Pre-ap World geography
This course will provide students with a taste of real-world geography applications, along with the development of 21st century skills. Students will be engaged in, and concerned with more with than simply acquiring content knowledge. Moreover, they will be involved with the analysis, synthesis, and relevant application of the material. This will be accomplished largely through the process of "inquiry-based" or "challenge-based" learning (also called project-based, or problem-based). The majority of "direct teaching" or lectures will be taught via video screencast. Students are responsible to actively watch these at home so that our class time may be spent involved in the important work of deeper investigation, collaboration, and application of the content. Part of this process involves something called "flipping the classroom." Visit this youtube link, and this link for more information about the flipped classroom.
It is my belief that teachers used to be necessary, primarily for the dissemination of information. Today, students are, in no way, lacking in information. Therefore, the teacher's job has become more about creating a space in which students can effectively sift through the "infowhelm" located at their finger tips 24/7. I see myself as more of an educational facilitator: that means that the student is responsible for his own learning. I am there to introduce the skills necessary for that to occur, and then appropriately coach, redirect, encourage and applaud their progress. This is an important paradigm shift. As students will soon become job-seekers, employers will expect candidates who are highly autonomous and creative problem solvers. Most of the work that doesn't require these skills will be outsourced or turned over to a computer. We live in exciting times, and it is my goal to adequately prepare you for them.
It is my belief that teachers used to be necessary, primarily for the dissemination of information. Today, students are, in no way, lacking in information. Therefore, the teacher's job has become more about creating a space in which students can effectively sift through the "infowhelm" located at their finger tips 24/7. I see myself as more of an educational facilitator: that means that the student is responsible for his own learning. I am there to introduce the skills necessary for that to occur, and then appropriately coach, redirect, encourage and applaud their progress. This is an important paradigm shift. As students will soon become job-seekers, employers will expect candidates who are highly autonomous and creative problem solvers. Most of the work that doesn't require these skills will be outsourced or turned over to a computer. We live in exciting times, and it is my goal to adequately prepare you for them.
Course content
Geography Topics to be explored, along with corresponding standards:
1. Physical Geography
OVERVIEW OF CONTINENTS, OCEANS AND MAP SKILLS (9a,b; 21a,b,c)
PROCESSES THAT SHAPE THE PLANET (3a,b,c; 4a,b,c)
PEOPLE AND NATURE (8a,b,c)
2. Human Geography
ASPECTS OF CULTURE (16a,b,c,d; 17a,b,c,d; 18c)
CULTURE REGIONS (1a,; 5a; 9a,b; 13a; 16a,b; 17a,d, 21b)
DEMOGRAPHY (6a,b; 7a,c)
MIGRATION (1a, 7b)
3. Change
CULTURAL DIFFUSION AND CONVERGENCE (1b; 7d; 18a,d)
HISTORICAL CHANGE (2a,b; 18a,b,c; 19a,b,c; 20a,b)
4. Political Geography
TYPES OF GOVERNMENT (14b)
NATIONS: BORDERS AND POWER (13b; 14a,c)
POLITICAL PROCESSES AND CITIZENSHIP (15a,b; 18b; 21b)
5. Globalization
ECONOMIC SYSTEMS (10a,b,c; 18c)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (5b; 11a)
CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION (7d; 10d; 11b,c; 12a,b; 20a,b)
PROBLEM-SOLVING AND RESEARCH SKILLS (22 a,b,c,d,e; 23a,b,c)
Used throughout school year on all projects.
1. Physical Geography
OVERVIEW OF CONTINENTS, OCEANS AND MAP SKILLS (9a,b; 21a,b,c)
PROCESSES THAT SHAPE THE PLANET (3a,b,c; 4a,b,c)
PEOPLE AND NATURE (8a,b,c)
2. Human Geography
ASPECTS OF CULTURE (16a,b,c,d; 17a,b,c,d; 18c)
CULTURE REGIONS (1a,; 5a; 9a,b; 13a; 16a,b; 17a,d, 21b)
DEMOGRAPHY (6a,b; 7a,c)
MIGRATION (1a, 7b)
3. Change
CULTURAL DIFFUSION AND CONVERGENCE (1b; 7d; 18a,d)
HISTORICAL CHANGE (2a,b; 18a,b,c; 19a,b,c; 20a,b)
4. Political Geography
TYPES OF GOVERNMENT (14b)
NATIONS: BORDERS AND POWER (13b; 14a,c)
POLITICAL PROCESSES AND CITIZENSHIP (15a,b; 18b; 21b)
5. Globalization
ECONOMIC SYSTEMS (10a,b,c; 18c)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (5b; 11a)
CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION (7d; 10d; 11b,c; 12a,b; 20a,b)
PROBLEM-SOLVING AND RESEARCH SKILLS (22 a,b,c,d,e; 23a,b,c)
Used throughout school year on all projects.
Technology Tools
Click this link for a student webquest, but MORE IMPORTANTLY, an introduction to the tech tools students will be using this year.
Genius hour
Also referred to as "20% time", or "passion-time", Genius Hour was largely popularized with the Google Company. Google gives its employees a percentage of their week to "do whatever they want." This time is allotted for employees to learn something new, explore, grow, create. Many of Google's greatest innovations have come from their Genius Hour. Just two examples are "gmail" and "google sky." Some have reported that about 50% of Google's innovations have come from this personal time of exploration.
The goal of Genius Hour with students is to create a love for learning. By allowing the students to learn about whatever they want, it helps them to understand that school is not just a place where they have to come and memorize facts about curriculum that they will never use in their real lives. Encouraging students to further develop their passions may even unlock a future career path. Genius hour is like giving students a magical key that opens up a door to a world that has never been seen before.
Another important aspect of Genius Hour is that it enables the teacher to more effectively develop a personal relationship with her students. When students feel safe and fully trust the teacher, they are far more willing to deeply engage and explore the subject matter at hand. During Genius Hour, teachers are able take time to develop relationships that they simply wouldn't have the time to cultivate during the regular work week.
Genius Hour is not a time for "loafing." You won't find students involved in unstructured, mindless activity (gaming, texting, to name a few). Instead, it is a time for students to actively, intentionally, and purposefully engage in the process of learning or creating something new. In fact, Genius Hour may just turn out to be the most meaningful hour of their week!
Watch THIS video for a little taste. And watch THIS video for a GREAT in-depth look at the rationale behind the Genius Hour. The first 15 minutes will probably tell you all you need (or want) to know at this point. But do feel free to watch on if you'd like!
Finally, here are a few student Genius Hour ideas for you to enjoy.
The goal of Genius Hour with students is to create a love for learning. By allowing the students to learn about whatever they want, it helps them to understand that school is not just a place where they have to come and memorize facts about curriculum that they will never use in their real lives. Encouraging students to further develop their passions may even unlock a future career path. Genius hour is like giving students a magical key that opens up a door to a world that has never been seen before.
Another important aspect of Genius Hour is that it enables the teacher to more effectively develop a personal relationship with her students. When students feel safe and fully trust the teacher, they are far more willing to deeply engage and explore the subject matter at hand. During Genius Hour, teachers are able take time to develop relationships that they simply wouldn't have the time to cultivate during the regular work week.
Genius Hour is not a time for "loafing." You won't find students involved in unstructured, mindless activity (gaming, texting, to name a few). Instead, it is a time for students to actively, intentionally, and purposefully engage in the process of learning or creating something new. In fact, Genius Hour may just turn out to be the most meaningful hour of their week!
Watch THIS video for a little taste. And watch THIS video for a GREAT in-depth look at the rationale behind the Genius Hour. The first 15 minutes will probably tell you all you need (or want) to know at this point. But do feel free to watch on if you'd like!
Finally, here are a few student Genius Hour ideas for you to enjoy.
Edmodo
Edmodo is your friend! Edmodo will be the hub for current information, blogs, assignments, polls, quizzes, tests, etc. Edmodo is where you'll collaborate in groups, not only within and among your classes, but also globally. You'll find it super easy to use because it works a lot like facebook (except that edmodo is a safe and secure platform on which to work and share). In Edmodo, you'll also get to earn badges, to store in your profile, for all of your great accomplishments!
Click on this youtube link to give you an idea how edmodo works.
PARENTS
Be sure your student is an active member of his/her class on Edmodo. Also, ask him/her for YOUR secret code. This will give you special, parent access to your student's progress, as well as alerts to important classroom information. Your student will earn a badge when you sign up! Important Note: Edmodo is not your student's official gradebook, and it does not include all grades. It will contain only those assignments that are assessed within the Edmodo platform.
Click on this youtube link to give you an idea how edmodo works.
PARENTS
Be sure your student is an active member of his/her class on Edmodo. Also, ask him/her for YOUR secret code. This will give you special, parent access to your student's progress, as well as alerts to important classroom information. Your student will earn a badge when you sign up! Important Note: Edmodo is not your student's official gradebook, and it does not include all grades. It will contain only those assignments that are assessed within the Edmodo platform.
Blogging
As a part of 21st century learning skills (digital citizenship, creativity, reflection, and collaboration), blogging will be an integral part of our class experience. We'll be using the "student-safe", no ads platform, Kidblog. Students will now be able to safely get the full experience of blogging! For a five minute tutorial on what Kidblog looks like, click on this link to a youtube video.
Mrs. Alamo
I'm a bit reserved, but not shy; a travel junkie and a homebody at the same time. Some of my favorite things are dreaming of the future but trying to remain in the present, the crashing waves on 12-mile drive in Newport, Rhode Island, Nutella right off the spoon, watching planes take off, guessing your profession, laughter through tears, Starbucks (probably a little too much of this one), hotel pillows, the color orange, my wonderful husband, and of course, the classroom! Oh, and I've definitely been known to "trip on flat surfaces, push doors that say pull, and laugh at lame jokes."
I'm a perpetual learner, and love sharing that passion with inquiring (and the occasional reluctant) minds! This is my 16th year in education, and I'm in my sweet spot. I actually get to help people know they matter, and understand their significance! Do they really pay me to do this?
I'm so looking forward to a wonderful year with you.
Come as you are!
I'm a perpetual learner, and love sharing that passion with inquiring (and the occasional reluctant) minds! This is my 16th year in education, and I'm in my sweet spot. I actually get to help people know they matter, and understand their significance! Do they really pay me to do this?
I'm so looking forward to a wonderful year with you.
Come as you are!
Contacting me
Monday Mail and edmodo
If you would like to receive a weekly email from me with important information, please fill out the form on the HOME page. HOWEVER, I strongly recommend that you register for edmodo (via the password that must be given to you by your student or myself). This will give you special access to your student's progress, as well as, edmodo-related grades and assignments. You will also be able to choose and receive alerts from me related to upcoming deadlines, assignments and quizzes.
