GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION

If you having been following the news lately, central European countries such as Germany and Poland are experiencing major flooding right now.  Compare this image above to one where the Elbe isn’t flooding and you’ll quickly be able to visualize extent of the flooding.

Tags: Germany, remote sensing,disasters, environment, geospatial.

This imagined geography in the Hunger Games is loosely based on what a post-apocalyptic North America (that’s partially submerged) might look like.  This is but one of the many maps collected on this pinterest board that I found through GISetc. 

We’ve all heard stories about the horrible air quality in Beijing (especially during the 2008 Olympics).  Here’s a picture of Beijing by Tom Anderson that I find riveting.  The skies are horribly polluted but this image shows two competing cities that are at odds with each other; on the one hand the cosmopolitan capital that is sophisticated and technologically advanced.  On the other side we see the industrial city that is recklessly producing copious amounts of consumer products with little regard for the environment or worker safety.  These are both true reflections of China in the 21st century and the tension between the two will be one of China’s great issues in the foreseeable future.       

Tags: pollution, planning, development, economic, megacities, East Asia, industry.

This image is from June 11, 2013, but if you click on the link you will see an image of Popocatépetl that is refreshed every minute.  This massive volcano looms over Mexico City and plays a key role in the mythology of the city.  The images are taken from a relatively new station in Tochimilco (clouds or intense weather might occasionally limit the visibility of the volcano).

Tags: Mexico, physical.

Essay #3 for the AP Human Geography 2013 exam focused on how railroads and highways impacted the size and form of U.S. cities.  Andy Baker, one of the great readers on that question has put together an interactive map filled with tangible examples of how Indianapolis’ land use history has been heavily influenced by the railroads and highways.  This would be a great resource to prepare students to answer that FRQ. 

Tags: transportation, urban, models, APHG.

Many feel that corporate expansion within the food industries is inevitable because that’s what we are currently experiencing in many countries including the United States.  Bolivia proves an example of a country that that has rejected corporate hegemony in the marketplace because they support traditional food choices and local vendors.  Keep in mind that we shouldn’t overly romanticize Bolivia, but they are a compelling example that shows the consumers can impact the food options in marketplace.

Tags: food, South America, folk cultures, indigenous, culture, Bolivia.

This article highlights a fascinating cultural shift that impacts the migrants that come to the United States.  The second generation might have more money but they tend to live shorter lives than their parents.  As the next generation becomes integrated into American pop culture, the dietary patterns unhealthy habits follow. 

Tags: migration, popular culture, population, food, culture.