Articles, E-Mail and Web Links about Geography

---

= Article or E-mail you'll find right here on MiddleWeb
= A good link on the topic we've checked out ourselves

Great Geography Data -- Arc Data Online allows you to browse a world of geographic data to create live maps of specific areas of interest. Maps can include a variety of information, such as floodplains, earthquake zones, and demographics. A great source of graphic representations of detailed data.

GeoBee Challenge -- National Geographic for Kids is posting five new geography questions each day on its GeoBee Quiz page. "Some of the questions are real stumpers, but it's okay if you miss a few."

Mapit Zapit -- "The Mapit Zapit Game has thirteen different maps: one map shows the United States, and the twelve others show different parts of the world. For each map, the game works the same way. The object of the game is to earn points by clicking a state or country name in its correct geographic bed on the map." Fast-moving Java game can be played at four levels of difficulty.

National Geographic Society Lesson Plans -- Provides teachers with 177 integrated geography lessons (k-12).

PBS TeacherSource Geography Lessons -- Designed for the middle grades.

Geography Lesson Plans -- These historical and cultural geography lessons (k-12) were created by students at Abilene Christian University. Also see the plans for 1998 and 1997.

Web Earth Science for Teachers -- For ideas on weather-related projects, check out *USA Today*'s "Web Earth Science for Teachers." Resources range from weather-related links for kids to an interactive look at how to make your own tornadoes. Teacher-friendly site includes links to classroom help and lesson plans. And here's an interdisciplinary weather unit, "Weather Here and There", suitable for Grade 6. Combines math, science, geography, and language arts. Six lessons.

Earth and Sky -- If you've ever heard the "Earth and Sky" reports on National Public Radio, you know that the folks at E&S do a great job of keeping us up to date on celestial events. Teachers and students interested in the goings-on of the stars and planets can plan their nightly viewings here. There's also a teacher's lounge, contests for kids, and in-depth articles on earth science and astronomy. A terrific service.

Education World's Great Geography Links -- This page profiles one middle school teacher's internet-based geography lessons and includes more than a dozen good sites for geography study.

Totally Wic-kid -- Totally Wic-kid is a travel mystery site for kids, and includes games and activities. For those who want to become members, a new part of the site becomes available. In this inner sanctum, users can help solve the mystery of the Wic-kid or check out and add to the Wic-kid jokes, art, and travel stories.

"The Flood of '97" - A timely example of one Louisville, Kentucky middle school teacher's experimentation with standards-based authentic assessment, complete with assignments, a scoring guide, and an example of student work.

National Geographic's Geography Education pages -- Wonderful resources, of course.

National Geographic Society Xpeditions -- Education World gave this site an A+. Built around the national geography standards, the site includes an atlas, forums, an Xpedition hall, and an archive of standards-based materials. "Very interactive and beautifully illustrated."

National Council for Geographic Education

Geography Lesson Plans -- And other resources from the Florida Geography Alliance.

Working with Maps - The USGS presents several activities that will help teach the concepts of reading all kinds of maps. For students grades 5-8. Teacher guide and links to other topics on earth sciences and global changes. Nicely done.

GeoGranite - Geography resources from the New Hampshire geography alliance.

Exploration in Education -- ExInEd offers students access to the latest NASA discoveries. The site includes electronic picture books for students of geography, planetary science, and astrophysics.

"Helping Your Child Learn Geography" - Ideas teachers can share with parents and even use themselves. This 32-page booklet offers information on geography standards plus an updated resource section that includes geography-related software & web sites. Check it out on line.

Rivers of Life: Mississippi Adventure -- Students who live along flooding rivers in Minnesota and Wisconsin posted their own daily reports and photographs. Interactive program includes river-related classroom activities. Models how students can use the Internet to engage in pressing issues and events. A subscription service, but many resources are accessible without signing up. High quality site by the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University in St. Paul.

The Mathematics of Cartography -- Combines geography and mathematics through its expoloration of the history and mathematical concepts behind maps.