Maps4Kids – Celebrating Geography Awareness Week
Introduction:
Geography Awareness Week, taking place from November 15-19, 2021, is an annual event started by National Geographic over 25 years ago. It aims to combat the decline of geography as a subject in the United States. This week celebrates the importance of geographical knowledge in an increasingly interconnected world. Discover great activities and resources to engage students and families in the exploration of geography, including maps, GIS, geocaching, and fun educational games. Maps4Kids.com offers a variety of interactive tools to enhance geographical learning. Let’s make Geography Awareness Week a memorable experience for all!
Full Article: Maps4Kids – Celebrating Geography Awareness Week
A Brief History of Geography Awareness Week: Celebrating the Importance of Geography Education
Did you know that November 15-19, 2021 is Geography Awareness Week? This annual event, which has been happening for over 25 years, was established by National Geographic. It aims to highlight the significance of geography as a subject and promote its education in the United States. Let’s take a journey through the history of this event and discover its impact on geographical knowledge.
A Decline in Geography Education
For many years, geography had been losing its importance as a subject in the United States. It was merely considered a subtopic within Social Studies, receiving little attention and only briefly touched upon. To make matters worse, many universities didn’t even offer geography as a subject of study. However, a student named John, who studied at the George Washington University in the 1980s, witnessed this decline firsthand.
Despite his passion for geography, John noticed that the university dropped its Masters program in Geography during his years of study. This disheartening incident highlighted the urgent need to revive geographic education in the country.
The Presidential Call for Action
Fortunately, the significance of geography education did not go unnoticed. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan took a stand by signing a proclamation, declaring an annual Geography Awareness Week. The proclamation emphasized the importance of understanding world and national geography, especially in an interdependent world where knowledge of other lands and cultures is crucial.
The president’s proclamation resonated deeply with John, who had the opportunity to attend an International School in Vienna, Austria. He experienced firsthand the benefits of studying geography at a high level, which put him miles ahead of his peers in the United States. This personal experience further solidified John’s conviction to pursue a career in geography education.
Although John didn’t become a geography teacher directly, he ultimately developed an educational website called Maps4Kids.com, which has reached over a million visitors since its launch in 2006. This platform provides geographic data and maps to students, bridging the knowledge gap in an engaging way.
A New Addition: GIS Day
In 1999, another significant event occurred during Geography Awareness Week. Jack Dangermond, the founder of ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute), introduced GIS Day. GIS, which stands for Geographic Information Systems, is a scientific framework for analyzing and visualizing geographic data to aid decision-making.
GIS Day became an integral part of Geography Awareness Week, providing an opportunity for individuals to explore the world of geographic information systems and their applications in various fields.
Celebrating Geography Awareness Week
There are numerous ways to celebrate Geography Awareness Week and actively participate with students, friends, and family members. National Geographic offers an extensive list of activities to consider, while ESRI provides 101 ways to participate in GIS Day.
One exciting activity you can try is geocaching. This treasure hunt game, available as an app, allows individuals to explore their surroundings while engaging with geography in a fun and interactive way.
Exploring Maps4Kids.com
If you’re looking for educational resources during Geography Awareness Week, Maps4Kids.com is an excellent website to explore. It offers a wide range of activities for teachers and students alike.
One popular feature on the site is the US Map Explorer. It provides interactive maps with various data points about the United States. Students can choose their favorite type of map and analyze the data they find, fostering critical thinking and geographical understanding.
Outline maps are also available for download. Students can select a state, province, or continent and color in the maps, developing their visualization skills and expanding their knowledge of different regions.
To make map coloring even more exciting, students can learn a unique technique through a video tutorial provided on the website. This technique demonstrates how any map can be colored using only four colors, stimulating creativity and engagement.
Additionally, Maps4Kids.com offers Concentration games that focus on map symbols, the Seven Wonders of the World, and recognizing US State Flags. These games provide an entertaining way for students to enhance their geographical knowledge and memory skills.
Lastly, the Maps4Kids Word Finder Game offers various categories of geographic words, from landforms to states and climate types. This game ignites curiosity and encourages children to delve deeper into geography concepts, ultimately fostering a passion for learning.
Conclusion: Embrace Geography Awareness Week!
Geography Awareness Week is a significant event that highlights the importance of geography education. By celebrating and participating in activities, we can inspire a new generation of geographically literate individuals. So, whether you’re a student, teacher, or anyone interested in the world around us, embrace this week and expand your knowledge of geography!
Summary: Maps4Kids – Celebrating Geography Awareness Week
Geography Awareness Week is an annual event that aims to promote the importance of geography education in the United States. It was started by National Geographic over 25 years ago and has since gained recognition and support. The event focuses on improving geographical knowledge and understanding among Americans, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of other lands and cultures in today’s interdependent world. Universities have also recognized the significance of geography and have reinstated programs and courses in the field. Activities and resources, such as those offered by National Geographic and Maps4Kids, are available to teachers and students to celebrate Geography Awareness Week and enhance geographic learning.
Geography Awareness Week – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Geography Awareness Week?
Geography Awareness Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness and promote understanding of the importance of geography. It is celebrated worldwide and aims to educate people about the significance of geographical knowledge in everyday life.
When is Geography Awareness Week celebrated?
Geography Awareness Week is observed during the third week of November each year. In 2021, it falls on November 14th – 20th.
Why is Geography Awareness Week important?
Geography Awareness Week plays a crucial role in fostering geographic literacy. It helps individuals recognize the ways in which geography impacts their lives and the world at large. Through educational activities, events, and initiatives, it promotes a better understanding of diverse cultures, environments, and global issues.
How can I get involved in Geography Awareness Week?
There are several ways to get involved in Geography Awareness Week. You can participate in local events organized by schools, community organizations, or geographic societies. You can also explore online resources, maps, and educational materials related to geography. Additionally, you can engage in discussions, share knowledge on social media, and spread awareness about the importance of geography.
Are there any resources available for educators during Geography Awareness Week?
Absolutely! Many educational resources are available for teachers and educators during Geography Awareness Week. You can find lesson plans, activity ideas, games, quizzes, and interactive maps specifically designed to enhance geographical learning in classrooms.
Can children participate in Geography Awareness Week?
Yes, Geography Awareness Week is open to people of all ages, including children. There are fun and age-appropriate activities that children can engage in to learn more about geography. Whether it’s through interactive games, map exploration, or cultural projects, children can develop a better understanding of the world around them.
How can I stay updated about Geography Awareness Week events?
To stay updated about Geography Awareness Week events, you can visit the official website of Maps4Kids, where you will find a dedicated section with the latest news, event details, and resources related to this annual celebration. You can also follow Maps4Kids on social media platforms for regular updates.
Where can I find maps and other geographical resources for kids?
Maps4Kids is a great resource for finding maps and other geographical resources specifically tailored for kids. The website offers a wide range of interactive maps, educational games, worksheets, and interesting facts about various countries, continents, and geographical features.
Who organizes Geography Awareness Week?
Geography Awareness Week is organized by various entities including educational institutions, geography-related organizations, and individuals passionate about spreading geographic literacy. It is supported and promoted by National Geographic Society, the Association of American Geographers, and many other similar organizations worldwide.
Can I organize my own Geography Awareness Week event?
Absolutely! You can organize your own Geography Awareness Week event and make a significant impact in raising geographic awareness within your community. You can collaborate with local schools, libraries, community centers, or geography clubs to plan educational activities, workshops, or presentations. You can also involve local businesses, experts, or guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.
How can I contact Maps4Kids for more information?
If you have any further questions or require additional information about Geography Awareness Week or any other resources on Maps4Kids, please feel free to contact our support team at support@maps4kids.com. We will be happy to assist you!
