CONCEPTS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHYTopics and Approaches for Integrated InstructionMaggie Legates, Delaware Geographic Alliance, August 2010

Geography has a lot to offer for curriculum planning

points of integration

Thinking and Doing

Spatial reasoning and organization

Language development Modeling and graphic

representation of data Observation and evaluation of

surroundings Scientific thinking Appreciation of diversity

points of integration

Topics and Content

Mapping, modeling, graphs, graphics

Patterns and relationships Data and data analysis Physical systems Human adaptations and

alterations of the environment Biological and cultural diversity Change over time

This morning’s goals:

Goal 1

• Overview of three physical systems of Earth- • mountain building/erosion

• water cycles• atmospheric circulation

Goal 2

Overview of the perspectives and approaches of geography

Spatial analysis Environmental perspective Human-related Problem-solving and

scientific approach

Goal 3

Share resources and teaching strategies Visual images, graphics,

maps Data and databases Teaching ideas and tools Community resources

Goal 4 Challenge and inspire you to make connections, encourage students to learn to know and care for the Earth.

What feature of earth is

Most beautiful? Most dangerous? Most awe-inspiring?

What makes you think so?