Materials

• Examples of the following: Geographic Information System (GIS), field work, satellite images, photographs of geographic features, maps, globes, data bases, and primary sources
  
• Classroom map that illustrates scale, latitude, and longitude
  

Instructional Activities

1. Define geographic information as that which has to do with places, regions, and environments on the surface of the Earth.



2. Put the following questions on the board or overhead, and instruct students to write their responses to them:
   • What sources do we have to assist us in obtaining geographic information? (Possible answers include “GIS, field work, satellite images, maps, globes, data bases, and primary sources.”)
   • What are longitude and latitude? When are they used? (Possible answers include “in defining absolute locations.”)
   • What is relative location? How is it different from absolute location?
   • What is scale, and how is it used on maps?
   • What purpose does a compass rose serve?
   
   
3. Allow a few minutes for students to respond, then divide the class into groups of two or three, and ask the students in each group to compare their answers and develop a single response for their group. After a few minutes, have the groups share their responses.
   
   
4. Explain to the students that they will be working with many of these sources throughout the year. Begin to demonstrate the various sources by selecting one or more of the following activities:
   • Have students prepare a map of a location in their area, for example, their yard, a mall, or a ballpark. The map should reflect the location accurately, using scale, a compass rose to reflect relative location, a legend, etc.
   • Have students locate aerial photographs that reflect geographic features, identify the location pictured, and explain the features.
   • Have students prepare a database of geographic information.
   • Have students identify primary sources that provide geographic information.
   • Have students complete a student-selected project approved by the teacher.
   •Provide GIS systems, if available, and instruct students to chart locations identified by the teacher. (See ESRI Web site for more information.)
   
   
5. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.