Geo-Jive: Dance Through the 5 Themes!

6th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Geo-Jive: Dance Through the 5 Themes!

Nicole Rezler

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the dynamic relationship between geography and human activity, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Through hands-on projects, collaboration with community partners, and interactive exhibitions, students will explore how the five themes of geography shape cultural, economic, and historical aspects of different regions. By engaging with local history and creating tangible products, students will develop a deeper understanding of their own community's geographical influences and gain insights into global connections.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of the five themes of geography and their impact on human activities and cultural development. They will enhance their analytical skills by examining local maps and artifacts, connecting historical events to geographical influences. Through collaboration and creative expression, students will improve their ability to communicate findings and insights effectively. Additionally, students will cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by engaging in interactive challenges and reflective journaling, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of geography and community.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

Products

Students will design and construct a scale model of a local landmark, integrating the five themes of geography to explain its significance and impact on the community. This model will be showcased during the Cultural Geography Carnival, where students will present their findings through interactive activities. Additionally, students will create a multimedia presentation that highlights the influence of geography on a specific region, using maps and artifacts from the local historical society to support their analysis. These products will serve as tangible demonstrations of their understanding and application of the five themes of geography.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Geography Escape Room Challenge' where students work in teams to solve puzzles and riddles related to the five themes of geography. This immersive experience will require critical thinking and collaboration as students unlock clues about different regions, setting the stage for their exploration. The challenge will spark curiosity and provide a dynamic introduction to the project's essential question, engaging students from the outset.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Cultural Geography Carnival' where they present their scale models and multimedia projects to the school community and invited guests. Each student will lead an interactive station featuring games and activities that highlight the five themes of geography, encouraging attendees to engage with their work. The event will offer a platform for students to articulate their understanding and insights, fostering a shared learning experience that celebrates diverse geographical influences.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduction to the Five Themes - Facilitate a discussion to introduce the five themes of geography (location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region) and connect them to the essential question (15 min) Geography Escape Room Challenge - Engage students in a collaborative escape room activity centered around solving puzzles related to the five themes of geography (30 min)	Local Geography Exploration - Use maps from the local historical society to identify examples of the five themes in the local area (25 min) Reflective Journaling - Begin a reflective journal by writing about the learnings from the escape room and map exploration, focusing on personal insights and connections to the themes (20 min)	Analyzing Artifacts - Examine historical artifacts provided by the local historical society and discuss how they relate to the themes of geography (25 min) Theme Mapping Activity - Create a map illustrating how different themes are present in a local context, using maps and artifacts as references (20 min)	Essential Question Deep Dive - Facilitate a discussion where students brainstorm how the five themes influence people's lives globally and locally (20 min) Storyboard Drafting - Begin drafting a storyboard for the multimedia presentation, outlining how the themes affect a specific region (25 min)	Peer Feedback Session - Share storyboards with peers for initial feedback and suggestions on how to incorporate the five themes effectively (20 min) Storyboard Revision - Revise storyboards based on peer feedback, focusing on clarity and depth of geographical analysis (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflective journal entry detailing students' understanding of the five themes of geography and their initial thoughts on the essential question.
Preparation	1. Create and prepare materials for the 'Geography Escape Room Challenge,' including puzzles and clues related to the five themes of geography. 2. Coordinate with the local historical society to obtain maps and artifacts for student use. Ensure all necessary permissions and logistics are in place. 3. Prepare a set of guiding questions and prompts for the reflective journaling activity to help students connect the five themes of geography to their personal experiences. 4. Organize classroom materials and resources needed for group work, including chart paper, markers, and access to digital mapping tools if available.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Local Geography Exploration - Students visit the local historical society to gather maps and artifacts, focusing on how geography has shaped local history through the five themes: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region (45 min)	Map Analysis Workshop - Students analyze collected maps to identify geographical features and their impacts on human activities, using the five themes as a framework (20 min) Artifact Discussion - Students discuss artifacts' historical significance, connecting them to the geographical themes identified in the map analysis (25 min)	Theme Connection Brainstorm - Students work in small groups to brainstorm connections between the five themes and the collected artifacts, preparing notes for their multimedia presentations (20 min) Reflective Journal Entry - Students write reflective journal entries on insights and emotional responses to local history and geographical influences (25 min)	Multimedia Presentation Planning - Students outline their multimedia presentations, integrating maps and artifacts to illustrate the five themes of geography (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - In pairs, students share their presentation plans and provide constructive feedback based on clarity and connection to the themes (15 min)	Interactive Presentation Development - Students create interactive elements for their multimedia presentations, ensuring engagement with the five geography themes (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed storyboard for the multimedia presentation 2. Reflective journal entry focused on local geography and the five themes
Preparation	1. Coordinate a visit to the local historical society and arrange access to maps and artifacts 2. Prepare guiding questions and note-taking templates for the historical society visit 3. Provide materials for creating storyboards, such as large sheets of paper, markers, and sticky notes 4. Develop peer feedback forms for the storyboard critique session 5. Create journaling prompts that relate to the five themes of geography and local historical insights

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Artifact Analysis Deep Dive - Students examine artifacts from the local historical society, identifying key elements that illustrate the five themes of geography (25 min) Reflection Journal Prompt - Students write a journal entry on how the artifacts reveal insights about human-environment interaction and movement in local history (20 min)	Theme Integration Workshop - Students collaborate in small groups to integrate the five themes of geography into their multimedia presentations, focusing on how each theme influences the chosen region (30 min) Peer Review Session - Students share their integrated ideas with peers for feedback, ensuring clarity and alignment with the essential question (15 min)	Interactive Element Design - Students develop interactive components for their presentations, such as quizzes or maps, that engage audiences with the geographical themes (25 min) Reflection Journal Prompt - Students document their creative process and any challenges faced in designing interactive elements (20 min)	Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice their multimedia presentations, focusing on effective communication of geographical themes and historical insights (30 min) Gallery Walk Feedback - Conduct a gallery walk where students present to classmates and receive constructive feedback on presentation clarity and engagement (15 min)	Final Presentation Refinement - Students refine their multimedia presentations based on feedback, ensuring alignment with the essential question and the five themes of geography (25 min) Reflective Journal Wrap-Up - Students write a comprehensive journal entry summarizing their learning journey and personal growth throughout the project (20 min)
Deliverables	1. A rough draft of the multimedia presentation, including initial slides and notes on the five themes of geography as applied to the local region. 2. Reflective journal entries documenting insights and learning experiences from the week.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local historical society to ensure maps and artifacts are available for analysis at the beginning of the week. 2. Set up a space for the mid-project gallery walk, ensuring students have the materials needed to display their work. 3. Prepare feedback forms or digital platforms for peers to provide constructive feedback during the gallery walk. 4. Ensure students have access to computers or devices for creating multimedia presentations.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Presentation Preparation - Students finalize their multimedia presentations, ensuring they clearly illustrate the five themes of geography using maps and artifacts (25 min) Reflective Journal Entry - Write a journal entry focusing on the learning journey and personal growth throughout the project (20 min)	Rehearsal and Peer Review - Conduct mock presentations with peers providing feedback on clarity and engagement, making necessary adjustments (30 min) Journal Reflection Review - Students review their journal entries to identify key themes and insights to share during the exhibition (15 min)	Scale Model Completion - Students put final touches on their scale models, ensuring they effectively represent the five themes of geography (20 min) Exhibition Setup - Organize and arrange materials for the Cultural Geography Carnival, ensuring interactive stations are ready for guests (25 min)	Interactive Station Rehearsal - Practice leading activities at their interactive stations, emphasizing communication of geographical insights (20 min) Final Touches and Troubleshooting - Make any last-minute adjustments to presentations or models based on rehearsal feedback (25 min)	Cultural Geography Carnival Exhibition - Host the exhibition, presenting scale models and multimedia projects to peers, teachers, and community partners (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed multimedia presentation with integrated maps and artifacts. 2. Finished scale model of a local landmark with documented geographical significance. 3. Interactive station activities ready for the Cultural Geography Carnival. 4. Reflective journal entry summarizing the project's impact on their learning.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to computers and software for finalizing multimedia presentations. 2. Gather materials such as paint, glue, and other crafting supplies for model completion. 3. Coordinate with the local historical society for any last-minute artifact needs. 4. Arrange the venue for the Cultural Geography Carnival, ensuring space for stations. 5. Create invitations and promotional material for inviting the school community and guests.