Benson, Jerry - Luverne Middle/High School
Measuring the Land: A Geographic Perspective on the Northwest Ordinance 1787
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract:

Bressler, Sally and Stern, Sherry - National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Minneapolis Section
Understanding Ancient/Modern Israel and Judaism
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract:  This presentation will introduce a free interactive program that utilizes visuals, props and items from Israel.  Narrated by experienced volunteers, the curriculum is organized into modules that fulfill Minnesota Academic Standards and can be tailored to individual teaching needs.  Content is geared toward grades 6 to 9 with the goal of providing an overview of Judaism and the migration of Jewish people from inception through modern times.  Information about Judaism is provided that effectively balances coverage of Christianity and Islam in current textbooks and completes a study of the three major world religions.

Callahan, Patrice - School of Environmental Studies
Investigate Australia!
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract: Callahan recently led a Field Study in Australia meeting with Aborigines and other Australians to discuss a number of critical issues. Using photos, maps, data and links to other resources discover some new perspectives and ideas you will be able to use in your classroom to bring the land down under up!

Crampton, Mary - MN Alliance for Geographic Education
Food for Thought
Grade Level:  P, I, M, HS
Abstract: Presenting the new and improved Food for Thought curriculum from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.  Examples of elementary and secondary lessons will be shared. 

Borrowing From the Brits
Grade Level: M
Abstract:  Using Word Mats and more in geography to improve writing.

Fitzpatrick, Charlie - ESRI
GIS: The Tool of 1000 Careers
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract: Around the world, folks use GIS in all kinds of jobs. Youth with GIS skills have many options for the future. See examples of how to connect kids with careers that apply geographic thinking using GIS

How do I Get a GeoMentor?
Grade Level: P, I, M, HS
Abstract: NGS and ESRI have built a GeoMentor program. ANY educator can partner with people who know geography and want to help. Learn how to grab one (or more) of the hundreds of mentors waiting to support
geography ed!

Forsland, Stephanie - St. Anthony Village High School
Let’s Eat!  Geography and Food
Grade Level: HS
Abstract: This session will demonstrate ways to incorporate food and drink into most all units of the Human Geography curriculum.  Ideas for activities and presentations will be supplemented with some culinary delights (or frights!) for participants.

Gilbert, Christian and Honkomp, Brian - Waconia School District and Go4theSummit.com
Remote Learning & Education "Go4theSummit & Higher Learning"
Grade Level:  P, I, M, HS
Abstract:  Higher Learning is a presentation of two public school educators and their journey to the Summit of Mt. Aconcagua. (Highest Point in the Western Hemisphere)  Christian Gilbert and Brian Honkomp, 8th grade teachers from the Waconia School District, spent 17 days in Argentina on an expedition of "epic" proportions and brought their students along using GPS SPOT technology and the World Wide Web.  This multimedia presentation will include a wide variety of maps, photos, and video clips that documented their journey.

Hanson, Jim
Rock 'n' Roll as Cultural Diffusion
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract: This is a demonstration on how to teach the concept of cultural diffusion using rock 'n' roll and American popular music. The presentation focuses on the concept of cultural hearths and the importance of carriers and barriers.

Hattam, Craig - Hibbing High School
SQ3R in the Geography Classroom
Grade Level: M
Abstract:  A person attending this session will learn how to use a reading/studying technique names SQ3R in their classroom.

Hazen, Helen - Macalester College
The Geography of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract: From SARS to swine flu, emerging infectious diseases are regularly in the news.  Geographic approaches can help explain these changing disease patterns.  This presentation will consider social and ecological reasons for the resurgence or emergence of a variety of diseases, and provide related links and resources.

Hertel, Jan - Hastings Middle School and Conlin, Jane - Nativity School
Web 2.0 in the Geography Classroom
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract:  Learn more about 21st century tools including RSS feeds, wikis, blogs and more.  Session includes hands-on opportunities as well as a discussion forum with other participants.

Hertel, Jan - Hastings Middle School
Middle School Roundtable
Grade Level:  MS
Abstract:  Calling all Middle School teachers!  What happens at a roundtable discussion about Geography and Europe? Great people, great ideas, lots of sharing - that’s what.  Come to this session and experience one for yourself - more Roundtables will be held throughout the school year.

Hubbard, Rhoda - Hutchinson Middle School
Beyond Borders: Using Maps to Understand European Physical and Cultural Landscapes
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract: Participants will be presented with 10+ lessons using Europe as a backdrop for understanding how borders create conflict as well as offer potential for political, cultural and economic cooperation. This workshop is presented not just as a content session but to encourage/expose teachers to differentiated instructional techniques; inspire the use of manipulative's and visual in the classroom and to reach all levels and styles of learners. Some materials will be handed out with the majority of materials easily accessible online. Bring a flash drive if you have it.

Kadish, Lesley - Minnesota Historical Society
Historic Maps and Places Online - A Toolbox of Resources
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract: This presentation will showcase the newest geographic resources developed at the Minnesota Historical Society, from online maps to three dimensional digital models. Attendees will walk away with a new toolbox of online resources for teaching and studying Minnesota History.

Kunze, Fred - MN Alliance for Geographic Education
Start-up Websites for Start-up Geography Teachers
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract:  Selected web sites will be presented from a list of approximately 60 researched and annotated web sites.  In addition to a paper hand out, a "home" website with direct, clickable links created just for Geofest 2009 participants will be made available.

Lanegran, David - Macalester College
Teaching the Agriculture Unit in Advanced Placement Human Geography
Grade Level: HS
Abstract:  This presentation will discuss the recent changes in American agriculture as shown in the latest Census of Agriculture. We will also examine the primary location models used in discussions of agriculture.

Common Assessments for the MN High School Geography Standards
Grade Level:  HS
Abstract: Panel presentation and unveiling of the new Common Assessments for Human Geography created in summer 2009.  The process used to create the assessments, examples, and potential benefits to students, teachers and school districts will be discussed.  Be one of the first to hear about this exciting new resource.

Leba, Michelle - Washington Technology Magnet School
Hands on Geography Activities for the Elementary Classroom
Grade Level:  P, I
Abstract:  This session will provide participants with lesson plans and examples of hands on geography activities for the elementary classroom. 

Exploring Asia
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract: Would you like activities, lesson plans, and resources to use in your classroom to teach about Asia?  If so this is the session for you!

Lee, Angela - ESRI
Using Web Maps in the Geography Classroom
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract: Discover how to foster interdisciplinary spatial thinking and investigate migration, history, community characteristics, and other issues through maps and images via today’s powerful Web mapping tools.  Discover how tools such as the US National Atlas, WorldMapper, SocialExplorer and ArcGIS Online can be used to tackle real-world issues in your curriculum.

Crossing the Line:  Studying Geographic Boundaries with GIS
Grade Level:  HS
Abstract: Explore the nature and significance of political boundaries using GIS to integrate and analyze information about terrain, water features, language groups, natural resources and other factors that influence national borders.  This activity is from the Our World book series that provides GIS-based activities tied to the National Geography Standards

Manning, Bob - Stillwater Junior High School and Global Perspective, Inc.
Making Connections:  India, China and the U.S.
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract: This session will address the rise of India and China and what this means for the United States.  You'll gain context for helping your students understand the need to learn about these countries as well as teaching techniques and resources.  Emphasis will be on economic development and culture.

Marsh, Kari and Schulz, Jan - St. Raphael School
21st Century Geography Reports: iMovies in the Intermediate Grades
Grade Level:  P, I, M
Abstract:  Learn how students can create short documentary films using iMovie.

Mohr-Scinocca, Mary - Westwood Middle School
Incorporating Writing and Reading Literacy into the Geography Curriculum
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract:  How to teach reading and writing in social studies without creating more work for yourself.

Panser, Laurel - Rochester Community College
Economic News from Morocco
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract: he federal governments of Morocco and the US have ongoing initiatives to improve the Moroccan economy.  This presentation will describe general facts about the kingdom, these economic initiatives as well as private sector efforts to improve the economy.  This presentation resulted from a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship in Morocco during 2008. 

Pekarek, Ken - GIS 4 Schools
Getting GIS into Your Classroom - Web-based Firewise Project
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract:  The new Firewise in the Classroom curriculum has 5 lessons that introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).  The project uses an Internet based GIS Wildfire Risk Assessment Process called JavaMAPS (JavaMAPS) for Mac or PC computers. Additional resources on a Teacher DVD include fun videos that show students how to use GPS receivers to collect data from the field.   Teachers participating get technical support to complete a Firewise project.  All attending the session will receive a DVD that contains training material, videos and lessons.

Pouliot, Chris - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Integrating GPS into the Geography Curriculum
Grade Level: I, M, HS
Abstract:  This presentation will discuss various Global Positioning System (GPS) models and their capabilities, sample GPS exercises, ways to integrate GPS with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and how to locate free GIS data on the Internet.

Get Hands-on with GPS!
Grade Level: I, M, HS
Abstract:  Learn how to operate a basic handheld GPS receiver on the Macalester campus.

Ripken, Chris - Centennial High School
Geography of Happiness
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract:  Do you teach 9th grade Geography?  Are you looking for new ways to begin your class that motivate students to think geographically and to become more responsible? In this session you will learn ideas that help prepare 9th graders for the challenges of high school as well review some key geographic principles that will equip them with skills to be more successful in a Geography classroom. Materials presented in the workshop are based on the World Database of Happiness (http://worlddatabaseofhappiness.eur.nl/), The Geography of Bliss (Eric Weiner 2007) and core principles from LifeSkills Center for Business Leadership's L1 - Leadership from the Heart.

Ripken, Chris and Domschot, Mark - Centennial High School
H2O for Life
Grade Level:  M, HS
Abstract:  For the past two years, schools in the Centennial School District have partnered with the non-profit organization H2O for Life to provide water and sanitation systems to schools around the world.  Learn how this organization promotes geographic understanding in the classroom through service learning, while helping those in need.

Rith, Janet - Bemidji
Living History and Historical Re-enactment Projects in Geographic Education
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract:  The “life and times” of explorers and adventurers can capture the students’ imaginations, even leading them to embark on their own research to create Living History re-enactments.   This session will guide you through the process of creating such presentations for and with your students, in an expeditionary process that involves drama or film.

Trygestad, JoAnn - Rosemount Middle School
Teaching For Social Responsibility in the Secondary Social Studies Classroom
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract: Expand your curriculum by including novels and short storeies on social studies topics. 

Smith, Bryan - Falcon Ridge Middle School
Teaching about Korea
Grade Level: M, HS
Abstract:  Lessons and resources to bring Korean history and culture into your classroom.

Swanson, Kelly - Johnson Senior High School
Geography Games for the High School Classroom
Grade Level:  HS
Abstract:  Explore both your world and your geography units in this interactive fun way to learn specifics in your geography course.  Teach fundamental geography through the use of games and competition.  Join author and teacher Kelly Swanson as he explains how you can add these fun activities into your already successful outline. 

Thompson-Burke, Penny - Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education
Geography Fun and Games
Grade Level: M
Abstract: Get students up and moving!  Explore fun ways to practice geography concepts while getting everyone involved.  Games can be tailored to any unit.

Winkelaar, Jessica - University of Minnesota
Engage Young Students with Local/Community Geography
Grade Level:  P, I
Abstract:  Learn how to use the five themes framework to engage your students with their community. Find out about strategies that teach students how to ask questions, find information and make decisions that will impact their daily lives. Many examples of resources, including picture books and lesson examples, will be provided.