Using the Pacific Ocean Giant Map to Understand Physical Features

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Description: This is an interactive and engaging lesson designed to provide students with an understanding of the physical geography of the Pacific Ocean and the effects of various environmental phenomena. The lesson involves reading, researching, and interacting with the map to demonstrate understanding.

This lesson is designed to use the Giant Traveling Map of the Pacific Ocean to help students contextualize the physical features of the region.

This lesson is aligned with both National Geography Standards and Oklahoma Academic Standards, ensuring that it is not only educationally relevant but also beneficial for students. The activity provides a practical application of these standards, allowing students to see the relevance of what they are learning and how it applies to the real world. Please note this lesson may be adapted for use with digital or desktop-sized maps if the Pacific Ocean Giant Map is unavailable.

Grade level(s): Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Grace Gierach

The Geo Reader II

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Description: The Geo Reader booklet is designed to help students increase their geographic knowledge and awareness through (1) books and activities that convey geographic concepts, (2) resources that provide information on the teaching of geography, and (3) incentive items that tie into the geography theme. The booklet contains a description of each book listed and an accompanying activity. Although the primary purpose of the activity is to increase students’ geographic knowledge and awareness, the activity is also designed to enhance students’ enjoyment of the book and stimulate their interest in reading. All suggested activities have been classroom-tested, and all books listed were found in school or public libraries at the time of the booklet’s publication in 1993.

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle, High School
Standards: GFL
Produced By: Jim Goodman, Linda Greeson, Jeanie Sisson

The Geo Reader

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Description: The Geo Reader booklet is designed to help students increase their geographic knowledge and awareness through (1) books and activities that convey geographic concepts, (2) resources that provide information on the teaching of geography, and (3) incentive items that tie into the geography theme. The booklet contains a description of each book listed and an accompanying activity. Although the primary purpose of the activity is to increase students’ geographic knowledge and awareness, the activity is also designed to enhance students’ enjoyment of the book and stimulate their interest in reading. All suggested activities have been classroom-tested, and all books listed were found in school or public libraries at the time of the booklet’s publication in 1992.

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle, High School
Standards: GFL
Produced By: Jim Goodman, Linda Greeson, Jeanie Sisson

Fundamentals of Geographic Thinking and Spatial Intelligence

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Description: This presentation includes examples of how geographic thinking and spatial reasoning are used to understand our world. Concepts of geographic thinking include spatial significance, patterns and trends, interrelationships, and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Geographic thinking and the five themes of geography (location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, region) can be used to answer the following questions.

• What makes places and landscapes different from one another and why is this important?

• How has the Earth been transformed by human action?

• How and why do sustainability and vulnerability change from place to place and over time?

• What is where? | Why is it there? | Why care?

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle, High School
Standards: GFL
Produced By: J. Scott Greene, Ph.D.

Using the Europe Giant Map to Plan a Backpacking Journey

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Description: This is an interactive and engaging lesson designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the European Union, the cultural touchstone of backpacking, and the geographical layout of European cities. The lesson involves reading, researching, and planning a backpacking journey through Europe. It is a hands-on activity that encourages students to apply their knowledge of geography, culture, and history to create a unique travel itinerary.

The rationale behind this lesson is to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our world, particularly within the context of the European Union. By planning a backpacking journey, students will gain insights into the geographical, cultural, and historical diversity of Europe. They will also develop critical thinking and teamwork skills along with geographic awareness. This activity is designed to make learning geography an engaging and interactive experience, moving beyond rote memorization to application and analysis.

This lesson is aligned with both National Geography Standards and Oklahoma Academic Standards, ensuring that it is not only educationally relevant but also beneficial for students. The activity provides a practical application of these standards, allowing students to see the relevance of what they are learning and how it applies to the real world. Please note this lesson may be adapted for use with digital or desktop-sized maps if the Europe Giant Map is unavailable.

Grade level(s): Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Cory Williams

Using the Africa Giant Map to Understand Latitude and Longitude

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Description: In this lesson, students will investigate the significance of latitude and longitude in geography, such as understanding climate zones, temperature variations, time zones, and the ability to navigate and locate any place accurately. This activity may be completed with the Africa Giant Map, and can be adapted for digital or desktop-sized maps.

Grade level(s): Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Cory Williams

Refugee Resettlement in Oklahoma

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Description: Students will analyze and interpret geographic data, engage in critical thinking, and develop a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental aspects of refugee resettlement in Oklahoma.

Grade level(s): Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Cory Williams & Grace Gierach

Exploring Careers in Public Service

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Description: Through this lesson and associated exercises, students will research specific public service careers to explore the role they play in their communities and governments, the benefits of working in public service, and how to pursue these careers.

Grade level(s): Upper Elementary, Middle, High
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Grace Gierach

Exploring Waste Management Careers

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Description: In this lesson, students will learn about waste management and recycling and will research types of careers in this field. These include jobs in collection, distribution, manufacturing, research and development, maintenance, and sales. Students will examine real job postings online and reflect on the job duties along with the required skills, experience, and education.

Grade level(s): Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Allison Taylor-Kniffen

Investigating Pollution and Establishing Environmental Stewardship

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Description: Embedded within the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies is an opportunity to engage students in real-world problem solving. In this lesson, students will utilize this opportunity by applying the Geo-Inquiry process to investigate the impact of trash pollution on their campus or another selected site. In follow-up activities, students will explore the meaning of environmental stewardship through recycling practices and career exploration. Any part of this lesson can be adapted to best fit students’ needs and this activity includes cross-curricular opportunities which meet standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.

Grade level(s): Middle, High
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Allison Taylor-Kniffen

Exploring Conservation Careers in Oklahoma

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Description: In this lesson, students will explore conservation careers, particularly those available in Oklahoma. Students will identify potential careers of interest, research the education and experience requirements, and will learn how to compose a resumé and cover letter.

Grade level(s): Middle, High
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Teresa Potter

What's on the Menu? Exploring Predator-Prey Relationships in Oklahoma

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Description: In this lesson, students will explore Oklahoma’s wildlife, their predator-prey relationships, and how they can be impacted by human activities.

Grade level(s): Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Teresa Potter

Using Giant Floor Maps to Understand Bald Eagle Populations

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Description: In this lesson, students will use the Oklahoma or North America Giant Floor Map to explore where bald eagles can be found, what the requirements are for a healthy habitat, and how their habitats are affected by human activity.

Grade level(s): Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Becca Palczynsky

Leave No Trace

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Description: This lesson is designed to introduce students to best practices for visiting city, state, and national parks. Students will learn how to enjoy and appreciate parks and other public lands while respecting other visitors, the land, and wildlife.

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Becca Palczynsky

Using the Oklahoma Floor Map to Explore Public Lands

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Description: This lesson is designed to introduce students to different types of public lands in Oklahoma. These include National Recreation Areas, Wildlife Refuges, and State Parks. Students will learn where these parks are located, why they are established, and the activities they can do while there.

Grade level(s): Elementary
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Becca Palczynsky

Using the Asia Giant Map to Understand Light Pollution

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Description: This lesson is designed to use the Giant Traveling Map of Asia to help students contextualize effects of light pollution in current events and upon migratory birds. These lesson materials are developed in support of OKAGE’s Geo-Inquiry project efforts.

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle School, High School
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Grace Gierach

Half the Park is After Dark: Exploring Dark Sky Parks Around the World

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Description: This lesson is designed as a template for a project focused on exploring dark sky parks in America and around the world. This lesson may be used to enrich instruction in a variety of subjects including Science, Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Social  Studies. The content presented in this lesson was selected as an illustrative example of how all subjects are used to understand a particular issue that impacts communities differently around the world and in Oklahoma.

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle School, High School
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Tristan Lloyd

Designing and Siting a Pollinator Garden

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Description: This lesson was created as a template to design and site a pollinator garden and provide examples of how a pollinator garden may be used to enrich instruction in a variety of subjects including Science, Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Social  Studies. The content presented in this lesson was selected as an illustrative example of  how all subjects are used to understand a particular issue which impacts communities  differently around the world and in Oklahoma. These lesson materials were developed  in support of OKAGE’s Geo-Inquiry project efforts.

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle School, High School
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Tristan Lloyd

National Geography and Oklahoma Academic Standards Connections - Physical Education

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Description: This resource is designed to show how Geography can be used to supplement instruction in Physical Education. This packet includes a selection of each applicable Oklahoma Academic Standard for Physical Education and its alignment to the relevant National Geography Standard(s). The goal of the National Geography Standards is to enable students to become geographically informed through knowledge and mastery of three things: (1) factual knowledge; (2) mental maps and tools; (3) and ways of thinking. Contact us at okage@ou.edu to receive free resources and for more ideas about how to use Geography in your classroom.

This packet includes standards from the following revision:
Physical Education (2023)

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle School, High School
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Becca Palczynsky and Grace Gierach

National Geography and Oklahoma Academic Standards Connections - Health and Safety

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Description: This resource is designed to show how Geography can be used to supplement instruction in Health and Safety. This packet includes a selection of each applicable Oklahoma Academic Standard for Health and Safety and its alignment to the relevant National Geography Standard(s). The goal of the National Geography Standards is to enable students to become geographically informed through knowledge and mastery of three things: (1) factual knowledge; (2) mental maps and tools; (3) and ways of thinking. Contact us at okage@ou.edu to receive free resources and for more ideas about how to use Geography in your classroom.

This packet includes standards from the following revision:
Health and Safety (2023)

Grade level(s): Elementary, Middle School, High School
Standards: OAS, GFL
Produced By: Becca Palczynsky and Grace Gierach