Geography+and+History,+Kristine+Coffel

The geography lessons put together for both the 1st and 5th grade are using the examining information skill highlighted in Amy Irving’s Nine Step Information Skills model. The geography lessons also focus on the attainment of the following Indiana Academic Standards for grades K-12:
 * Inquiry Skill**

//Geography// //1.3 Students will identify the basic elements of maps and globes and explain basic facts concerning the relationship of the sun to daily and seasonal weather. They will identify selected geographic characteristics of their home, school and neighborhood.// //5.3// //Students will describe the Earth/sun relationship and use global grid systems. They will identify regions; describe physical and cultural characteristics; and locate states, capitals and major physical features of the United States. They will also explain the changing interaction of people with their environment in regions of the United States and show how the United States is related geographically to the rest of the world.//

Looking at the Indiana standards, one can see the maturation required from the learner as they progress from grades 1 to 5. A spatial representation of the earth is introduced at the 1st grade level to get students thinking about the spherical model in general. By the time the student reaches the 5th grade level, a more in-depth understanding of the spherical model and the implications on the earth’s environment and cultures is expected. The history lesson chosen ties in perfectly with the geography lesson and would allow the teacher to integrate the examination of the spatial aspects of the earth with the discovery of the United States by Christopher Columbus. The examination of Christopher Columbus will be different at the different age levels and will focus on the Indiana Standards for history:

//History// //1.1// //Students will identify continuity and change in the different environments around them, including school and neighborhood communities, and identify individuals, events and symbols that are important to our country.// //5.1// //Students will describe the historical movements that influenced the development of the United States from pre-Columbian times up to 1800, with an emphasis on the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.//

Both lessons are from the social sciences covering geography and history which are important topics in information literacy and highlighted in the Indiana Academic Standards. The grades selected were 1st and 5th, both at the elementary school level of the education process. There is enough differentiation between the maturity at the 1st and 5th grade level to teach the same material but in a much more in-depth manner at the older age level.
 * Overview**

Globe of the earth (multiple if possible for student sharing) Full size world wall map to demonstrate bodies of water versus land areas 8 ½ x 11 flat map of the world that can be cut out and pasted by the students Crayons (preferably blue, green, and brown) Scissors Glue, paste, or tape The teacher should begin the lesson by showing the students the globe of the earth and pointing out where on the globe where the students are. The teacher should also build up the excitement of the students that they are going to make their own personal globe. At this point, the teacher should pass out the maps to be colored to the students and have the students get out their crayons in preparation for coloring. At this point, the teacher should utilize the world wall map and explain that this is another representation of the earth that is similar to the globe. The teacher should begin pointing out the blue areas, which are water, and then the land areas, which will be green or brown on the student’s maps. The students should color their maps comparable to the wall map and then cut out their globe pieces and assemble them with assistance from the teacher and aides. The teacher should plan on displaying all the student globes.
 * __1st Grade – Geography Lesson__**
 * Teaching Materials**
 * Student Materials**
 * Lesson Plan**

Globe of the earth (multiple if possible for student sharing) Full size world wall map 8 ½ x 11 flat map of the world with longitudes and latitudes Internet access for students to research locations Social Studies textbook Colored pencils or markers If possible, arrange the students into small groups of 4 or 5. Give each group a globe and ask the students to examine the globe and list any characteristics they may notice. Have a discussion about the characteristics they found including the tilt of the earth, the hemispheres and the gridlines. Explain the importance of all the concepts and demonstrate using the globe. Also, formally introduce the concepts of longitude and latitude, the gridline system of the earth and explain how this can be utilized locations on the earth. At this point, move to an online environment and provide the students a list of longitudes and latitudes and have them find these locations and mark then on the provided map. Be sure to give the current longitude and latitude of the school so students can compare their location with the others provided. This is also an ideal time to reintroduce the seven continents and have the students compare and contrast their hemispheres, longitudes, latitudes and explore implications on their environments.
 * __5th Grade – Geography Lesson__**
 * Teaching Materials**
 * Student Materials**
 * Lesson Plan**

From the above lessons, the maturation level of the student is definitely different when comparing 1st to 5th graders. This is expected as there is 4-5 years in age differences and cognitive, mechanical, and physical skills have matured. The coloring exercise at the 1st grade level maybe difficult for some students but the concept of water being blue and land being green or brown will help enforce the difference in the two as the student progresses. A lot more teacher and aide assistance maybe required at the 1st grade level and this should be expected. By the time the student reaches the 5th grade, they should have an understanding that the earth is round / spherical. The idea of the 5th grade lesson is to introduce the spherical terminology and the grid system used as a location tool. The approach is taken at both grade level lessons emphasizes the information skill of examining. The examination becomes more in-depth in the 5th grade level and involves the students in the examination and research process by providing a longitudinal and latitudinal exercise. IT makes sense at the 1st grade level that exercise if much more guided by the teacher and requires the students to produce in the end an art project that can be exhibited for pride and a sense of self accomplishment.
 * Lesson Comparison**

__**Resources**__ [|world-lat-long.jpg] [|LandAndWater.pdf]