Social+Studies

==Subject: Social Studies/Geography - Grade 8  ==  www.teachertidbytes.com  >  Curriculum Standards and Benchmarks: **  
 * Technology:**
 * Computers
 * Color printer
 * Overhead projector
 * Transparencies
 * Internet website: [|www.explorelearning.com],
 * Map-making software online websites: [|www.yourchildlearns.com] or [|www.nationalatlas.gov]
 * Presentation software to share research website: www.wikispaces.com
 * Power Point software
 * 

 www.quiz1st.com **Description:** The United States western expansion lesson utilizes cooperative learning groups and a graphic organizer to help students investigate changing geographic patterns in the United States. Each group will present the information they found, to the class utilizing technology either by a wiki or Power Point presentation. Students will create a timeline using technology that illustrates innovations from the 18th and 19th centuries. Creation of a map utilizing internet programs will be done by the student groups, showing the trans-continental routes. Students will also provide examples of how technological advances, influenced by scientific knowledge, affect the quality of life. They will also examine how science and technology have advanced through the contributions of many different people, cultures and times in history.

The building Pangaea activity dives into world geography and all of the Earth's continents. Alfred Wegener coined the term Pangaea, meaning an ancient supercontinet where all of Earth's continents were joined together. Students will create their own Pangaea by using the gizmo through [|www.explorelearning.com] to create a puzzle and incorporating science. Students will become familiar with the entire geographic structure of the earth system and history. They will become familiar with the map of the Earth and the names of each continent. In conclusion they will utilize fun technology programs to learn new and exciting ideas.

Research has consistently shown simulations to be powerful tools for improving student learning. Several reports providing information to back up the findings are available through the ExploreLearning website. I investigated other research for the support of students utilizing technology to learn geography and I came across this outstanding article from MSPnet: []. "This paper suggests that there are many ways that technology can support inquiry-based learning. The richness, flexibility, and power of computers and their attendant technological kin offer valuable tools to support this approach to teaching and learning. However, as the paper makes clear, the most powerful variables are the teacher and the overall curricular goals of the school. Technology is only as powerful as the way it is used. The choice is up to the educators."
 * Supporting Research: **

The technology used is basically tried and true. Students have using overhead projectors, color printers, the internet, Power Point presentations and even wiki's on a regular basis. These activities are collaborative or can be used in that way, but the technology is known and most students will be comforable with it. The simulation program and the use of a gizmo is new and innovative since the Explorelearning website is newer, however, students are still comfortable utilizing the internet and will be able to pick up the instructions quickly.
 * Tried & True or New & Innovative: **

Activities: Click to access Geography activities related to the standards and uses technology.