Geography & Culture

Essential Questions

Geography’s Impact on Humanity

Library/Computer Class
First Quarter Fall 2011
7th/8th grade

Essential Questions:
1.How has geography impacted the culture of humanity?
2.How has geography impacted my own life?

Working Definition

Geography:
1: a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth's surface 2: the geographic features of an area
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geography

Resources

Recommended/Approved Resources
1) Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org/
Click "resources by subject"
Click "social sciences"
Click "geography"

2) ABC-CLIO http://americanhistory.abc-clio.com
American History
World History: The Modern Era
United States Geography
World Geography

3) Encyclopedia Britannica Online School Edition K-12 http://school.eb.com/

4) Gale Databases http://www.accessmyschool.com/cps/
Gale Subjects in Context - citations provided; listening featureDISCovering Collection - citations provided; Spanish translation available

5) Student Resource Center JuniorGale Virtual Reference Library

6) Newsbank http://www.infoweb.newsbank.com
The electronic editions of record for valuable local, regional, and national U.S. newspapers - all in one easy-to-search database.

7) Public Broadcasting System http://www.pbs.org/

8) Safari Montage: Visual Learning Service on Demand http://cpsondemandk8.cps.k12.il.us/SAFARI/montage/login.php
Select Inter-American Magnet SchoolSign in using your First Class username and password

9) Google.com http://www.google.com/
Narrow your searches by using Timeline or Wonder Wheel features (under "More Search Tools") or the Advanced Search option

10) Google Maps http://maps.google.com/
Google Earth http://www.google.com/earth/index.html This service requires a download at home.

Project Details

Library/Computer Class
First Quarter
Fall 2011
7th/8th grade

Geography’s Impact on Humanity

Big 6 Skill 1: Task Definition
Students explore different types of maps in a shared reading of My Map Book by Sara Fanelli.

Working alone or in pairs, students create a “journey” that includes at least two different locations to analyze and research. The student “journey” can be inspired by almost anything, including “maps” viewed in My Map Book. The specific points on the journey may be inspired by historical fact, personal experience (including past and present family experiences), works of literature, or various combinations of these. Students will explore and discover how the geography of their selected locations has impacted human culture (e.g. history, the arts [music, dance, theatre, sports, etc.], food traditions, technology, religious practices, economic activity, etc.).

Students must include a minimum of 6 of the following 8 elements in their final project. Elements marked with an asterisk (*) are REQUIRED.

1. * Physical Map – A.) Student projects feature a physical map that features all locations on the student journey (minimum of two). B.) Students will highlight the locations on the map and state the names of the selected locations on their journey. If students are focusing on a time other than the present, they should clearly indicate that.

2. * Connecting geography to culture - Students analyze the geography of their selected locations, reporting relevant geographical features and their connection to cultural realities of the past or the present.

3. * Photographs of locations – A.) Students include photos of the locations on the journey that feature relevant geographical features of the location. B.) Students describe the photos with detailed information about the relevant geographical features.

4. Connecting geography to history – Students with an established connection between their journey and historical information will provide the following: A.) a clear description of how, when, and where geographical factors impacted culture; and B). a connection between the historical circumstances and the present day.

5. Connecting geography to literature – Students with an established connection between their journey and a work of literature will detail the connection, providing the following: A.) a brief summary of how and why the book’s action took place in the given locations; and B.) a brief summary of how the geographical features of the location impacted the book’s setting.

6. Connecting geography to personal experience – Students with a connection between their locations and personal experiences provide a detailed description of the personal connection to the locations. Students are encouraged to gather information from family or community members and to report that information (attributed to those individuals) in their projects.

7. * Challenges – A.) Students identify past or present challenges or threats to the well-being of the inhabitants of the locations on their journey and indicate whether or not these challenges or threats are related in any way to the geography of the locations. B.) Students will report what efforts are being made to confront these challenges.

8. Artwork – A.) Students include an image (e.g. photograph, work of visual art, etc.) that is symbolic of each location of their journey. B.) Students provide analysis of the image (e.g. artist information, medium, year created, artist commentary). If the image is the work of an IAMS art student, commentary about the artwork by the student artist is included.

Big 6 Skill 2: Information Seeking Strategies
Students select approved online resources and print resources using SOAR. Students complete the website evaluation form posted on the project wiki to verify the validity of any online resources not on the recommended list.

Big 6 Skill 3: Location and Access
Students utilize search terms to locate print and digital items to support research. Students seek other good search terms to enhance the success of their searches.

Big 6 Skill 4: Use of Information
Students read, reread, and analyze relevant items to identify and extract information needed information to address at least six key elements listed under Task Definition.

Students save and organize information using Wikispaces.com as a communication and collaboration tool. Students create and populate pages on their wikis with the following:
• Journal – Students will maintain a journal of their research and creative processes, writing at least two weekly entries describing their progress and their logic (for example, why they decided to use specific tools, why they searched for specific information, how their research process led them to new ideas and discoveries, etc.).

• Key elements – For information addressing the key elements;

• Relevant images – For uploading relevant images (with URL’s inserted beneath each image);

• Citations and Links – For bibliography citations for all items used in this project in APA format (citations provided in the sources or citations generated by Son of Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/ )

• Presentation scripts – to be approved by teacher before making recordings or giving live presentations

Big 6 Skill 5: Synthesis
Students organize information from multiple sources and organize it in a logical manner to create a narrated slideshow using PowerPoint and Voicethread.com. The slide presentations will feature graphic images (photos, illustrations, etc.) and minimal text in a large font size. Students compose scripts on their research wikis (one per slide) to be read aloud by all group members in their voicethread recordings.

Voicethreads must contain the following:
1.) Information which addresses at least six key elements.
2.) Bibliography with APA-style citations for all resources utilized (minimum of four)

Big 6 Skill 3: Evaluation
Students will utilize the evaluation rubric throughout the process to ensure completion of all requirements.

Students will view and listen to the final projects of other groups. They will provide feedback utilizing a Google-generated survey form posted on the project page of the school library website.

Library/Computer Class First Quarter Fall 2011 7th/8th grade Geography’s Impact on Humanity Big 6 Skill 1: Task Definition Students explore different types of maps in a shared reading of My Map Book by Sara Fanelli. Working alone or in pairs, students create a “journey” that includes at least two different locations to analyze and research. The student “journey” can be inspired by almost anything, including “maps” viewed in My Map Book. The specific points on the journey may be inspired by historical fact, personal experience (including past and present family experiences), works of literature, or various combinations of these. Students will explore and discover how the geography of their selected locations has impacted human culture (e.g. history, the arts [music, dance, theatre, sports, etc.], food traditions, technology, religious practices, economic activity, etc.). Students must include a minimum of 6 of the following 8 elements in their final project. Elements marked with an asterisk (*) are REQUIRED. 1. * Physical Map – A.) Student projects feature a physical map that features all locations on the student journey (minimum of two). B.) Students will highlight the locations on the map and state the names of the selected locations on their journey. If students are focusing on a time other than the present, they should clearly indicate that. 2. * Connecting geography to culture - Students analyze the geography of their selected locations, reporting relevant geographical features and their connection to cultural realities of the past or the present. 3. * Photographs of locations – A.) Students include photos of the locations on the journey that feature relevant geographical features of the location. B.) Students describe the photos with detailed information about the relevant geographical features. 4. Connecting geography to history – Students with an established connection between their journey and historical information will provide the following: A.) a clear description of how, when, and where geographical factors impacted culture; and B). a connection between the historical circumstances and the present day. 5. Connecting geography to literature – Students with an established connection between their journey and a work of literature will detail the connection, providing the following: A.) a brief summary of how and why the book’s action took place in the given locations; and B.) a brief summary of how the geographical features of the location impacted the book’s setting. 6. Connecting geography to personal experience – Students with a connection between their locations and personal experiences provide a detailed description of the personal connection to the locations. Students are encouraged to gather information from family or community members and to report that information (attributed to those individuals) in their projects. 7. * Challenges – A.) Students identify past or present challenges or threats to the well-being of the inhabitants of the locations on their journey and indicate whether or not these challenges or threats are related in any way to the geography of the locations. B.) Students will report what efforts are being made to confront these challenges. 8. Artwork – A.) Students include an image (e.g. photograph, work of visual art, etc.) that is symbolic of each location of their journey. B.) Students provide analysis of the image (e.g. artist information, medium, year created, artist commentary). If the image is the work of an IAMS art student, commentary about the artwork by the student artist is included. Big 6 Skill 2: Information Seeking Strategies Students select approved online resources and print resources using SOAR. Students complete the website evaluation form posted on the project wiki to verify the validity of any online resources not on the recommended list. Big 6 Skill 3: Location and Access Students utilize search terms to locate print and digital items to support research. Students seek other good search terms to enhance the success of their searches. Big 6 Skill 4: Use of Information Students read, reread, and analyze relevant items to identify and extract information needed information to address at least six key elements listed under Task Definition. Students save and organize information using Wikispaces.com as a communication and collaboration tool. Students create and populate pages on their wikis with the following: • Journal – Students will maintain a journal of their research and creative processes, writing at least two weekly entries describing their progress and their logic (for example, why they decided to use specific tools, why they searched for specific information, how their research process led them to new ideas and discoveries, etc.). • Key elements – For information addressing the key elements; • Relevant images – For uploading relevant images (with URL’s inserted beneath each image); • Citations and Links – For bibliography citations for all items used in this project in APA format (citations provided in the sources or citations generated by Son of Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/ ) • Presentation scripts – to be approved by teacher before making recordings or giving live presentations Big 6 Skill 5: Synthesis Students organize information from multiple sources and organize it in a logical manner to create a narrated slideshow using PowerPoint and Voicethread.com. The slide presentations will feature graphic images (photos, illustrations, etc.) and minimal text in a large font size. Students compose scripts on their research wikis (one per slide) to be read aloud by all group members in their voicethread recordings. Voicethreads must contain the following: 1.) Information which addresses at least six key elements. 2.) Bibliography with APA-style citations for all resources utilized (minimum of four) Big 6 Skill 3: Evaluation Students will utilize the evaluation rubric throughout the process to ensure completion of all requirements. Students will view and listen to the final projects of other groups. They will provide feedback utilizing a Google-generated survey form posted on the project page of the school library website.

Creating A Wikispace

Library/Computer Class
First Quarter
Fall 2011
7th/8th grade

Wikis are a great online tool for sharing and communication for individuals, groups, and organizations. They can also be a great tool for supporting, recording and sharing the research process.

With your assigned partners, create a wiki with the following five pages:
1. Journal;
2. Key elements;
3. Relevant images;
4. Citations and links; and
5. Presentation script.

You will create and name five pages in your wiki and load each page with the content as specified in the assignment.

Getting started…
1. Go to http://www.wikispaces.com

2. Log in using your username and password provided to your group

3. Click “Create a New Wiki”

4. Where it says, “Make a new wiki,” A.) Enter a wiki name that is the SAME AS YOUR USERNAME; B.) Under “Wiki permissions” select “Protected” C.) Under “Wiki type” select K-12 (Primary and Secondary), and D.) Click “Create.”

5. Managing wiki
Customizing the appearance of your wiki: “Manage Wiki” > Settings “Look and feel” > “Themes and colors” Select a theme and a color scheme and click “Apply.”

6. Creating pages: “New Page” > Add name of page (e.g. Journal, Key elements, Relevant images, Citations and links, Script) and add tags > Click “Save” on Editor bar (You will come back to edit the page later each time you add content). Repeat this step until you have all the pages you want. As you add pages, those page names are automatically added to your navigation bar.

7. Editing/saving content: Click to the page you want to edit > Click “edit” or “edit this page” > Add text, links, widgets, tables, or files (including images, text documents, power point presentations, excel spreadsheets, etc.) > click “Save.”

8. Open the document “Q1 Geography ASSIGNMENT Lib-Comp.doc” from the project page. Copy the description of the key elements and paste it into the “key elements” page of your wiki.

9. Adding links: While in “edit” mode, select the text you want to make linkable > click “link” on editor bar > select “External Link” tab > type in or copy and paste the link > Click box that says “New window” > Click “Add Link” > Click “Save” on Editor bar. You can also copy and paste URL’s onto any page. After doing so, select, the entire URL, click “link” on editor bar, click the box that says “New Window,” and then click, “Add link.” This will allow you to navigate to those links later without exiting your wiki.

Do not include your last names, images of your faces (or the faces classmates, friends or family) or any other identifying information in your wiki. Save your work often!

Good Luck!

Library/Computer Class First Quarter Fall 2011 7th/8th grade Wikis are a great online tool for sharing and communication for individuals, groups, and organizations. They can also be a great tool for supporting, recording and sharing the research process. With your assigned partners, create a wiki with the following five pages: 1. Journal; 2. Key elements; 3. Relevant images; 4. Citations and links; and 5. Presentation script. You will create and name five pages in your wiki and load each page with the content as specified in the assignment. Getting started… 1. Go to http://www.wikispaces.com 2. Log in using your username and password provided to your group 3. Click “Create a New Wiki” 4. Where it says, “Make a new wiki,” A.) Enter a wiki name that is the SAME AS YOUR USERNAME; B.) Under “Wiki permissions” select “Protected” C.) Under “Wiki type” select K-12 (Primary and Secondary), and D.) Click “Create.” 5. Managing wiki Customizing the appearance of your wiki: “Manage Wiki” > Settings “Look and feel” > “Themes and colors” Select a theme and a color scheme and click “Apply.” 6. Creating pages: “New Page” > Add name of page (e.g. Journal, Key elements, Relevant images, Citations and links, Script) and add tags > Click “Save” on Editor bar (You will come back to edit the page later each time you add content). Repeat this step until you have all the pages you want. As you add pages, those page names are automatically added to your navigation bar. 7. Editing/saving content: Click to the page you want to edit > Click “edit” or “edit this page” > Add text, links, widgets, tables, or files (including images, text documents, power point presentations, excel spreadsheets, etc.) > click “Save.” 8. Open the document “Q1 Geography ASSIGNMENT Lib-Comp.doc” from the project page. Copy the description of the key elements and paste it into the “key elements” page of your wiki. 9. Adding links: While in “edit” mode, select the text you want to make linkable > click “link” on editor bar > select “External Link” tab > type in or copy and paste the link > Click box that says “New window” > Click “Add Link” > Click “Save” on Editor bar. You can also copy and paste URL’s onto any page. After doing so, select, the entire URL, click “link” on editor bar, click the box that says “New Window,” and then click, “Add link.” This will allow you to navigate to those links later without exiting your wiki. Do not include your last names, images of your faces (or the faces classmates, friends or family) or any other identifying information in your wiki. Save your work often! Good Luck!

Voicethread Instructions

Voicethread.com http://iams.ed.voicethread.com/

Voicethread.com is a tool for creating online digital stories. It is great technology tool for information sharing and creative expression and a fun alternative to PowerPoint presentations or traditional writing. http://iams.ed.voicethread.com/

1. Convert PowerPoint slides into individual JPEG files. From within PowerPoint, save the document using SAVE AS. In the pull-down window called, “SAVE AS TYPE,” select “JPEG FILE INTERCHANGE FORMAT.” When asked about exporting “every slide or only the current slide,” select EVERY SLIDE to convert all slides at once or CURRENT SLIDE to convert only the slide you are viewing at the moment. Then upload those individual slides in JPEG format into Voicethread. Consider renaming the individual JPG’s in alphabetical so that they will be imported in the proper order in Voicethread.

2. Sign into Voicethread at http://iams.ed.voicethread.com/ using the username and password provided by the teacher.

***** NEW AND IMPORTANT: If you sign in from the non-education sign-in page OR if you are signing in on an iPad, please add the following to your assigned username: @iams.ed.voicethread.com

3. From the CREATE tab, select 1. UPLOAD to upload photos into Voicethread. Import your PowerPoint slides in JPEG format.

4. Sequence your slides as you wish. Add or subtract slides whenever you want.

***** NEW AND IMPORTANT: Before making any audio recordings, you must adjust the microphone settings by following these steps:
From the Start Button (round MICROSOFT symbol at lower left)
Control Panel
Sound
Recordings
Microphone
Properties
Levels
Microphone (up all the way)
Boost (up about 1/3)
Click OK (in Microphone Properties box)
Click OK AGAIN (in Sound box)

Listen to your playback from your first recording and adjust as necessary!!

5. Move on to 2. COMMENT. Under each slide, click COMMENT and then RECORD. Click STOP RECORDING when finished to hear it played back. If you like it, click SAVE and then move onto the next slide. If you don’t like your recording, click CANCEL and try your recording again.

6. If you want to erase an audio comment for any reason, click on the image of the wastebasket (to the left of your slide) while it is playing and then re-record your comment. If you don’t do this you might have multiple comments with the same information for the same slide!

7. Your last slides must contain your bibliography and photo credits.

8. While editing in the CREATE tab, click PLAYBACK OPTIONS and PUBLISHING OPTIONS to select your preferences.
• Under PUBLISHING OPTION definitely click the box where it says, “Allow anyone to view?” Do not the check box to allow others to comment!
• Under PLAYBACK OPTIONS, select “0” seconds before turning the slide and select , “Show full screen when opened.”
• Remember to SAVE those options!!

You can always go back to edit or delete your voicethreads.

Mr. Padron and Mr. Feeley have access to your voicethreads and the discretion to edit or delete them at all times.

Voicethread.com http://iams.ed.voicethread.com/ Voicethread.com is a tool for creating online digital stories. It is great technology tool for information sharing and creative expression and a fun alternative to PowerPoint presentations or traditional writing. http://iams.ed.voicethread.com/ 1. Convert PowerPoint slides into individual JPEG files. From within PowerPoint, save the document using SAVE AS. In the pull-down window called, “SAVE AS TYPE,” select “JPEG FILE INTERCHANGE FORMAT.” When asked about exporting “every slide or only the current slide,” select EVERY SLIDE to convert all slides at once or CURRENT SLIDE to convert only the slide you are viewing at the moment. Then upload those individual slides in JPEG format into Voicethread. Consider renaming the individual JPG’s in alphabetical so that they will be imported in the proper order in Voicethread. 2. Sign into Voicethread at http://iams.ed.voicethread.com/ using the username and password provided by the teacher. ***** NEW AND IMPORTANT: If you sign in from the non-education sign-in page OR if you are signing in on an iPad, please add the following to your assigned username: @iams.ed.voicethread.com 3. From the CREATE tab, select 1. UPLOAD to upload photos into Voicethread. Import your PowerPoint slides in JPEG format. 4. Sequence your slides as you wish. Add or subtract slides whenever you want. ***** NEW AND IMPORTANT: Before making any audio recordings, you must adjust the microphone settings by following these steps: From the Start Button (round MICROSOFT symbol at lower left) Control Panel Sound Recordings Microphone Properties Levels Microphone (up all the way) Boost (up about 1/3) Click OK (in Microphone Properties box) Click OK AGAIN (in Sound box) Listen to your playback from your first recording and adjust as necessary!! 5. Move on to 2. COMMENT. Under each slide, click COMMENT and then RECORD. Click STOP RECORDING when finished to hear it played back. If you like it, click SAVE and then move onto the next slide. If you don’t like your recording, click CANCEL and try your recording again. 6. If you want to erase an audio comment for any reason, click on the image of the wastebasket (to the left of your slide) while it is playing and then re-record your comment. If you don’t do this you might have multiple comments with the same information for the same slide! 7. Your last slides must contain your bibliography and photo credits. 8. While editing in the CREATE tab, click PLAYBACK OPTIONS and PUBLISHING OPTIONS to select your preferences. • Under PUBLISHING OPTION definitely click the box where it says, “Allow anyone to view?” Do not the check box to allow others to comment! • Under PLAYBACK OPTIONS, select “0” seconds before turning the slide and select , “Show full screen when opened.” • Remember to SAVE those options!! You can always go back to edit or delete your voicethreads. Mr. Padron and Mr. Feeley have access to your voicethreads and the discretion to edit or delete them at all times.