Teacher Page

"Passports to Learning" is an interactive web site designed to help first grade children to understand that Earth has seven continents. Included on five of those continents are many countries with cultural diversity. This project supports a first grade social studies unit that provides students with a multicultural/geographic awareness.
 

Before navigating the interactive map, we will read "Me on the Map" by Joan Sweeney. This colorful non-fiction book is a playful introduction to maps, which shows children how easy it is to find the places they know by simplifying this abstract tool. Children recognize that maps can show you where you are, anywhere in the world!

Following the book and discussion, a globe will be highlighted as the shape of our earth in space. The globe will be displayed wrapped with a paper world map. As the paper map is unrolled, children will understand that the world is round, and because of this, when using a globe model, we cannot see the entire Earth unless we spin the globe. A flat world map, another way of looking at the Earth, allows us to see the entire world without moving or spinning.

Our lesson will continue with the difference between a continent and a country. Using a map of North America, students can see the location of the United States and our neighbors, Canada and Mexico. They will understand that the three countries are located on a large piece of land called the North America continent. This discussion will initiate interest in the other six continents, their locations, and countries included on each.

Classes will be introduced to the Mappler page as components are discussed and a demonstration is provided. Children will recognize that they have the ability to easily find the seven continents, various countries, and locations of the major oceans.

Students will then access the Introduction Page to our website. Directions will lead children to access the interactive map and begin their journey across the world. This project will also highlight the unique characteristics of the various countries and their people using text, photos, and videos. Mappler will allow children to be exposed to mapping skills, as well as the awareness of the diversity of the earth and its people.

Objectives

Using an interactive map of the world, First Grade children will

• Identify the difference between a map and a globe (6.6)
   

•  Access and use the Mappler page (Technology 8.1)
   

•  Define the difference between a continent and a country (6.2.2)

·        Identify the seven continents of the world (6.6.2)

·        Recognize various countries included on continents and the cultural diversity (6.2.2 & S.S. expectation 5)

·        Identify three major oceans of the world (6.6.2)

·        Locate text, photos, and videos of specific countries (Technology 8.1)

New Jersey State Standards addressed

 6.2 (civics): All students will know, understand, and appreciate the roles of a citizen in the nation and the world.

 6.2.2: International Education: Global challenges, cultures and connections: Explain that the United States is a diverse nation and one of many nations in the world.

 Social Studies Expectation 1: Students discuss characteristics of children and adults in multicultural literature and photos.

 Social Studies Expectation 5: Students participate in cultural activities and identify traditions of various cultures.

 6.6 (Geography): All students will apply knowledge of spatial relationships and other geographic skills to understand human behavior in relation to the physical and cultural environment.

 6.6.2 The world in spatial terms: Explain the spatial concepts of location, distance and direction, including:

·        The location of state and country

·        The location of continents and oceans

8.1 Computer and information literacy

Extension Activities

1. Teacher and class can research a country and add a new point to the map which will include a brief description. (Technology 8.1 and S.S. Expectation 5)

2. Have children create a simple world map with the seven continents. (6.6)

3. Children will create a map of the country visited and list a few facts that they learned about this country.
(6.6)

4. Country books can be provided for children to find further information about their country, a native food can be shared, and a presentation can be made to classmates. (S.S. Expectation 5)

5. A flag of the country visited can be made and displayed by students. Simple fact sheet can be included.
(S.S. Expectation 5)

6. International folktales can be provided to share and expose children to multicultural literature. (S.S. Expectation 1)