Did you know that Geography awareness week was created in 1987? Above all, it is an annual celebration of geography and the important role it plays in all our lives. You may agree it has been a turbulent year natural disasters. Remember the searing bush fires in Australia and America as well as the summer floods in African countries? Consequently, you will find it hard not deny that geography impacts us all, and therefore crucial to learn.
You may not realise that National Geographic works with teachers and content experts to develop activities for the classroom, home or community. Firstly, the activities include games, lessons and experimental projects. If you are interested you can view guides and educational material for these activities for free here.
Here are some suggested ideas to use in the classroom.
- You can spend a lesson drawing endangered animals, whilst learning more about each species.
- If you are a primary school teacher you could do a geographically themed Pictionary round.
- If you are a Key Stage 1/Key Stage 2 teacher, you could create art made entirely of recycled objects.
- Why not make a country flag and learn about its history? You could even get pupils to design their own flag that represents them, they could include heritage, favourite activities, sports, animals, or family.
- Above all, you can always treat your class to an episode of the many David Attenborough series. This could apply to any year group if you are a primary or secondary school teacher.
If you are a geography teacher or geography supply teacher, you may want to find out more. Indeed, there are many more recommendations to be discovered. So you can check out national geographic’s guidelines for more information.
Please share with us what you do to celebrate geography awareness week as we would love to hear!