Ms. Castiello Cooper 6 Social Studies
In Progress: Geography Project
Name:
Date:
Geography Travelogues: 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, history, government, and traditions.
Each student will prepare a virtual “Geography Tour” based on the 5
Themes of Geography and different aspects of culture. The “Geography
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. The project will give you an opportunity to get to know what the
Middle School library and the resources that are available.
Your ultimate goal is to be able to give your fellow classmates an
accurate and easy way to understand what life is like in your country and
what role your country plays in our global community. Your teachers and
classmates will view your virtual tour and take an exciting virtual field trip to
your country.
Getting Started
1. Which country will you research? Turn the card on your desk over.
What does it say? ______________________________ You will
research this country! Write your name on the card. Then turn the
card over and brainstorm everything you think you know about this
country.
2. Next week we will go to the library and start our research. You will
meet Mrs. Waltzman and Mrs. Waskow and they 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 side of the cube will be introduced with a
Guiding Question. Students will evaluate which of the numbered
research questions are most relevant to their country. Certain
questions must be answered by all students.
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, everyone must
answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other
questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to
answer.
Slide One - Location - Where is the country located?
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 exact location of the
country’s capital.
Choose two of the following:
4. On what continent is the country located?
5. What countries border the country?
6. What bodies of water are found in or around the country?
7. Describe or show interesting landforms found in that country
Notes for Slide One:
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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, everyone must
answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other
questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to
answer.
Slide Two - Place
Guiding Question: What is it like to live in the country?
* (all) 1. Define the geographic theme of place.
* (all) 2. Describe the type of government that exists in your country and
the economy. Include three interesting facts about the country's
government.
* (all) 3. List three facts about climate (rainfall, temperature)
* (all) 4. What holidays, traditions or customs are important to
understanding the country?
Choose two of the following:
5. What languages are spoken in the country?
6. What cultural groups are found in the country?
7. What religion or religions are practiced in the country?
8. What is the unifying language that is spoken in the country?
Notes for Slide Two:
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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, everyone must
answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other
questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to
answer.
Slide Three - Human Environment Interaction
Guiding Questions: How people affect the environment? How do natural
surroundings affect the way people live?
* (all) 1. Define the geographic theme of human environment interaction.
* (all) 2. What type of housing is found in the country?
* (all) 3. What types of crops are grown in the country?
* (all) 4. What types of jobs are found in the country?
Choose two of the following:
5. What type of traditional clothing is worn?
6. Does the country have any endangered species? If so what animals and
plants are endangered? Why are they endangered?
7. Environmental problems/solutions that exist in the county.
Notes for Slide Three:
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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, everyone must
answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other
questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to
answer.
Slide Four – Region
Guiding Question: How can geographers compare and contrast places
within this country?
* (all) 1. Define the geographic theme of region.
* (all) 2. What type of education system exists in the country?
* (all) 3. What is the total population of the country? What is the population
density?
* (all) 4. What is the area of the country in square miles?
* (all) 5. What is the Per Capita GDP?
* (all) 6. Life expectancy for males: females:
Choose two of the following:
7. What is the literacy rate in the country?
8. In what climate region is the country located?
9. What identified regions exist in this country?
10. What types of industry exist in this country?
Notes for Slide Four:
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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, everyone must
answer that question. In addition, each student must choose two other
questions to research and answer. HIGHLIGHT each question you need to
answer.
Slide Five – Movement
Guiding Question: How do people, goods, and ideas move into and out of
this country?
* (all) 1. Define the geographic theme of movement.
*(all) 2. What goods are imported to and exported from the country?
*(all) 3. What are the popular modes of transportation and communication in
the country?
* (all) 4. Describe the country’s flag and its history.
Choose two of the following:
5. Describe how the country gained its independence.
6. What special traditions are celebrated in the country?
7. What kind of technology is used in the country?
8. What well-known person traces their roots to this country? Why are they
famous?
Notes for Slide Five:
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Directions: The questions listed below will be based on the
research you did for the other five slides. You will need to
answer all the questions in this section.
Slide Six – Challenges/ Current Events
Guiding Question: What challenges do people currently living in this
nation face?
All countries face challenges. These challenges may take a
social, political, or environmental form. Choose one challenge
currently facing the people of this nation.
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’s response been proven effective? Is
progress being made? Why or why not? Include specific proof (facts)
to support your answer. Cite/ Link a news article that reports on
this problem.
4. Possible Solution – Develop an alternate solution to this challenge that
will improve the situation for the people of this nation. Support with
details why you think this solution could work.
Notes for Slide Six:
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