PROGRAM ABSTRACTS

P = Primary   I = Intermediate   M = Middle School    HS = High School    CS = Computer Skills

Tips for Teaching Cultural Geography
Presenter: Chris Ripken
School: Centennial High School
Topic(s): Cultural
Grade Level(s): HS, M
Handouts: Culture Posters, Personal Pig Ear
Presentation: Pig Ear

Cultural Geography is a complex subject that often leaves students (and teachers) overwhelmed. Participants will receive classroom use handouts and learn tips for introducing the subject along with strategies for incorporating some of the Minnesota Geography standards into their class.

True North: Mapping Minnesota's History  
Presenter: Lesley Kadish
Co-presenter: Nancy O'Brien Wagner
Organization: Minnesota Historical Society
Topic(s): Cultural, Envrionment, GIS, LandUse, Map Skills, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): HS, M, I, CS

This presentation will explain the GIS website, demonstrate a 9th grade lesson, and give teachers the tools to use True North in their classrooms. Attendees will be led through a brief training as well.

The Minnesota Historical Society has created an online GIS for teaching Minnesota ’ s Geography and History standards. The Challenge: to make accurate digital content meaningful to middle and high schoolers. The website, called True North: Mapping Minnesota ’ s History, integrates creative cartography, historic maps and artifacts from the museum ’ s collections with lesson plans

An American Teacher in Saudi Arabia
Presenter: Jan Hertel
School: Hastings Middle School
Topic(s): Cultural, Economics, LandUse, Regions
Grade Level(s): HS, I, M
A presentation of my travel to Saudi Arabia as part of the Aramco Educators to Saudi Arabia program. A combination of artifacts are shown, cultural experiences described, geography of SA included, too.

In November, 2006, I joined 23 other teachers for a 2 week study tour of Saudi Arabia. This presentation includes my experiences there with the people and the culture. Participants will receive information and classroom lessons.

Google Earth II
Presenter: Jan Hertel
Co-presenter: Jane Conlin
School: Hastings Middle School
Co-presenter: Jane Conlin
Topic(s): Enviornment, GIS, Land Use, Map Skills, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): HS, CS
Handouts: Editing a Placemark
                    Teacher Resources for Google Earth
                    kmz Files for Social Studies Teachers

This session goes beyond basic navigation. We will teach placemarks and overlays, and how to customize those with images and links. Also included will be a variety of helpful resources with kml files and lesson ideas. This session goes beyond the "wow" of Google Earth. Learn to create and customize placemarks, add overlays, and more. Discover resources and lessons to integrate Google Earth into your Geography/Social Studies classroom.

Finding (and using) GIS Data on the Internet
Presenter: Sally Wakefield
Organization: 1000 Friends of Minnesota
Topic(s): GIS
Grade Level(s): HS, I, M, P, CS

This workshop will teach attendees about the different sources for GIS Data, how to learn about the data before downloading, how to store those data on their local machine and how to bring the data into a GIS program.

This presentation will help participants find appropriate GIS data over the internet. Participants will learn about data clearinghouses, how to search ‘ smartly ’ and find information about the data before downloading, store the data locally and bring those data into a GIS program. Data formats and browser functions will also be described.

Incorporating GPS Technology Into the Classroom
Presenter: Chris Pouliot
Organization: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Topic(s): Enviornment, GIS, Map Skills,
Grade Level(s): HS, M, I

This presentation will discuss:
-      Various GPS Models and capabilities
-      Ways to integrate GPS with GIS
-      Locating free GIS data
-      Sample GPS exercises

Geotechnologies in the Geography Classroom
Presenter: Sara Damon
School: Stillwater Jr. High School
Topic(s): GIS, Human Geography, Map Skills, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): HS, M
Handouts: Getting Started with Geotechnology: Recommended Resources
                    GeoTools for Mapping and Spatial Analysis

A PowerPoint overview of lesson and project ideas integrating geotechnologies: Stillwater 9th grade Geography and AP Human Geography students are engaged in dual-platform (Macintosh and Windows) geotechology lessons and projects using GPS, Desktop GIS and Internet Map and Image Servers run on a MacBook mobile cartography lab. Learn how you can access free and low-cost resources and integrate geotechnologies into short lessons or larger projects.


Incorporating Literacy Skills into the Social Studies Curriculum
Presenter: Mary Mohr-Scinocca
School: Westwood Middle School
Topic(s): Literacy, Assessment
Grade Level(s): HS, M

This presentation will provide a variety of techniques and graphic organizers that can be easily incorporated into any teacher's current social studies curriculum. These techniques are designed to assist students in understanding vocabulary, main idea, paragraph structure, and content. These techniques are based on current brain research and have been field tested in regular classrooms.

Population Changes in Japan
Presenter: Mary Mohr-Scinocca
School: Westwood Middle School
Grade Level(s): HS, M
Topic(s): Population

Handouts: Incorporating Literacy Strategies into the Geography Curriculum, Japan: Population Issues in the 21st Century, Recommended Resources

Japan is a major industrial nation that is facing the prospect of an aging population and a decreasing population. this presentation will examine a number of factors that have contributed to this situation and some of the current consequences of this trend. Participants will examine population pyramids, discuss possible futures for Japan, and examine current steps being taken by Japan to deal with this situation.

'Fields of Vision': Teaching Geography Using Landscape Painting and Photography
Presenter: Gareth John
School: St. Cloud State University
Topic: Historical Geography; Landscape, Cultural, Environment, Five Themes, Regions
Grade Level(s) HS, I, M

This presentation will be a PowerPoint Slide Show with text and images that will engage the audience to demonstrate the utility of pictures in the effective teaching and learning of geography

This presentation draws on research in geography that employs landscape imagery to demonstrate how landscape paintings and photographs provide valuable physical, historical, and social geographical information.

AP Human Geography - An Instructors Guide
Presenter: Kelly Swanson
School: Johnson Senior High School
Topic(s): Cultural, Development, Economics, Enviornment, Human Geography, Land Use, Mirgration, Political, Population, Standards-Based, Map Skills, Urban
Grade Level(s): HS

Description: TBA

PIRATES! Grace O'Malley, A Pirate - Living History
Presenter: Leslie Rith-Najarian
Co-presenter: Janet Rith-Najarian
School: Bemidji High School
Topic(s): Historical Geography, Regions
Grade Level(s): HS, I, M

A Living History presentation including costumed storyteller with music and powerpoint presentation: Join us for a Living History presentation about the Geography of Ireland, with a special focus on trade and piracy and rebels and empire builders during Elizabethan times. This presentation will be given by "Grace O'Malley", infamous pirate and one of last of the Irish clans to resist British rule during the Elizabethan age. Be prepared to walk the plank...


What on Earth? From Geo Caching to Earth Caching
Presenter: Janet Rith-Najarian
Organization: MAGE – Northern MN Office
Topic(s): Map Skills, Physical Geography
Grade Level(s): M, HS

Maybe you have heard of Geo Caching, and perhaps even tried it yourself or with your students. Ready for a new challenge? Try EarthCaching! Earth Caching is a new activity developed by the folks who brought you Geo Caching, in conjunction with a special new project by the Geological Society of America and the National Geographic Society. Learn how to explore Earth Caches with your students, and how to set up Earth Science based virtual caches based on geological landmarks in your neighborhood. This presentation is the last in a series in the "Pirates and Treasure Hunts" thread here at GeoFest.    


Treasure Hunts: From Low Tech to High Tech
Presenter: Janet Rith-Najarian
Organization: MAGE – Northern MN Office
Topic(s): Map Skills
Grade Level(s): M, HS

This presentation will be an introduction to Mazes, Puzzle Trails, Orienteering, Letterboxing ,Waymarking and Geocaching, using equipment as simples as paper clues, to map and compass, to GPS units. This is a fine way to encourage students in hands-on outdoor adventures by engaging students in modern day Treasure Hunts of all kinds. This presentation is part of a Geo-Fest thread on Pirates and Treasure. Come to the previous session to meet an Elzuabethan era pirate herself, and stay after this session to learn about the new Earth Caching program!  

In the Shadow of Mount Ararat
Presenter: Janet Rith-Najarian
Co-presenter: Leslie Rith-Najarian
School: MAGE--Northern Minnesota office
Topic(s): Cultural, Development, Enviornment
Grade Level(s): HS, M

This program will include a powerpoint presentation and several hands-on activities related to geography and folk culture. It will present a virtual journey through modern day Armenia, including aspects of cultural and physical geography, with a special focus on folk culture and development issues. This program will also introduce aspects of aid programs that teachers can be involved in, such as the Global Village program of Habitat for Humanity International.

Geography Action! Celebrate Asia
Presenter: Michelle Leba
School: Washington Technology Magnet Middle School
Topic(s): Cultural, Human Geography, Map Skills, Physical, Political, Population, Regions, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): HS, M

This presentation will provide participants with an overview of National Geographic's Geography Action! Program and will provide them with lesson plans, activities, and resources use in their classrooms related to the theme for this year-Asia.

Would you like to receive some ideas on activities, lesson plans, and resources to use in your classroom to teach about Asia? If so this is the session for you!

Geography Action! Celebrate Asia
Presenter: Michelle Leba
School: Washington Technology Magnet Middle School
Topic(s): Cultural, Human Geography, Map Skills, Physical, Political, Population, Regions, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): I, P

This presentation will provide participants with an overview of National Geographic's Geography Action! Program and will provide them with lesson plans, activities, and resources use in their classrooms related to the theme for this year-Asia.

Would you like to receive some ideas on activities, lesson plans, and resources to use in your classroom to teach about Asia? If so this is the session for you!

Adventure Learning in the K-12 Classroom: GoNorth! Fennoscandia 2008
Presenter: Aaron Doering
Co-presenter: George Veletsianos
School: University of Minnesota
Topic(s): Assessment, Cultural, Diversity, Economics, Environment, GIS, Habitats, Human Geography, Physical, Political, Population, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): HS, I, P

Learn how to integrate this hybrid online learning environment in the K-12 classroom!
Get involved with 3 million students worldwide as you learn how to integrate adventure learning within your K-12 classroom. This presentation will showcase how to get involved with GoNorth! Fennoscandia 2007 located at www.polarhusky.com. Learn how to integrate this ready-to-use K-12 curriculum!

Geothentic: Learning Geography through Geospatial Technologies - Phase I
Presenter: Aaron Doering
Co-presenters: George Veletsianos, Charlie Miller, Simon Hooper
School: University of MN
Topic(s): Assessment, Cultural, Enviornment, GIS, Human Geography, Land Use, Map Skills, Physical, Political, Population Grade Level(s): HS, I, M

Learn about the first phase of Geothentic, an online learning environment for assisting teachers to teach and students to learn geography.

Geothentic, an online learning environment for assisting teachers to teach and students to learn geography using geospatial technologies will be presented. You will also learn how to get involved with the first phase of this National Geographic model grant motivating your students to learn geography!

Cuba in Transition
Presenter: JoAnn Trygestad
School: Rosemount Middle School
Topic(s): Human Geography, Political, Regions,
Grade Level(s): HS, M
Handout: Cuba: The Land Time Forgot
Presentation: Cuba - Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

Cuba's transition is key to the geography of Latin America and to the image of the United States. This overview of Cuba will provide the setting to investigate Cuba's transition and the role the U.S. is playing.

Minnesota: A History of the Land for the Classroom
Presenter: Polly Fry
School: University of Minnesota
Topic(s): Environment, Habitats, Land Use, Map Skills
Grade Level(s): M, HS

We will explore the use of this Emmy award winning documentary and the accompanying curriculum developed for schools. A sample lesson plan will be presented.

Why Are Things The Way They Are? A Geographical Perspective for Elementary Teachers
Presenter: Jessica Winkelaar
Organization: MAGE
Topic(s): Five Themes, Map Skills
Grade Level(s): P, I

Learn a brief background on Geography including Spatial and Ecological Perspectives; A Framework for Viewing the World with Student activities; Tools a Geographer uses to learn about the world(including new technology such as GPS and GIS); Using Maps with Children - Research findings about spatial development and Student activities; and Geography resources.


Making Agricultural Geography Relevant
Presenter: Sharon Shelerud
School: Metcalf Junior High School
Topic(s): Economics, Human
Grade Level(s): HS

Food. It is necessary for our survival, and yet it is dificult to get many studnets to really care or even think about agriultural geography. In hits session i will present four agricultural lessons that will help to get students to think about how agricultural decisions have a direct effect on thie life now and their future.


Using Mapping to Jump Start Higher Level Thinking
Presenter: Mary Crampton
School: Gifted Coordinator/Geography Teacher/Retired
Topic(s): Diversity, Human, Map Skills, Population, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): M  

Participants will explore classroom mapping strategies--paper-pencil, and web based--to understand the power of geography to move students into higher level thinking. Participants will make and compare modified choropleth maps, and use Bloom's taxonomy to write questions for interpreting and exploring the maps' meanings.

Handout: Top Ten, Bookmark on questioning and thinking strategies


Teaching the Minnesota High School Geography Standards
Presenter: Sharon Shelerud, Patrice Callahan
School: Metcalf Junior High School
Topic(s): Cultural, Economics, Environment, Human, Political, Population, Standards Based, Urban
Grade Level(s): HS

Regardless of if you are teaching a stand alone Geography course or are embedding the Standards inot another Social Studies class, you will gain ideas for lessons from this exciting and informative presentation. Lesson ideas for each of the seven Geography Standards will be presented and given to attendees. We will also provide time for all participants to share ideas they have found successful in thier classrooms. Reources will also be availabel for sttendees to look through.


Organizing an AP Human Geography Class
Presenter: Cindi Patten
School: Litchfield High School
Topic(s): Assessment, Cultural, Political, Population, Human
Grade Level(s): HS

This practical seminar will investigate calendar and schedule development, topic emphasis, creative teaching strategies and activities, and final test preparation. Come with questions and concerns and be prepared to leave with answers and useful ideas!


The Seoul of Asia: Korea in the Spotlight – Part 1
Presenter: Stephanie Forsland
School: St. Anthony Village High School
Topic(s): Asia, Cultural, Development, Economics, Human Geography, Land Use, Migration, Physical, Political, Population, Urban
Grade Level(s): M, HS

South Korea possesses a unique juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. This session explores ways teachers can meet a variety of geography and history standards in a unit on South Korea. We will cover the following: demographics, land use and perceptions of space, economics, and culture.

The Seoul of Asia: Korea in the Spotlight – Part 2
Presenter: Stephanie Forslund
School: St. Anthony Village High School
Topic(s): Asia, Cultural, Development, Economics, Human Geography, Land Use, Migration, Physical, Political, Population, Urban
Grade Level(s): M, HS

This is a continuation of Part 1, but will be structured as a working session.


A is for Asia- Making Literacy and Social Studies Work in the Elementary Classroom
Presenter: Ann Hoehn
School: Milaca Elementary
Co-Presenter: Paula Verstegen
School: Lake Elmo
Topic(s): Cultural, Diversity, Five Themes, Habitats, Map Skills, Physical, Standards-Based
Grade Level(s): P, I

Learn how to mesh literacy standards and social studies standards in the elementary classroom, using Asia as a topic base. This session will be presented in two parts using hands-on learning activities and resource materials that will help you connect reading, writing and social studies. Participants will receive a resource packet including literature and learning activities.


GIS on a Stick: Firewise Minnesota
Presenter: Ken Pekarek
Organization: GIS 4 Schools LLC
Co-Presenter: Mary Mohr-Scinocca
School: Westwood Middle School
Topic(s): GIS, Environment
Grade Level(s): M, HS

This session will present new options Firewise in the Classroom is exploring to help teachers get technology in their classroom. The session will be a hands-on session that will show teachers how easy it is to access air photos via the web and conduct a wildfire assessment via the web. At the end a discussion on other options available via the web or loading AtlasGDS software on your schools PCs or MACBooks.

How to Host A Geography Fair
Presenter: Penny Thompson-Burke
School: Hopkins School District
Co-Presenter: Sharon Shelerud
School : Metcalf Junior High School
Co-Presenter: Maija Sedzielarz
Organization: Science Museum of Minnesota
Topic(s): Cultural, Environment, Human, Land Use, Map Skills
Grade Level(s): P, I, M

A geography fair is a terrific way to showcase your students' work and bring your school community together! You will come away with tons of ideas for hosting a classroom or school-wide fair, and you'll discover easy ways for students to participate in the Minnesota State Geography Fair.

AP Human Geography: What You Need to Know About How the Test Is Scored
Presenter: Kelly Swanson
School: Johnson High School
Topic(s): AP Geography
Grade Level(s): HS

Teachers will get a hands-on look at how scores are calculated for the free response section of the AP Human Geography exam as well as content analysis of the AP Human Geography curriculum. This is a must attend if you are interested in starting a new AP course or teaching it for the first time!