5 Ways to Trick Students Into Learning with Pokemón Go

TECHNOLOGY  It’s hardly news that most of us view the world in an augmented way—through our smartphones. And it’s not unusual to see folks wandering the streets half-blindly with eyes glued to their screens. But Pokémon Go may still have sparked a few things: it’s gotten people outside to observe the world around them. And, to any geographer’s delight, they’re using maps along the way. … Continue reading 5 Ways to Trick Students Into Learning with Pokemón Go

The United Slang of America

UNITED STATES If every state had an official slang word or phrase, what would it be? (Slate) Use our outline map to make your own slang map! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Do you agree with Slate’s choice for your state’s “official” slang word? Why or why not? What others would you suggest? Slate … Continue reading The United Slang of America

The United States of Emoji

UNITED STATES Did you know that 74% of Americans report using emoji every single day? What states are using what emoji? Sure, Alaskans are fishers and Washingtonians love music . . . but what is Vermonters’ fascination with smiling poo? (Tech Crunch) Use our U.S. MapMaker Kit to label and navigate the United States of emoji! Educators, scroll down for a quick list of key resources … Continue reading The United States of Emoji

Should Puerto Rico Be a State?

POLITICS Jeb Bush recently reiterated his support for making the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico the nation’s 51st state. (CNN) Customize your own map of Puerto Rico with our 1-Page Map. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including a link to today’s MapMaker Interactive map of the territories of the United States. Discussion Ideas 2016 presidential hopeful Jeb … Continue reading Should Puerto Rico Be a State?

Weekly Warm-Up: Weather-Proof Your Field Trips With GeoTours!

Looking for a way to show your students around the United States and Canada without actually setting foot outside of your classroom? Check out National Geographic Education‘s State GeoTours created by the Network of Alliances for Geographic Education. National Geographic challenged Alliance Coordinators and teachers around the U.S. to use MapMaker Interactive to create individualized tours of each state and Canada. You and your students can click through … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: Weather-Proof Your Field Trips With GeoTours!