GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION

One of the great results of the decennial census is that geographers, demographers, sociologists, urbanists and countless others, can track the same population or spatial pattern and note historical changes over a 10 year span.  This series of maps and charts highlights some of the major changes.  You shouldn’t be surprised that Atlanta is the United States’ most sprawling major city and that San Francisco is the most compact, but this article dives beneath surface in a way that is still very accessible.   

Tags:  urban, unit 7 cities, housing, sprawl, neighborhood,  planning, density, planning. 

To quote coastal geologist Robert Oldale, “Many people view coastal erosion as a problem that needs to be addressed and, if possible, prevented.  However, storm and wave erosion along the shore of Cape Cod has been going on for thousands of years and will likely continue for thousands of years more. It is a natural process that allows the Cape to adjust to rising sea level. Erosion is only a peril to property. If we build on the shore, we must accept the fact that sooner or later coastal erosion will take the property away.”

Tags: coastal, remote sensing, mapping, erosion, landscape.

This TED-ED lesson was produced in part by an AP Human Geography teacher and the strands of geographic thought in this video are evident.  More geographers should make their own TED ED lessons; thanks for blazing the trail Shannon! 

Tags: TED, worldwide, transportation, globalization, diffusion, historical, and video.

A more informed, globally aware citizenry helps to strengthen U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic efforts; we need citizens with a spatial framework within which to organize political, environmental, cultural and economic information.  This interview with political science professor Michael McFaul is a great introduction to understanding Russia, Putin and today’s most pressing geopolitical issue.    

Tags: Russia, Ukraine, geopolitics, political.

This TED-ED lesson briefly summarizes the history of urban development and the technological advances that enable it.  Towards the end of the video they offer some suggestions that would make cities more sustainable as urban populations continue to grow.  What do you think of these suggestions?  

Tags: historical, urban, planning, TED. 

GIS is not just for geography classes; spatial thinking and spatial data management can help students learn a variety of subjects including history.  This free ebook will help history teachers to see how to unlock the power of Geographic Information Systems. 

Tags: mapping, historical, GIS, geospatial, edtech.

Field Trips in a National Park can be an incredible experience in a outstanding learning environment.  The National Park Service has produced many lesson plans, videos, distant learning programs, and resources for teachers to give them opportunities to experience the National Parks online.  These resources are available for a wide range of subjects and grade levels.  Where is the nearest U.S. National Park to your community?     

California has had three consecutive years of below average rainfall and most reservoirs are far below their designed capacity; amid a drought this severe and wildfires, it is startling to hear of a project to restore some of the Colorado River Basin’s natural patterns and ecology.  

Tags: physical, remote sensing, California, water, environment, urban ecology.