Higher Education World History Resources

Free download for phase 1 of planning a concept-based lesson by Lynn Erickson's teaching theory. Download and brainstorm an essential question.

Visit our Blog How To Teach Geography

There is no correct way to teach geography, but there are some best practices. When I began my teaching career in geography 26 years ago in Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN, the district was focused on concept-based teaching — teaching to the big ideas & conceptual-based learning based upon Lynn Erikson's concept-based instruction. At first, I found it very challenging to implement this strategy into my lessons as it was a new concept and it significantly varied from the way we had all been presenting content to our students. It took persistence; it took patience, but I believe it was a huge part of why my students enjoyed geography and were able to grasp it. An example of this would be teaching the concept of "human population" and then applying this concept to world population ideas and issues throughout the world such as:

Push and pull factors of migration

Cartograms, and population density maps

Causes and outcomes of population growth and decline

China's one-child policies due to overpopulation

Africa's population decline

Europe's population decline, etc.

This conceptual-based learning worked well, and students were learning and grasping the concepts and material. It required me to spend more time on the concept with my students, but it gave them a BIG PICTURE of how variables affect population and how population trends work and are influenced. It made them think at higher levels preparing their pathways for high-level learning and working to strengthen their brain connectivity. It gave them a different viewpoint of looking at geography, rather than focusing on one small concept at a time.

Just to give you an idea of how I would/do begin planning each concept-based lesson, I would begin with a brainstorming bubble, and in the center circle, I would type in an essential question. All an essential question (they always have to use big terminology) is an open-ended question that educators use to spark student interest. I say, let' not make this harder than it has to be.

Here are examples of essential questions specific to geography:

How have Revolutions impacted our world? (This could be taking a look at the meaning behind "revolution" and empowering student understanding of this "concept" through discussing many different types of revolutions such as the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution in the United States and Europe, the Russian Revolution, the Cultural Revolution, the Sudanese Revolution, and the Chinese Revolution of 1949.)

Does music create culture, or vice versa?

Who is an American?

How can learning about other cultures teach us about our own?

What is the relationship between climate and natural resources?

Need an idea for an essential question? There is so much information today on essential questions than there was when I first started teaching. Simply, type into your search engine: "Essential questions for geography." and then align it with your curriculum. Others have "essentially" (no pun intended) done this work for you over the years.

☑ For secondary, middle school and high school students☑Check out the preview to see what is included.

Visit our store Geography & Math Made Easy to view other related resources.

........................................................................................................................................................

CREATE A CUSTOM BUNDLE & SAVE UP TO 20%

Do you need $25 or more of resources from our store and want to save up to 20%? Just let me know and a customized bundle can be created for you. Learn more about how to Create Your Custom Bundle.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Disclaimer:

One purchase is for the use of one teacher. If additional teachers wish to use this product, please purchase additional licenses.

.........................................................................................................................................................

CUSTOMER TIPS

When do I post new products? Throw sales? Be the first to know:

• Click the green star next to my picture to become my newest follower and be notified of up-to-date information, sales and new resources.

Leave A Review and Earn TeachShare Credit to Use on Future Purchases:

• Go under “My TeachShare”, and click on “My Purchases”. Then, click the provide feedback button next to your purchase. Every time you leave feedback on a purchase, TeachShare gives you credits that you can use to save money on future purchases. I value your feedback as it helps me determine what types of new products I should create for you and other buyers.

........................................................................................................................................................

© Geography & Math Made Easy Resources. Created by Martha Boykin ^ Will Boykin. All rights reserved. Purchase of this product grants the purchaser the right to reproduce pages for classroom use only. If you are not the original purchaser, please download the item from my store before making copies. Copying, editing, selling, redistributing, or posting any part of this product on the internet is strictly forbidden. Violations are subject to the penalties of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Related Topics:

Unmask the Enigma: Was Henry Kissinger Hero or Villain? (Delve into His Complex Legacy!)

Unravel the captivating and controversial legacy of Henry Kissinger, a Cold War icon!

Beyond Simple Labels:

• Explore contrasting perspectives on Kissinger's actions, analyzing his diplomacy, Cold War strategies, human rights record, and impact on history.
• Primary source analysis brings historical context to life, fostering critical thinking and source evaluation skills.
• Engaging assessment activities - multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blanks, and short answer - reinforce understanding and encourage individual analysis.
• Answer key included for efficient grading and self-assessment.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the multifaceted legacy of Henry Kissinger, considering both his achievements and ethical concerns.
• Evaluate primary sources and engage in critical thinking about complex historical figures.
• Formulate informed opinions and participate in respectful debate on controversial topics.
• Recognize the nuances of historical figures and events, avoiding simplistic labeling.

Content & Benefits:

• Compelling Reading Passage: Examines key events of Kissinger's career, including China diplomacy, Cold War negotiations, Vietnam War involvement, and support for certain regimes.
• Vivid Primary Sources: Analyze excerpts from speeches and Congressional hearings, highlighting diverse perspectives and historical context.
• Differentiated Assessment: Multiple question formats cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Teacher-Friendly: Answer key saves time and facilitates easy grading.

Common Core Standards Alignment:

• RI.5.1, RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly and implicitly.
• RI.5.2, RI.6.2, RI.7.2, RI.8.2, RI.9-10.2: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development.
• RI.5.3, RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3, RI.9-10.3: Analyze how and why authors use evidence to support their claims.
• RI.5.5, RI.6.5, RI.7.5, RI.8.5, RI.9-10.5: Analyze the authors' point of view and purpose.
• WHST.6-8.9, WHST.9-12.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support claims and create an argument.

Download today and empower your students to become critical thinkers and informed citizens!

Bonus Tip: Encourage students to research and debate Kissinger's legacy in small groups, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.