Geographic Reasoning

Our first unit was called Tools of Geography, but it might have been better named Geographic Reasoning.  We spent quite a bit of time reviewing map skills such as reading symbols on a map, using scale and direction, and plotting coordinates.  We also practiced making inferences from maps and photos.  All of this was in preparation for developing geographic questions and making inferences using maps.  

The culminating project was to create an annotated map of Harlingen hotels.  The students studied a map of pre-existing hotels in our town to infer what makes a good location for a hotel.  They also had to try to figure why there were certain parts of town that didn't have hotels.  Finally they had to evaluate a site for a new hotel.

It was challenging for the students to finish in the time frame allotted.  Too many students focused on drawing the map which I told them to keep it basic; the focus should be the annotations.  Still, I was happy with the progress my students made over the first few weeks of school.

 

 

Anchor Charts in the Geography Classroom

 

This summer I was constantly seeing anchor charts all over Pinterest and even by teachers on Facebook.  That started my research into using anchor charts in my Geography classroom.  One of the first things I learned was that there are different ways of defining anchor charts and ways of doing them!  What was a geography teacher to do?

 

 

Part of my research had led me to define anchor charts as a way of visually reviewing information that was learned in class.  Students can then look back to the anchor charts as a means of reminding them of information, processes,  and even strategies.  In looking at samples of these charts I was able to find a lot of examples of ELA charts and math charts primarily for the elementary classroom.  I really never found any samples of high school geography work.

 

That is not going to stop me!  I actually started the first anchor chart based on our first actual lesson-the five themes of geography. 

 

 

This is my first effort and I hope it will benefit my students. My goal is to involve the students in creating future anchor charts and even add illustrations.  This can be used as we continue through the school year especially during test review time.