US Enrichment

Where is the one place that you want to visit in the United States? 

Your enrichment assignment is to write a one page response to the question where would you like to visit in the United States, providing the reasons why you want to go there.  You must also provide a map of where it is located in the United States and a map of the state that it is in (showing its location).   It may be helpful to do some research about the place that you chose to show that you have some background knowledge of the location. 

Example:

I have always wanted to travel to New York and see Niagara Falls.   Niagara Falls is the largest waterfalls in the United States.  It connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and is on the border of both the United States and Canada.  This feature is known for its immense power and beauty.  I would take a boat ride at the bottom of the falls to get a closer look at its strength and beauty...

US States Game

This is a fun game to practice those US States and Capitals! 

Lots of levels to choose from so everyone should be challenged!

 US Geography - Map Game

Minnesota Enrichment

Our great state has a lot to offer - from lakes and rivers to urban area and rural farms.  As the department of tourism says "Explore Minnesota".

As your assignment, you will design a five day vacation in our state.  Along with an itinerary, you must also supply pictures of the places you plan to see and a map of the state showing your locations. 

Hint:  It might be helpful to do a little research on unique or interesting features of our state.  It could make for some interesting reading.  Also think about places you have been to or have heard of - what do you already know about our state that you can use.

See the abbreviated example below:

Minnesota Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Travel from Anoka to Olivia, the Corn Capital of our state. Visit a rural farm.

Day 2 - Travel from Olivia to Brainerd and find Paul Bunyan. 

Day 3 - Travel from Brainerd to Ely to see the Superior National Forest. 

Mental Mapping

One of the goals I have for students throughout the course is for them to leave with a better mental picture of the world.  Skills like being able to recall all the continents, oceans, many countries and even cities throughout the world is a very valuable skill. Geography is all around us.  As a teacher, I try to bring geography to students in many different ways.  Below are a couple helpful hints for parents and students to practice geography skills at home.

Parents - At home there are many simple things that you can do to help your student become more geographically aware.  You can discuss driving routes and directions.  You can talk about current events around the world or country and locate where they are happening on a map.  You can have your student plan a family trip.  You can discuss culture and traditions in your home or visit a place with different cultures/traditions than you practice.  The possibilities are really endless. 

Students - As the year goes on, we will be practicing mapping skills.  An easy way for you to test your own skills is to try to draw a map of the world by memory.  Using just a piece of paper, pencil and your brain see what you can come up with.  What do you remember?  What things do you forget?  This information can help to show your strengths but also areas for improvement. 

Google Earth Game

Here is a fantastic Google Earth Quiz for all you geography fans out there! 

Can you make an educated guess where the Google Earth pictures are?

The closer you get to the actual location the more points you will earn!

Put on your thinking caps and give it a try!!

http://geoguessr.com