Name ______Date ______
Section ______Geography Project
Virtual World Tour
Our study of geography in sixth grade will include a look at world cultures. This project will help you understand different countries by examining their geography and their cultural universals.
Each student will prepare a virtual “Geo-Tour” based on the Five Themes of Geography and relative aspects of culture. The “Geo-Tour” will consist of six parts; part one is Location, part two is Place, part three is Human-Environment Interaction, part four is Region, part five is Movement, part six is country challenges/ current events.
We will research these topics in the library using a variety of resources. Therefore this project also provides a way for you to get to know what the middle school library is all about.
Your ultimate goal is to be able to give your peers an accurate and easy to understand idea of what life is like in “your” country and what roles this country plays in our global community. Your teachers and classmates will eventually view your virtual tour on Google Drive. You want these viewers to feel that they would be prepared with enough knowledge about your country that they would feel comfortable having a conversation with a person from that country or even visiting!
Getting Started
1. Which country did you choose to research? ______Write your name on the card. Then turn the card over and brainstorm everything you think you know about this country.
2. In preparation for this project you will meet with the librarian and she will tell you all about how to use the library for this project.
3. You should know that this project will take place throughout Quarter One. This means that we will not work on the project every single day, but piece by piece. You will be informed of upcoming due dates as they approach.
4. The research for each slide of the presentation will be introduced with guiding questions. You will evaluate which of the numbered research questions are most relevant to your country. Certain questions must be answered by all students.
5. This project will be created using Google Presentation. Keep in mind that the maximum number of slides for each theme is two. Therefore your project can be a maximum of 14 slides - an intro slide with your name and country name, two for each theme, two for current events, one bibliography slide. The minimum number of slides for this project is 8.
Guiding Questions
Directions: The questions listed below will be the basis of your research for each part of the project. If the question says “all” next to it, all students must answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to answer.
Part One – Location Guiding Questions:
* (all) 1. Define the geographic theme of location.
* (all) 2. Find the country’s relative location.
* (all) 3. What is the country’s capital? Find the absolute location of the
country’s capital.
Choose two of the following:
4. On what continent is the country located?
5. What bodies of water are found in or around the country?
6. Describe or show interesting landforms found in that country
* Maximum of 2 slides
Notes: Source of Notes
______
Guiding Questions
Directions: The questions listed below will be the basis of your research for each part of the project. If the question says “all” next to it, all students must answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to answer.
Part Two – Place Guiding Questions:
* 1. (all) Define the geographic theme of place
Choose three of the following:
1. List 3 or more facts about the country’s climate
2. What political system is used in the country?
3. What holidays, customs, or traditions are celebrated in the country
4. What languages are spoken in the country?
5. What religions are practiced in the country?
6. Describe the education system found in the country
7. What type of traditional clothing is worn in the country?
8. What economic system is practiced in the country?
Maximum of 2 slides
Notes: Source of Notes:
______
Guiding Questions
Directions: The questions listed below will be the basis of your research for each part of the project. If the question says “all” next to it, all students must answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to answer.
Part Three – Human-Environment Interaction Guiding Questions:
1. (all) Define the geographic theme of Human Environment Interaction
Choose three of the following:
1. What types of jobs do people have?
2. What types of housing is found in the country
3. What are 3 major crops grown in the country
4. (What are some of the plants & animals that are unique to that country? Are there any endangered species?
5. What environmental challenges is the country facing?
Maximum of 2 slides
Notes: Source of Notes:
______
Guiding Questions
Directions: The questions listed below will be the basis of your research for each part of the project. If the question says “all” next to it, all students must answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to answer.
Part Four – Region- Guiding Questions:
1. (all) Define the geographic theme of region
Choose three of the following:
1. List at least 3 regions that the country is part of
2. What is the total population of the country? What is the population density?
3. Do most people live in rural or urban areas. List some of the major cities
4. What is the total area in square miles/kilometers
5. What is the Gross Domestic Product of the country? What is the per capita GDP
6. What is the life expectancy for males? Females?
7. What is the literacy rate in the country?
Maximum of 2 slides
Notes: Source of Notes:
______
Guiding Questions
Directions: The questions listed below will be the basis of your research for each part of the project. If the question says “all” next to it, all students must answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to answer.
Part Five – Movement- Guiding Questions:
1. (all) Define the geographic theme of movement
Choose three of their following:
2. What goods are exported from the country?
3. What goods are imported into the country?
4. Describe the different modes of transportation in the country?
5. What kinds of technology are used in the country?
6. What product or idea that we use traces its origin to this country?
7. What well-known person traces their roots to this country? Why are they well known?
Maximum of 2 slides
Notes: Source of Notes:
______
Guiding Questions
Directions: The questions listed below will be the basis of your research for each part of the project. You will need to answer each question.
Part Six- Country Challenges / Current Events
All countries face challenges. These challenges may take social, political or environmental form. Choose one challenge currently facing the people of this nation.
Guiding Questions:
1. Describe the challenge- is it social, political, or environmental?
2. Describe the government’s response. What is the government doing to respond to the problem?
3. Opinion- Has the government response proven effective? Is progress being made? Why or why not? Include specific proof (facts) to support your answer.
4. Optional - Link a news article that reports on this problem.
5. Possible solution- Develop an alternative solution to this challenge that will improve the situation for the people of this nation. Support with details as to why you think this solution could work.
Maximum of 2 slides
Notes: Source of Notes: ______
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