no bottom! But, in my case, experience was the best teacher! From there, my interest in geography grew and grew. Best of luck in your classes and keep impressing on your students the importance of geography!
ReplyDeleteHey Donald! Thanks! When I was a junior in high school we did a 50 states test and one of my classmates couldn't label NY...the state we LIVED IN!!! Even at that age that made a huge impact on me in the "I won't let my future students be like this" way, lol. I think life experience and traveling does make a huge difference in understanding the importance of the various aspects of Geography, but not everyone will have that opportunity so I challenge myself to encouraging my students to learn about, respect, and understand the importance of Geography no matter what their future travel opportunities are. ~Stephanie
DeleteHi guys! Thanks for sharing your ideas about geography. It is clear we all agree how important teaching and learning about geography is in our lives. But, I wonder what we can do to encourage our schools to do a better job at making geography a priority?
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
James