We are honored to have Rachel Hansen join us this week for to answer your questions on using geography to help students understand history and the world around us. A Distinguished AP Human Geography educator and National Geographic Explorer, she is passionate about designing learning experiences that compel students to engage in meaningful, authentic projects in their communities, where they can build relationships that produce sustainable change the world. Rachel leads her students in using geography to take action in their own community.
As a Big History educator, Rachel has included geography in her instruction to help students understand the impact of both human and physical geography on world history. In honor of Geography Awareness Week this month, she will answer your questions on incorporating geography skills into your history instruction.
To help get started, Rachel recommends checking out the following resources:
- National Geography Mapmaker: add layers of historic and contemporary data to make maps
- Esri's GeoInquiries: geographic inquiry activities by content theme (Earth Science, Government, US History, World History, etc.)
- Our Spatial Brains: student activities from middle through high school, including a focus on US History, World History, Earth Science
- Mapping History Tool: an online tool for teaching with documents from the National Archives
- Library of Congress Maps: searchable database of US maps from 1100 to 2023
- ArcGIS Online: free mapping software for K-12 schools in the USA
- Be sure to check out the OER Project Historical World Maps available on the Teacher Resources page.
What questions do you have for Rachel? Here are some ideas you may want to consider:
- What are the best ways to incorporate geography into a history course?
- Why is it important to use geography when teaching history?
- How can I make geography engaging for students?
Share your questions in the comments below. We look forward to exploring the world with you!
Want to learn even more about incorporating geography into your history instruction? Check out the recording of our recent OER Project Skills Clinic - Mapping History.
