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Place and Flash Mobs

The idea of flash mobs has spread quickly, diffusing at a time when online video sharing can immortalize the moment in time and social media can amplify the audience beyond just one place.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

I LOVE this particular flashmob (as a bonus, ‘read’ the cultural landscape to try to identify where this took place). While there are many types of successful flash mobs, all share one characteristic: place matters. The place where a flash mob performs is not simply a stage; place is a crucial part of the meaning of the flash mob. An incredibly prominent place with open spaces and many sight lines is a prime location for a flash mob. Beyond these tangible characteristics, if a site has some importance cultural significance, those qualities can be meshed with the meanings of the flash mob. For more of my musings on flashmobs (and extra clips) you can continue reading here: https://geographyeducation.org/whats-new/articles/place-and-flash-mobs/

Tags: place, space, diffusion, popular culture.

See on www.youtube.com

December 22, 2012 0

The Global Religious Landscape

A country-by-country analysis of data from more than 2,500 censuses, surveys and population registers finds that 84% of adults and children around the globe are religiously affiliated.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life is one of the best sources for information of culture and religion. This is a great data set of global religions, complete with maps, charts and graphs.

Tags: religion, culture, unit 3 culture.

See on www.pewforum.org

December 21, 2012 0

Visualizing Seismic Waves

Movie showing ground motion of four earthquakes propagating across a high density seismic array in Long Beach, California. Data was recorded by NodalSeismic,…

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

Seismic activity is to be expected in the Los Angeles region as the major hazard threat in the area. This area has a great number of sensors which now allows us to visualize seismic waves better than ever before. This video show 4 earthquakes (starting at 0:45, 2:20, 6:00, and 8:35). For more information on the science behind this clip, read the adptly named blog, The Trembling Earth.

Tags: visualization, disasters, physical, Los Angeles.

See on www.youtube.com

December 21, 2012 0

Geography game: how well do you know the world?

Play the Global development game: identify the world’s countries and territories, rank them according to GDP then fingers at the ready for the picture round

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

This game is not as simple as it may appear. The first round challenges you to be able to recall basic facts, the second has you comparing countries while the third asks you about global current events. Hopefully geography education around the world can get past that ‘1st round’ and into deeper content. Good luck (Hint: use a computer with a mouse since locating the countries on the map is a timed activity).

Tags: games, K12.

See on www.guardian.co.uk

December 21, 2012 0

NatGeo’s APHG page

Resources from National Geographic Education to support teachers and learners of the Advanced Placement Human Geography course.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

The National Geographic Education Foundation works to assist teachers to promote the status of and quality of geography education. In keeping with that mission they have recently revamped their AP Human Geography page, dividing all their resources according to the 7 major units of the course (in the “tags” section below, I have attempted to do the same):

Tags: APHG, unit 1, unit 2, unit 3, unit 4, unit 5, unit 6, unit 7.

See on education.nationalgeographic.com

December 20, 2012 0

Discover Ancient Rome in Google Earth

See Rome as it looked in 320 AD and fly down to see famous buildings and monuments in 3D. Select the “Ancient Rome 3D” layer under Gallery in Google Earth. D…

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

What happens whe you teach ancient historical geography using modern geospatial technologies? Great things can happen and new perspectives on the world can open up for students and teachers alike.

Tags: historical, google, virtual tours, Italy, geospatial, edtech.

See on www.youtube.com

December 19, 2012 0

How Wal-Mart Used Payoffs to Get Its Way in Mexico

Wal-Mart de Mexico was an aggressive and creative corrupter, offering large payoffs to get what the law otherwise prohibited, an examination by The New York Times found.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

Wal-Mart officials worked hard to ensure that zoning regulations were changed so that they could bring a store to a coveted location. They built a Wal-Mart in the shadows of arguably Mexico’s most important world heritage site–the pyramids of Teotihuacán. This investigative report uncovers the illegal steps that Wal-Mart took to force through their agenda.

Questions to Ponder: Why would Wal-Mart be so keen on this particular location? Why would some in Mexico oppose this project so fiercely? Would Wal-Mart behave in such a manner in the United States?

Tags: Mexico, industry, planning, culture, location, place.

See on www.nytimes.com

December 18, 2012 0

As Kurds Fight for Freedom in Syria, Fears Rise in Turkey

Watch As Kurds Fight for Freedom in Syria, Fears Rise in Turkey on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

As Kurds Fight for Freedom in Syria, Fears Rise in Turkey of Following Suit

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

Since the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Kurds have been caught in other people’s plans for what the states of the Middle East should look like and are the largest ‘stateless nation’ in the world. Divided between Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey, the Kurds have not been able to politically mobilize support for Kurdistan as they have been violently oppressed in these countries. The Kurds in Iraq have been able to gain political autonomy with the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, and the Syrian Kurds are hoping to do the same if and when the Assad regime crumbles at the end of the civil war. This make Turkey concerned that the Kurds in the southeastern part of Turkey will make renewed efforts to push for sovereignty.

UPDATE: This PBS feature explains the historic timeline of the important political events for the Kurds in Iraq.This article from the Economist focuses on the key reason that outside forces won’t leave the Kurds alone: oil.

Tags: Syria, ethnic, conflict, political, Turkey, culture, devolution.

See on video.pbs.org

December 18, 2012 0