III. Procedure:

1. Learn and or review latitude and longitude by using Scholastic’s Message in a Bottle game (placing coins on latitude and longitude locations chosen from a pile).

2. Break into groups for assigned outdoor work.  Go outside for collecting data using Geo Diaries sheet.  Tools:  compass, GPS (teacher can share with each group if only one is available); camera if desired, sketching materials.  Note:  If no GPS is available, groups can search online for topographic map of area; check Google Earth for latitude and longitude if possible.

3.  After sketching return to classroom.  Groups compile information from sketch maps. 

4. Proceed with inquiry process.  What questions arose on outdoor excursion?  Record questions.

5. Did you find some answers?  Determine how to share data with partner groups.

6. Optional:  This idea was taken from a recent Missouri Geographic Alliance workshop, with thanks to a local teacher from New Bloomfield, Missouri.  Use “(Missouri) Regions Cookie Activity” to reinforce regional geography of your state.  Can use a cookie cutter of your state, a Pop Tart with state drawn in gel icing, or use graham crackers with frosting. It is better to frost the cracker or cookie in white first.  Make colored sugar to sprinkle on physiographic regions of the state, with candy chips at various locations, such as the state capital.  Assessment rubric can be points for correctly locating regions and locations on the cookie.  

7. Documents/Resources used to share this project:

a. Geo Diaries handout; Teaching Geography, by Phil Gersmehl

b. Introduction, Rationale and Goals document, which includes student descriptions of campus, St. Louis, and Missouri.

c. Geography of St. Louis from this website: 

http://www.answers.com/topic/geography-of-st-louis-missouri

d. Student sketch maps from two classes

e. Photos of students and campus from two classes

f. Topo maps of UMSL campus provided by student Cara Burpee