Houston (that's in Texas) we have a problem.
According to the 2006 Geographic Literacy Study, most American young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 have a limited understanding of basic geographic skills.
In fact, of those surveyed, only 54% answered all of the questions correctly. Among the findings:
- 37% could identify Iraq on a map.
- 88% can't find Afghanistan on a map.
- 20% think Sudan is in Asia.
- 48% believe the majority population in India is Muslim.
- 43% can't find Ohio on a map.
To combat this trend, the National Geographic Education Foundation has launched, My Wonderful World, a new literacy campaign designed to give kids the global knowledge they will need to survive in this increasingly "Flat World."
The My Wonderful World web site contains lesson plans, and other activities and resources for teachers, parents, and kids!
The Association of American Geographers (ARGUS) has compiled a myriad of geography teaching materials along with a text which contains 26 case studies that illustrate major geographic concepts, transparency masters, a teacher's guide, and an interactive CD.
Digital Geography is an UK-based website for teachers focused on using ICT and social software resources in the geography curriculum.
Noel Jenkins, the brains behind Digital Geography, uses Google Earth and Flickr, along with his own model curriculum (including animation), to make geography a fun and active learning experience for students.
These are just a few of the many digital resources available on the web that can provide teachers with the building blocks and ideas to integrate geographic knowledge and skills into their curriculum.
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