Open discussion by ValĂ©rie Laplante https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls en-us 2023-07-21 11:47:49 UTC 2025-11-20 20:48:20 UTC hello@padlet.com Q3: What challenges might department heads face when trying to incorporate geographic education within their departments, and how can these challenges be addressed? https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649592342 It can be challenging to get teachers to change their practices, especially when they are convinced that what they are doing presently is the ideal way to teach. I find that meeting people where they are is the best way to approach people about change. If you can convince someone to make a small change and take a small step in integrating a new practice, it could open up to greater change in the future. ]]> 2023-07-22 21:24:41 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649592342 Q2: How can technology, such as GIS and digital mapping tools, be effectively utilized in geographic education to promote cross-disciplinary learning? https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649592771 I think the key to collaboration is working together with teachers in other disciplines. There needs to be buy in from multiple disciplines in order to cross-strands. It will require a lot of groundwork, but the hard work will be worth it in the long-term.]]> 2023-07-22 21:29:09 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649592771 Have you participated in organized any successful field trips that effectively integrated geographic education? If so, what were the key elements that made it successful? https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649592955 Yes, I have organized field trips where students had the opportunity to use both GPS and compasses to explore wilderness environments. It was successful because it was engaging for students and allowed students to participate in real-world learning.]]> 2023-07-22 21:31:10 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649592955 What are some innovative waysyou have seen geographyintegrated into language arts orother subjects to enhancestudents' literacy skills? https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649593133 The use of geography texts provide great opportunities to give students opportunities to learn about the text features of non-fiction writing.]]> 2023-07-22 21:32:57 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2649593133 Teachers can use fiction and nonfiction sources. Something I use at the beginning is a graphic novel and a shared Google MyMaps so students see the different places that the novel is referring to. Students can also take a look at travel blogs and vlogs (multimedia). trandnkim https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650323925 2023-07-24 16:38:30 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650323925 Q2: https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650356382 Using GIS Storymaps can promote cross-disciplinary learning as students use mathematical data, historical events, and visuals to create a story of a geographic event or concept. Often, students don't see the multiple disciplines being drawn upon within the field of geography and technology such as this allows for a wide array of skills to be used to create meaning and provide context. - Claire]]> 2023-07-24 18:19:24 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650356382 Q3 https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650357581 To incorporate Geographic education within other departments, teachers often believe they need to have extensive geography knowledge. While yes, it helps, it doesn't mean that conversations about geographic concepts can't take place. Department heads may also feel challenges trying to "sell" the importance of geography within other disciplines. I think a good approach to take it to remind colleagues that geography is everywhere. I also teach NBE3C1 and I will tell you that Geography informs much of my own knowledge as well as my ability yo create a sense of place for students in the english course. Teachers need not to see the integration of such disciplines as daunting but more so a gateway to endless inquiry topics to be explored. - Claire]]> 2023-07-24 18:23:44 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650357581 Q4 https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650358254 I have not yet gone on any field trips that integrated geographic education but my goal for next year is to plan a walking tour with a company in Toronto that does walking tours of neighbourhoods. I want to do this during our Liveable Communities unit so students can see examples of differently planned cities. It's a fun way to learn! - Claire]]> 2023-07-24 18:26:00 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650358254 Response 4 https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650365920 I have taken grade 11 student to visit local sustainable farms. Students learned sustainable practices and what is able to be grown and raised in local Ontario environments. One of the key elements that made this trip successful is the local element, and the simplicity of some of the farming practices that the students could relate to growing in their own backyards. Some of my students already had personal chicken coops as well. - Chris]]> 2023-07-24 18:47:47 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650365920 Q4: Have you participated in or organized any successful field trips that effectively integrated geographic education? If so, what were the key elements that made it successful? https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650429307 Yes. I organized a school-wide field trip to an Outdoor Education Centre. The key elements include timely planning, communication with all stakeholders (admin, teachers, activity provider etc.) Bringing volunteers on board early in the planning and selling the trip to students. ]]> 2023-07-24 22:52:42 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650429307 Q1 https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650432163 I have used ArcGIS to locate important places mentioned in a book the class was reading at a time in language and communication class. The story came alive and it was an experience the learners would not forget. In the future, I will involve the learners in the use of the platform.]]> 2023-07-24 22:58:26 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2650432163 What are some innovative ways you have seen geography integrated into language arts or other subjects to enhance students' literacy skills? https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2651020086 I will attach two projects that I have used while teaching grade 6 geography on the discussion board. I have found that there is a beneficial integration of STEAM in geography. I have run projects that allow for visual art design, physical education, literacy skills and even coding! ]]> 2023-07-25 18:07:07 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2651020086 Field Trips https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2651021671 Last year, I had a DH move to our school who has a Geography background, like myself. We were able to collaborate on the RSTs as well as design a field trip for the Grade 9 students at our school to walk around Ottawa and look at the design of a 20-minute neighbourhood. What made it successful was the teachers led the tour so that students weren't missing vital places around town. There was a guiding sheet for them to follow along and take pictures, critical reflection questions and collaboration throughout the project.]]> 2023-07-25 18:12:05 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2651021671 Conservation Field Trip https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2651026987 Our school took our Grade 9 Geo and Science classes to our local conservation area for a hike. Along the journey students were able to assess concepts learned in class in real time/physical application. Talking about landforms, types of rock, environmental impacts is great - but being there, seeing it, heightens the effectiveness of student learning. - Janel]]> 2023-07-25 18:27:33 UTC https://padlet.com/valerielaplante07/9c7l355thjtum3ls/wish/2651026987