"If the world were 100 people"--Great Tools for Geography Classes!

Imagine a site which reduces the world's population of 7,000,000,000 to 100!  With a much more manageable number, students can truly develop a deeper understanding of the problems the planet faces on a more personal level.  When they can attach a face to a problem, they often times feel a need to help those less fortunate than themselves.

In 100 people,  teachers will find a video in the bottom left corner of the homepage which offers an overview of the 100 people project.  Here a breakdown is given on how many people have electricity, clean drinking water, an education, etc.  It is also current unlike many of the other videos and websites on the same topic.

However, the site offers much more than just a video on the world's problems.   The map on the homepage offers students the opportunity to click on any red dot (spread throughout the planet) and see an interview with a person from that country.  Attaching a face to a county can have an emotionally moving effect on anyone.  This is especially true with young people.  If teachers can channel that concern into students taking positive actions, at any level, to make the world a better place for all, they will become better persons for it as well as responsible caretakers of the planet:)

What are some of the issues facing the planet today with its residents?  Click on GLOBAL ISSUES.  Each one comes with a video as well as complete lesson plans.   If schools would like to take part in a project, the teacher needs to enroll the school.  Simply follow the directions of the link.

Denise

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March-Women's History Month! Videos, Articles, Photos, and MORE!

March is national women's history month. Schools are making it a point to make sure that the contributions women have made over time throughout history are now part of every subject area curriculum. Girls in schools now can point to those who went before them and thank them for opening up the doors of opportunity to all careers. Even the "glass ceiling" is slowly disappearing.

The sites I have for you today highlight the many contributions women have made throughout history to supporting humanitarian causes, fighting slavery, striking for living wages, protesting for equal rights under the law, and much more. No stone is left unturned which was quite refreshing to see.

TIME 4 KIDS This link (Time4Kids) is geared to elementary school readers (as well as struggling older readers). It contains less detail than the other two sites, but is still quite informative. The reading level is about 4th grade.

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH The second link is from the History Channel which always does an excellent job treating this subject. In fact, you will find free streaming video here on various events focusing on key women throughout history.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE The third link is from the National Park Service where historical landmarks tied to famous women are showcased.

NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM This last link is from the National Women's History Museum now being constructed in Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to the achievements of women in America. The resources for teachers are easily accessible, accurate, and highly detailed.

I hope you find the links supportive of your classroom in this area.

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Explore the Ocean (and MORE) Without Leaving Your Classroom:)

National Geographic sponsors this site and it is obvious. The photos are so vivid that students will feel that they are actually swimming with dolphins:) Beautiful photography! Here students will explore underwater life, learn about protecting the ocean and all of its life, and the latest news on the health of earth's water worlds.

There is also a section on natural disasters. I expect the twisters currently hitting the midwest will be covered soon. Loss of life is high and property damage is in the millions and more. If you are an elementary school teacher, you will want to see the section on animal habitats and humanity's global water footprint's effect on them.

On a very positive note, the sections on green energy are outstanding. It is a dream worth fighting for since solar energy is totally safe on the environment--zero emissions and free:)

VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE OCEANS

Denise:)

ELL TEACHER PROS

Encourage Students to Enter Careers That Protect Our Planet:)

USGS (US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY)--is a science organization that offers information the health of the planet. It studies ecosystems, watches out for natural disasters that may affect us, monitors natural resources, and watches the impacts of climate and land-use change. It was created in 1879 and is still alive and continues to be an instrumental in keeping our planet and its inhabitants safe and informed.

The site's EDUCATION section is a treasure trove of resources, videos, pamphlets, lessons, maps on every corner of the planet (and beyond in some sections). For grades 8 and up, there are free lectures on natural phenomena. Each is about 50 minutes on average. Here is another link for the older students on LAND AND PEOPLE (Cape Cod, Everglades, Los Angeles). This site also has a student book as well as the teacher resource one as downloads. For grades K-7 USGKIDS, there are coloring books, stories, games, and fun projects. US CORAL REEFS Again, it is all free.

This type of exploration might inspire some of your students to enter careers that protect the planet:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS