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 * Understanding: Geography**

This [|lesson plan] is from the [|Discovery Education] site, and centers around having students watch the Understanding: Geography [|video], although the activities could be useful as part of a teacher-directed lesson as well. After the video, discuss the science of geography including what types of things geographers study. Briefly discuss the relationship between a place's cultures and industries and its geography. Explain that students will create maps of their own neighborhoods to discuss culture and economy. Share maps of the local area and discuss what kinds of things might be found on such maps. Introduce features common in maps, such as scales and symbol keys. Discuss students' own neighborhoods.

Have students begin making neighborhood maps as homework. Instruct students to start at their houses and walk one or two blocks in each compass direction, taking note of and sketching whatever they find. Have students draw their maps during the next class period. Each student should create a key to explain symbols used to represent features on their map. When finished, students will write a descriptive paragraph about their neighborhood. Finish the lesson with a whole-class discussion where everyone will share their maps and identify similarities and differences, as well as the interaction between geography and economy in the area.

This lesson plan stands out because it takes an [|abstract] concept, maps, and connects it to something very concrete, the student's own neighborhood. Many children find it easier to[| learn this way], particularly kids with special needs. Another strength in this lesson plan is that it fosters [|community in the classroom] by getting students talking about their neighborhoods.

This lesson plan addresses our standard but is geared more to deal with culture than physical geography. It could be modified to include less discussion of culture and economy and more time reading and creating maps. I would also like to see the students include a scale in their maps.

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