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open geography
Social Studies

Open Geography: Free Curriculum and Resources

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Need free curriculum for teaching that most necessary of subjects, geography? Then you are in luck. A solid knowledge of geography provides an understanding of politics and culture. It grants a sense of perspective to understand the map. In this blog entry, you’ll explore a brand new revamped website that offers free resources.

What’s more, the website’s resources and curriculum are open educational resources (OER). Before we dive into these amazing resources for geography, let’s take a look at what OER is.

Open Educational Resources (OER)

“I’m overwhelmed. There’s no way I can create brand new resources from scratch to use online. What options do I have for finding and organizing materials from other people?” Open educational resources offer one possible answer to that question.

Did You Know?

OER licensed content must be free for any individual to use. What’s more, creators must license it for unlimited distribution. Also, they allow for its adaptation, translation, remixing, and improvement.

You can find a rich variety of images, audio, and video licensed as Creative Commons. You can also find content via Google Image Search. Or use a Chrome extension such as CC Search. You can see how Creative Commons and OER fit together in the chart below (source).

OER vs NOT OER chart, https://libguides.consortiumlibrary.org/OER/isit
Source: https://libguides.consortiumlibrary.org/OER/isit

Some common OER tools and resources appear below:

To this list, allow me to add one more for geography explorers.

Geography is a discipline of explorers. Some geographers explore the world using satellite imagery. Others do so by interviewing members of an indigenous community in an isolated area. What unites geographers everywhere is a desire to dig deeper. It is a desire to better understand why the spatial patterns and unique features we find in the world exist (source: World Regional Geography).

Introducing Open Geography

You can access textbooks that have gone through editing and peer review. Open Geography makes these available at no extra charge. And these are also Creative Commons Attribution licensed. Contributing support to the site includes geography notables, such as:

  • ESRI
  • Lumen
  • GeoTech
  • Salt Lake Community College
  • Utah State Board of Education

So what can you find at the Open Geography website?

open geography
Screenshot by author

eTextbook Resources

You can find eTextbooks that are mobile friendly. The website provides a list of textbooks, including:

  • Geography OER eTextbooks
  • Geography OER Lab Manuals
  • Geospatial Technology OER eTextbooks

There is a total of 15 different resources available for use. But that’s not all.

open geography

Screenshot by author – Image Source

Online Resources

open geography
Source: https://www.populationpyramid.net/hnp/population-growth/2015/

In addition, you can find a rich collection of links organized into several categories. Those categories include:

  • Physical geography
  • Human geography
  • Environmental geography
  • Geographic information systems
  • Remote sensing
  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
  • Spatial data and cartography
  • Spatial curriculum and pedagogy

You can also find links to open education topics and to professional organizations.

A Parting Reflection

“The Open Geography project is doing important work to expand the population of students who can access this valuable field,” says Dr. Aida Guhlincozzi, a post-doctoral scholar in Geography and Geographic Information Science (GIS) at the University of Missouri . “The Open Geography project makes  a number of key learning resources with many tools available to those who need it most.” All this can be invaluable content for educators encouraging young learners.

Feature Image Source

Screenshot by author

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geography awareness week
Social Studies

What We Can Learn During Geography Awareness Week

by Andrew Roush
written by Andrew Roush

Building a robust and useful understanding of the world around us involves understanding people, both as individuals and as groups, topics we uncover through social studies subjects. It also requires an understanding of the physical world and the processes that drive it, ideas we explore through math and science subjects. Often, these understandings of the world come together in geography, a subject that can help transcend subjects and connect them.

Educators can help build understanding of complex systems of people and environment, both locally and globally. But traditionally, students in the U.S. have struggled with geography. That’s one of the reason educators, organizations, and individuals celebrate Geography Awareness Week, observed November 15–21 this year.

Mapping Awareness

The American Association of Geographers works to build geoliteracy, or an understanding of geographic concept. They note that tumultuous times make geoliteracy as vital as ever:

This proliferation of maps, visualizations, and storytelling about space and place in 2020 has informed public policies and personal choices, opening a window on how geoliteracy—the understanding and application of geographic concepts and reasoning—can support complex, relational perspectives and decision making for the Earth’s future.

Geography Awareness Week: November 15-21, 2020. AAG.

Geographic knowledge can help build engaged citizens in many ways. For example, the U.S. Census Bureau compiles many resources, data tools, and maps on related social and economic topics, with key statistics and information on tech topics like geographic information systems or GIS.

Exploring Resources

The National Geographic Society, dedicated to “exploring and protecting our planet,” has a number of resources to build geography awareness:

  • Find planning resources and frequently asked questions about Geography Awareness Week here.
  • Dig into NetGeo’s full Geography Awareness Week library, with tips for films to watch, geo-caching activities, and much, much more, as well as the chance to sign up for the National Geographic education newsletter.

The American Association of Geographers also shares a number of tools:

Other resources from AAG include:

More Resources from TechNotes

Celebrating Around the World

Will you and your students take part in Geography Awareness Week? What tools will you use and what topics will you cover? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by slon_dot_pics from Pexels

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google earth
Google Tips and TricksLibraries

Bring the World into Your Library with Google Geography Tools

by James Allen, Guest Author
written by James Allen, Guest Author

I’ve loved maps for as long as I can remember. I think I was in first grade when I saw and felt a globe with topography, where you could feel the mountains. Ever since then, I’ve loved exploring physical maps and atlases and creating my own. Thankfully for my map-loving self, technology offers us more access to information about our earth than ever before. I’ve used Google Earth for quite a while, and now that it is web based, it is even easier to access. In this post, I will point out some of its features, but also some other Google geographic tools you may be less familiar with. 

Google Earth

google earthGoogle Earth is that globe from first grade, but with so much more. First, when you enter from the https://www.google.com/earth/ link, the satellite cloud cover you see is current. It’s not exactly real-time, but it does update often. A major advantage of the “new” web-based Google Earth is that you can search locations just like you do in Google Maps by name or keyword. Adults, and kids if they know it, will often search for their address first thing, just to make sure this Google Earth thing is legit.

Next, grab Peg Man at the lower right corner and drag him over the earth. Any blue lines or dots that appear are either Street View images you can explore or 360-degree photos that individuals have uploaded and shared. To jump back out, just click on the yellow Peg Man again. If you don’t explore anything else, spend some time with the Voyager Stories. You can access those by clicking on the ship’s wheel icon on the main menu located on the left of your screen. These are curated and self-guided trips with a wealth of information. Many include photos and textual information. Some, like the “Carmen Sandigo” voyages, are fully interactive games. You can do a keyword search for Voyager Stories in the search menu. Story results will always display in the bottom of your search results. 

My Maps

google earthMost of us have probably used or been given Google Maps directions at some point. Google My Maps are maps that you can create yourself and with others. Just like other Google Drive apps, Google My Maps can be stored in your account and shared with friends and family, either to view or edit. This is an awesome tool for students to work on projects together. They can drop their own points of interest, complete with images, color coding, drawings, icons, and more. Another powerful feature is the ability to use spreadsheet data to automatically populate a map. Spreadsheets with location data can be automatically added to the map, along with other information in the sheet. 

Street View

google earthGoogle Street View is the up-close imagery that makes Google Earth and Maps so powerful. Google generates much of this content using their famous cars, but these photos can also be uploaded by individuals who are using a 360-degree camera or using the Street View app. The images usually stick to the street, but many go off road, under water, and more. Having your students create their own 360-degree photos, especially when they are on a field trip or other travels, is a great way for them to remember and share the experience with others. 

Tour Creator

google earthStreet View is awesome, but what if you want to stitch together your own trip using those images? There is a Google tool for that! Google Tour Creator allows you and your students to use any Street View imagery, or personal 360 photos, to create interactive tours. These tours can include narration through uploaded audio files, image overlays, and points of interest. Once created, they can be shared with anyone. Check out this page for some great examples to get you and your students dreaming of the possibilities. If you are interested in creating your own  photos and art, this page will give you a place to start. 

Expeditions

google earthIs a real-life field trip not in the budget? Then explore the offerings of Google Expeditions. These trips are filled with information for you to feature with your students just as a tour guide would in real life. It is immersive and also fun to share these using virtual viewers or Google Cardboard, but they can be enjoyed without those as well. You can search through a list of over 900 expeditions here. As phones and tablets become more powerful, we are also beginning to see more augmented reality content. Expeditions has some of these experiences as well. This makes it look like artifacts, models, and animals are right inside your classroom and can be explored from every angle. 

google earthAre you interested in data, geography, and programming? Google Earth Engine is a platform for combining the wealth of information available about our planet in creative ways. One example that will be of immediate use in your classroom is Google Earth Timelapse. This combines available satellite imagery of the entire planet into an animated time lapse. It makes visualizing change very easy. Some other Google Earth Engine projects you might want to explore are Collect Earth Online, Map of Life, and Global Forest Watch. 

This post just scratches the surface of what is available to you and your students. If you would like some great tutorials and instructional ideas for Google Geo tools, my good friend and Google Earth Education Expert Donnie Piercey has put together a great collection of resources. I hope that you will explore these tools with your students and teachers. My first grade self, fascinated by maps, would so appreciate it — and you just might ignite this passion in your students, too!

Photo: henry perks

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interactive maps
Content AreasWeb 2.0 Tool

Bringing Geography to Life with Interactive Maps

by Andrew Roush
written by Andrew Roush

Geography plays a crucial role in connecting the social studies disciplines, giving students a concrete understanding of how people move and interact, how the landscape can shape behavior and social structures, and more broadly, how the world we live in today came to be.

But year after year, the same headlines seem to appear:

“U.S. Students Are Really Bad at Geography”

“Most Young Americans Can’t Pass a Test on Global Affairs—Can You?”

“New Study Shows U.S. Students Miss Boat on Geography”

The good news is that ed tech can help us make geography, a foundation social studies area, more engaging for learners. Despite challenges, a student’s understanding of the intersection between physical and social worlds is vital in informing their understanding of history, civics, even life and earth sciences. All of those are brought together with interactive maps that facilitate active learning.

Setting the Standard

The importance and interdisciplinary nature of geography is made clear in the TEKS, the statewide educational standards in TCEA’s home state of Texas. An understanding of geography is included in standards from kindergarten through high school graduation.

Joseph Kerski, of the GIS firm Esri and a former president of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE), calls geography more than just “a ‘nice to have’ subject for an already-crowded educational curriculum.” Instead, he claims, it  bolsters “the critical-thinking skills, technology skills, citizen skills, and life skills that underpin all other disciplines. It is essential for grappling with the essential issues of our time.”

interactive maps

A Trusted Navigator

Technology can help bring geography to life. There’s no need for maps to be static. In fact, they can be dynamic, even interactive. That’s the premise behind MapMaker Interactive, a hands-on learning site developed by National Geographic. By pairing National Geographic’s world-class maps with powerful customization tools, educators can mark, label, bookmark, and save maps that are custom-built to match lesson plans.

Students studying the Great Migration, for example, can automatically measure distances from the population centers of the Deep South to urban areas in the north and west by drawing a line between two points. Further, they can add pins, tags, and images. Even adding a population density overlay is simple and demonstrates the lasting influences of the historic movement of African Americans in the 20th century.

Just about any social studies lesson can be enhanced with custom maps. Let students create their own, or bookmark and save maps for use in future instruction.

The Cartographer’s Toolkit

interactive mapsinteractive mapsinteractive mapsinteractive mapsinteractive maps

With the basics out of the way, here are a few of the tools built into MapMaker Interactive:

  • Country Facts and Flags: This allows students to absorb basic national facts while also customizing border colors to make a unique, personal map layer.
  • Custom Text, Photos, Videos: Students can use a vast array of markers and shapes to tell stories or display layers of data.
  • Saving Custom Maps: You must provide an email address to save a map and generate a link to edit and share it.
  • Pins, Markers, and Custom Drawings: Maps can be edited and adjusted in a number of ways with self-made labels, markers, lines, boxes, and more.
  • Pre-Made Layers: Want to see the population density of Denmark? A map of big cat territory around the world? An overlay of the African American population in 1960? MapMaker comes with all that and more. You can even adjust the opacity of these layers.

Scouting the Terrain

It’s a powerful tool, to be sure, and this brief introduction couldn’t cover everything that MapMaker is capable of. Luckily, National Geographic has an entire playlist of video tutorials outlining the tool’s features, so you can learn how to best to implement it in your classroom.

What’s more, National Geographic also provides a number of written tutorials outlining everything from how to create “geotours”—a set of mapped bookmarks—to charting the biodiversity of the Amazon River basin.

Going Deeper Into Interactive Maps

For those looking for more, National Geographic Education also offers a number printable, black and white, one-page maps that emphasize a number of thematic components. You can access those here (requires Flash). In addition, educators can access large maps, printable in sections, that students can work together to compile and fill with information by drawing or coloring directly on the map, similar to the digital tools offered in MapMaker.

Looking for more geographic fun?

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Screenshot from Smarty Pins
Content AreasGoogle Tips and Tricks

Getting Googley with Geography

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

If you . . .

Don’t know much about geography

Don’t know much trigonometry

Don’t know much about algebra

Google will come to your rescue!

Three Googley Geography Activities for Middle and High School

Smarty Pins

Smarty Pins is a Google Maps based geography and trivia game.  The goal is to answer as many questions as you can before you run out of miles. First, you must choose to start a new game or start a game by selecting one of the six specific categories:

  • March Madness
  • Arts & Culture
  • Science & Geography
  • Sports & Games
  • Entertainment
  • History & Current Events

To Play:

  1. Read the clue.
  2. Drag and drop the red map pin.
  3. Click on the blue select button.
screenshot of Smarty Pins.

Pointers

  • The closer you are to the correct destination, the fewer miles you lose.
  • The faster you answer, the more bonus points that are awarded.
  • Hints are available (the downside is the chance to earn bonus points are gone if you use a hint.)
  • Bronze, silver, and gold pins can be earned along the way.
  • Please be aware that Google does have a sense of humor, and sarcastic comments are given out when you miss the mark.
  • Questions will repeat themselves over time.

GeoGuesser

Screenshot of Geo Guesser

GeoGuessr is a web-based geographic discovery game which uses a semi-randomized Google Street View location. GeoGuessr is the creation of Anton Wallén, a Swedish IT consultant. The game has been around since May 9, 2013. The objective of the game is to guess the location in the world using only the clues visible.

Play begins by “dropping” you somewhere in the world. You will need to use the type of road, road signs, vegetation, vehicles, and buildings you see to help you determine your location. You can move along the roads with the directional controls. The capability of 360º views is available.

To Play:

  1. Compile the geographical clues.
  2. Click location on the zoomable Google world map.
  3. Click “make guess” button.

GeoGuessr will reveal the location. A score will be given based on how far away the guess was from the true location. Each game consists of five locations.

Pointers:

  • You can play the same map again.
  • Keep track of your games and statistics by creating an account.
  • You can play in two modes:  single player or challenger mode.

Maps from the Top

The Golden Gate Bridge from Maps From the Top.

Maps from the Top is a fun activity that I created using the satellite view in Google Maps.

Players try to guess famous landmarks in the USA or around the world. Think of it as being in an airplane and looking down at Earth. Can you guess the landmarks from their aerial views? 16 landmarks are available in the USA and 15 landmarks available in the world. The locations are written in the Speaker Notes on each slide. Make your very own copy of the slide deck here.

Two Non-Googley Geography Activities for Elementary

I realize now students do not need to memorize their states and capitals. During my career as a fourth grade teacher, Siri or Alexa were not around to name the capital of Arizona in less than a second. I still like to challenge my memory. These two can keep the cobwebs away or enhance learning. 

Can You Draw the States?

This interactive quiz by Time will prompt you to draw one randomly-selected state at a time. Once you’re finished sketching the outline with your mouse or finger, the site will compare your version to the actual boundaries. A letter grade is given as feedback.

A map of New Mexico.

The website’s algorithm was written to compare your shape to the actual one. Grades are slightly curved to be more lenient on highly complex borders. Caution: Ads are present on the page.

The U.S. State Capitals Map Quiz Game

The U.S. State Capitals Map Quiz Game screenshot

There are many states and capital quiz games available online. I recommend the following  US State Capitals Map Quiz by Seterra.

This activity has a large green United States map with the capital cities in their proper locations. The capital city will appear above the map in the upper left hand corner. The object is to select the correct city with the clickable circle links. Time starts the second you land on the page, but there is a restart button in the lower right corner of the map. If you make a mistake, the correct city is identified and you can try again. Additionally a teacher can create a custom map quiz. There are also many other map quizzes available on cities, regions, and countries.

I hope Sam Cooke’s, What A Wonderful World did not get stuck in your head at the beginning of the blog and you can focus on your geography. =0) If you have other geography favorites, please drop a comment below and let us know.

Featured image: Screenshot by author

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Image that reads Vocabulary Sites with Visuals
ESL/ELLGood Teaching

TCEA Responds: Vocabulary Sites Boost Learning

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Dear TCEA Responds:

I attended a lunch and learn last fall and learned about some great ways to help students access great vocabulary sites online that included visuals. I teach students with dyslexia and any vocabulary sites with images are incredibly helpful. Do you have any suggestions or ideas?  

Thanks, Daisy

Dear Daisy,

What a great question! For many students, words are easier to remember when paired with images. Visual vocabulary tools provide an engaging way to strengthen word retention. Here are some top resources that combine words with pictures, videos, and even sound.

Visual Vocabulary

This online tool is perfect for English learners at various levels. With simple definitions and images for a wide range of words, Visual Vocabulary makes it easy for students to associate meanings with pictures, reinforcing comprehension.

English Picture Dictionary by Langeek

Image of a caboose from the website Visual Vocabulary.
Screenshot by author from Visual Vocabulary.

Langeek’s Picture Dictionary is a site that provides definitions, images, and example sentences. It is free to use and it is user-friendly, making it accessible to learners of all ages.

TextProject Core Vocabulary Word Pictures

For those focused on foundational vocabulary, TextProject’s Core Vocabulary Word Pictures is a great resource. It organizes words into concept groups, which is especially helpful for young learners. It is also helpful for those working on grouping together texts that discuss the same theme.

Little Explorers Picture Dictionary

Designed for children, this picture dictionary by Enchanted Learning uses simple, colorful visuals to introduce vocabulary in a fun way. It’s ideal for young learners just beginning to read and expand their vocabulary.

Kid’s Wordsmyth

Kid’s Wordsmyth adds a unique touch with animated images and sound features that make learning interactive. This dictionary is excellent for children who benefit from multi-sensory learning tools to reinforce word meanings. WILD is their free illustrated dictionary for children, which shows colorful animated images and sounds out the word.

Vidtionary

For older students and adults, Vidtionary is a video dictionary. The website has a collection of short videos that show different example scenes illustrating a word’s meaning.

Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary Online

This site features detailed illustrations, especially useful for scientific or technical vocabulary. Learners can explore over 20,000 terms across various topics with detailed diagrams and labeled images, which helps in fields like biology, anatomy, and geography.

Each of these tools offers a unique way to combine vocabulary learning with images. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, these resources can enrich the vocabulary learning experience and make language acquisition more engaging. In addition, don’t forget to visit all our other blogs related to vocabulary learning.

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Screenshot from PamPam website. Image generated by author.
Social StudiesSocial Studies

Pampam: A New Tool to Make and Share Maps

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

If you know me at all, then you know that I’m a sucker for maps. There’s something magical about visualizing places and data in a spatial way. That’s why PamPam’s AI Map Generator fascinates me. And, after playing around with it, you may develop the same obsession.

What Is PamPam’s AI Map Generator?

PamPam is a platform for creating custom, interactive maps. You can sign in with your Google Workspace for Education account. Their AI Map Generator takes the process to a whole new level. According to their website, it allows you to “Create maps in seconds with AI.”

The idea is that you can describe what kind of map you want. Then, the AI makes it for you. It will include relevant points of interest. Once you go to the AI Map Generator page, you’re presented with a simple prompt box. You can type in something like “Historical sites in Rome” (or Texas) and the AI gets to work. In a few seconds, you have a custom map. The map comes with pins for relevant locations and brief descriptions.

What’s more, there is a wealth of templates you can take advantage of. Some of the categories include:

  • Public art walk
  • Bucket list
  • Event calendar
  • City guide

While this is not necessarily an educator-friendly website, it’s probably a must-have for those who are missing Google Tours (which Google shuttered in 2021). You might also compare it to these other solutions.

Comparing Map Solutions

Here are a few map solutions you can compare to PamPam. No doubt, there are others. TCEA has featured StoryMap previously.

FeaturePamPamHistorypinNational Geographic ResourcesStoryMap
User-generated contentYes – users can create and share their own mapsYes – users can upload images and anecdotesLimited – mostly curated contentYes – users create their own stories
Geographical focusYes – allows users to create and share location-based contentYes – content tied to specific locationsYes – global focusYes – map-based storytelling
Educational resourcesLimited – focused on user-created contentLimitedExtensive – lesson plans, interactive contentLimited – focused on storytelling
Timeline functionalityNot apparentYes – can explore content by dateSome – in specific resourcesYes – can create sequential narratives
Mapping interfaceYes – custom interfaceYes – uses Google MapsYes – uses National Geographic mapsYes – uses ArcGIS maps
Mobile appYes – web app accessible on mobile devicesDiscontinuedYesYes
Collaboration featuresYes – users can share maps and collaborateYes – users can contribute to others’ collectionsLimitedLimited
Multimedia integrationPhotos, text, video, linksPhotos, videos, audioPhotos, videos, interactive elementsPhotos, videos, audio, web content
Customization optionsYes – users can create custom maps and add various elementsLimitedLimitedExtensive – themes, layouts, fonts
Target audienceGeneral public, travelers, businessesGeneral public, historiansEducators, students, general publicStorytellers, organizations, educators
Unique featuresAbility to create custom maps with various elements like routes, areas, and points of interestHistorical focusProfessionally curated educational contentAdvanced storytelling features with map integration

Let’s take a look at some ways you might use this in the classroom aligned to the relevant Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) content area.

Ways to Use This AI Map Generator

This tool opens up so many possibilities for creating useful, interactive maps. Here is an AI-generated list of ideas matched to relevant TEKS content area and standard. You can drop the prompt into an AI tool (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity) to get a CSV file you can import into PamPam, or Google Sheets first then import into PamPam.

AI Map Generating IdeaRelevant TEKS Content Area and StandardPrompt to Generate AI Map Idea
Create interactive historical maps for Texas history lessonsSocial Studies – Grade 7 (Texas History)
7.6(A) Identify significant events and issues, including expansion of the Texas frontier		Generate an interactive map of Texas showing key historical events and frontier expansion from 1821 to 1900. Include major battles, settlements, and territorial changes. For each point on the map, provide a CSV file with columns for title, address, description, and a link to a relevant video (if available).
Map out ecosystems and habitats for science unitsScience – Grade 7
7.10(A) Observe and describe how different environments support different varieties of organisms		Create a detailed map of Texas showcasing various ecosystems and habitats. Highlight the diversity of organisms in each environment, including deserts, forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. Provide a CSV file with columns for title, address, description of each ecosystem/habitat, and a link to an educational video about the ecosystem (if available).
Visualize mathematical concepts like area and distanceMathematics – Grade 6
6.8(D) Determine solutions for problems involving the area of rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and triangles		Design an interactive map of a fictional town with various shaped plots of land. Include rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and triangles. Provide measurements for sides and angles to allow area calculations. Generate a CSV file with columns for title (shape name), address (coordinates on the map), description (including measurements), and a link to a video explaining how to calculate the area (if available).
Plot settings from literature for English classesEnglish Language Arts and Reading – Grade 8
8.5(D) Analyze how the setting influences the theme		Create a map depicting the key locations in a chosen novel, such as “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Include important landmarks and areas that influence the story’s themes and character development. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (location name), address (if applicable or fictional coordinates), description of the location’s significance, and a link to a video analysis of the setting (if available).
Design virtual field trips to explore different culturesSocial Studies – Grade 6 (World Cultures)
6.15(A) Identify and describe factors that influence cultural change		Generate an interactive world map highlighting five diverse cultures. For each, include key locations, cultural landmarks, and brief descriptions of factors influencing cultural changes. Create a CSV file with columns for title (culture/landmark name), address, description of cultural significance, and a link to a virtual tour video (if available).
Map local community resources for social studies projectsSocial Studies – Grade 3
3.4(D) Identify the characteristics of different communities, including urban, suburban, and rural		Create a detailed map of a local area showing urban, suburban, and rural zones. Include community resources such as schools, parks, hospitals, and government buildings in each zone. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (resource name), address, description of the resource’s function, and a link to a video tour or explanation of the resource’s role in the community (if available).
Illustrate geographical features for earth science lessonsScience – High School Earth Systems
EARTH.11.D Interpret Earth surface features using satellite imagery, aerial photography, and topographic and geologic maps		Design a comprehensive map showcasing various geographical features including mountains, valleys, rivers, and coastal areas. Incorporate layers for satellite imagery, topography, and geological information. Generate a CSV file with columns for title (feature name), address (coordinates), description of the geographical feature, and a link to an educational video about the feature’s formation or characteristics (if available).
Create data visualizations for statistics and analysisMathematics – Grade 8
8.11(A) Construct a scatterplot and describe the observed data to address questions of association		Generate a map of Texas showing population density by county. Include a scatterplot comparing population density to average income, with each point representing a county. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (county name), address (county seat or coordinates), description (including population density and average income data), and a link to a video explaining how to interpret scatterplots (if available).
Plan hypothetical city layouts for urban planning unitsSocial Studies – High School
Economics TEKS (specific standard not provided in search results)		Design a map of a hypothetical city with distinct zones for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. Include transportation networks and key infrastructure elements. Create a CSV file with columns for title (zone/area name), address (coordinates on the map), description of the zone’s purpose and features, and a link to a video about urban planning principles (if available).
Map migration patterns for biology or social studiesScience – High School Biology
Bio.12(F) Analyze and evaluate how natural selection produces change in populations		Create an interactive world map showing the migration patterns of a specific animal species over time. Highlight environmental factors influencing these patterns and how they relate to natural selection. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (location name or migration stage), address (coordinates), description of the location’s significance in the migration pattern, and a link to a video showing the animal’s migration (if available).

The AI does the heavy lifting of finding and plotting relevant locations. Here’s what the result might look like in Claude.ai:

Author screenshot of Claude Pro
Author screenshot of Claude Pro

You can see in the screenshot above how Claude takes the provided prompt, then generates a CSV file on the right-side. Once the CSV has been saved to your device, you can import into PamPam:

Customizing the Map

You can even customize the maps further. Use the toolbar at the bottom to add links, pins, and more:

What is great about PamPam’s tool is how it makes creating rich, informative maps so easy. You don’t need to be a GIS expert or spend hours researching. You can get a solid starting point in seconds. As with any AI tool, you will want to verify selections. That aside, you have a great starting point.

Making a Map

Ready to make a map? You can find a wealth of tutorials online via the PamPam YouTube channel. To add items, click the ADD button:

Clicking the ADD button will give you several different ways to import content, including CSV, Google Sheets, Google MyMaps, Airtable, text, and link. You will need to format your CSV data file or Google Sheets columns using these column headers:

  • Title*
  • Sticker
  • Section
  • Description
  • Coordinates
  • Address*
  • Links
  • Date
  • Media

As many items as that seems, only title and address are required. In the example below, I relied on Google Sheets import. It worked well (see my source Sheets document):

Once the list of locations is imported, you are able to begin customizing content and adding to it. You can see the video I added for the Battle of Gonzalez below:

When you are ready to share your map, you can do so, even allowing copies to be made:

How Much It Costs

You may be wondering, “How much does PamPam cost?” Refer to their pricing guide for $0, $5, or $29 per month pricing. With the free account, I was able to create several maps as I explored various options. I did experience some issues with CSV import but PamPam had no issues with the Claude.ai generated CSV file. On review, the $0 per month Guest view does NOT support CSV. I do wish there was an educator level account that allowed for a little more support and enjoyed K-12 friendly templates.

Give AI Map Generation a Try

Take a minute to try it out. It will save you time, spark your creativity, and help you visualize information in new ways. Who knows what kind of maps you might create?

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ChromebooksContent CreationTEKS

Artful Analytics with DrawCharts

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’ve always felt a bit envious of those with a natural talent for drawing. My artistic skills are lacking and I struggle with color coordination. My attempts at drawing often result in unrecognizable shapes. The allure of a simple sketch or a grand painting is undeniable. Combining this allure with graph data could be powerful. But how to do it? Enter DrawCharts, an AI-powered tool that revolutionizes graphs as hand-drawn sketches.

Did You Know?

You can now generate and load your files into ChatGPT Plus. Connect your Google or Microsoft cloud storage. Then, turn ChatGPT Plus loose to make graphs.

Learn more now; sign up for the TCEA ChatGPT for Educators course.

How Does DrawCharts Work?

DrawCharts is a game-changer for anyone who wants to create engaging and fun visuals. You don’t need advanced artistic skills. The platform allows you to generate eye-catching charts and visuals and you can export your creations in a variety of formats, such as:

  • PNG
  • JPEG
  • SVG

Here’s a sample creation:

You can see the design screen below, which is simple:

Arranged into a Data and Design page, you can see several features are Pro only. These paid features include a CSV file import and removing the watermark. There are several hand-drawn styles that can make the graph visually appealing.

Why Use DrawCharts?

Instead of relying on pre-made graphics, you can now create a unique visual. This visual chart maker tool allows you to:

  • Illustrate stories,
  • Create informative charts for your projects, and
  • See how powerful hand-drawn sketches can be

What’s more, it can inspire you to make your own hand-drawn graphs with their prototype.

Can Students Use It?

Since you don’t need to have an account to use the free version, students can use it as well. Then they can snap a screenshot of the graph with a tool like Lightshot or use the built-in export to PNG or JPG image format. This makes it an ideal tool for Chromebooks or web browser-centric machines.

Some TEKS correlations appear below:

Math

Grade LevelTEKS Focus AreaSuggested Use of DrawCharts
Grade 6Ratios and Proportional RelationshipsCreate bar charts to compare ratios and proportions in different contexts.
Grade 7Probability and StatisticsUse pie charts and histograms to represent data distributions and probabilities.
Grade 8Linear Equations and FunctionsDevelop line charts to visualize linear relationships and functions.
Algebra IQuadratic FunctionsUse scatter plots to represent quadratic data and fit quadratic models.
GeometryGeometric RelationshipsCreate diagrams to illustrate geometric proofs and theorems.
Algebra IIPolynomial FunctionsDevelop bar and line charts to compare polynomial functions and their properties.
PrecalculusTrigonometric FunctionsUse polar charts to represent trigonometric functions and their transformations.

Science

Grade LevelTEKS Focus AreaSuggested Use of DrawCharts
Grade 6Earth and Space ScienceCreate interactive timelines of geological events and visual representations of the rock cycle.
Grade 7Life ScienceUse flowcharts to illustrate the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Grade 8Physical ScienceDevelop charts to compare and contrast different types of chemical reactions.
BiologyGenetics and EvolutionCreate pedigree charts and Punnett squares to visualize genetic inheritance patterns.
ChemistryChemical ReactionsUse bar charts to represent reaction rates under different conditions.
PhysicsForces and MotionDevelop vector diagrams to illustrate forces acting on an object.
Environmental ScienceEcosystems and BiodiversityUse pie charts to show species distribution and bar charts for population studies.

Social Studies/History

Grade LevelTEKS Focus AreaSuggested Use of DrawCharts
Grade 6World Cultures and GeographyCreate map charts to show cultural regions and migration patterns.
Grade 7Texas HistoryDevelop timelines to illustrate key events in Texas history.
Grade 8U.S. History to 1877Use flowcharts to depict the causes and effects of major historical events like the American Revolution.
High SchoolWorld HistoryCreate comparative charts to analyze different civilizations and their contributions.
High SchoolU.S. GovernmentUse organizational charts to illustrate the structure of the U.S. government.
High SchoolEconomicsDevelop bar and line charts to represent economic data and trends.

Sample Science Lesson Plan for Ninth Grade Biology

Lesson Plan ComponentDetails
ObjectivesStudents will understand the structure and function of cells and viruses. Students will learn to create and interpret various types of biological charts and diagrams using DrawCharts. Students will be able to compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.Students will investigate cellular processes such as homeostasis and transport of molecules.
PrerequisitesBasic understanding of cell biology.Familiarity with using computers and web applications.
Duration2 class periods (90 minutes each)
MaterialsComputers with internet accessAccess to DrawCharts (https://drawcharts.xyz)Biology textbooksProjector and screenHandouts with instructions for using DrawCharts
IntroductionBegin the lesson by discussing the importance of visual aids in understanding biological concepts. Explain how charts and diagrams can help in visualizing complex processes and structures. Introduce DrawCharts as a tool that can be used to create these visual aids easily and effectively.
GlossaryProkaryotic Cell: A cell without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic Cell: A cell with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.
Cell Membrane: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.
Virus: A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
ReferencesTexas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science, High School Biology [12][13]Biology Lesson Plans – The Learning Hypothesis [2]8 Lesson Plan Template Resources for Biology Teachers – Biology Junction [1]Visible Biology – 3D Visual Guide to Biological Processes [9]
Applicable TEKS for 9th Grade BiologyB.4.A: Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their complexity, and compare and contrast scientific explanations for cellular complexity.B.5.B: Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their complexity, and compare and contrast scientific explanations for cellular complexity.B.5.C: Investigate homeostasis through the cellular transport of molecules.B.5.D: Compare the structures of viruses to cells and explain how viruses spread and cause disease.

Final Thoughts

Use DrawCharts to make professional-looking visuals without advanced skills. Give it a spin and see how it can transform your content. And don’t forget to let your students explore it, too. Surprise yourself with your creativity.

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Make Connections Games for the Classroom
Content AreasContent CreationWeb 2.0 Tool

Make Connections Games for the Classroom

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Have you ever been addicted to a game and wanted to include it in your teacher toolbox? Well, Connections is my current game addiction. Hopefully, by now you have played this game! It’s the second most popular game from the New York Times. Are you wondering if Connections holds hidden educational potential? Well, the answer is: YES! And it can certainly engage your students. If you’re intrigued by the idea, or even if the concept is new to you, explore this one-stop shop for Connections as a versatile tool for the classroom. 

What is Connections?

NYT connections is a game where you put words into categories!
The Original from the New York Times

The granddaddy of all the Connections games started with the New York Times and the author is Wyna Liu. In this game, you organize 16 words into four categories of four words each. Each group is linked by a common theme. For example, you might choose the words cow, zebra, dalmatian, and panda. In this case, the connection might be “Animals that are black and white.” Words can be connected by anything, from starting letters to rhyming words to words that mean the same thing and more. There are usually some tricky words sprinkled in to throw you off. For the NYT Connections game, you are allowed to make only four wrong guesses before the game is forfeited. Each group is assigned a color which is revealed when you choose the four words correctly.

  • Yellow – Easiest and usually straightforward
  • Green – not immediately obvious
  • Blue – Increased level of complexity but not as difficult as purple
  • Purple – Tricky

Of course, all these descriptions are upended because success also depends on your ability to: 

  • identify patterns
  • visual acuity
  • logical reasoning
  • strong vocabulary
  • life experiences

You might wonder why I included life experiences on the list. The best way to explain this is to give you a few examples:

  1. If you could easily group “stick, jack, marble, and domino” together, you just might be a baby boomer, as these are parts of classic kids’ games.
  1. If “lab, peke, pit, and pom” stick together like glue in your brain, you probably are a dog lover, as these four informally identify dog breeds.
  1. Grouping “common, future, ice cube, and q-tip” together likely means you love rap music. 

How can Connections benefit students?

Connections can be used in the classroom for students to practice an array of skills. Here are some ideas for the types of skills and concepts students can practice with this game:

Grammar and Mechanics:

  • Verbs: Identify past tense verbs and specific verb conjugations.
  • Nouns: Recognize different noun types (common, proper, singular, plural) or categorize nouns based on theme.
  • Adjectives: Match synonyms or antonyms. Or match adjectives based on a specific theme (e.g., colors describing clothes, emotions describing people, ways to describe taste, etc.) or keep it general.
  • Prepositions: Identify prepositions or match prepositions to their corresponding spatial relationships (e.g., above, below, behind).
  • Pronouns: Teach different pronoun types (subject, object, possessive) or match pronouns to their antecedents.
  • Prefixes or compound words: Words can be grouped by syllables. Compound words, or even words with the same root, can be identified. The sky is the limit!

Vocabulary Development:

  • Synonyms and Antonyms: Find synonyms or antonyms for given words, helping students understand shades of meaning.
  • Word Families: Build vocabulary by identifying words with the same root or base word.
  • Figurative Language: Introduce concepts like similes, metaphors, or personification, matching examples to their definitions.
  • Category: To build vocabulary, students can match words based on similar categories, such as shapes, colors, animals, professions, places (objects found at school, for example), and more.

Science and Social Studies:

  • General Knowledge: Connect concepts from different topics, such as animals, plants, weather, history, geography, and government.
  • Scientific Classification: Design puzzles where students connect terms based on scientific classification systems (e.g., kingdom, phylum, class, order, etc.).
  • Historical Events: Make connections between historical figures, events, or dates.

Thinking Skills:

  • Logic and Deduction: Create connections following a specific logical pattern or sequence. For example, the connection could be the number of letters in words, which vowels they each have, etc.
  • Critical Thinking: Design puzzles that require analysis and reasoning to find connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.
  • Problem-solving: Encourage creative thinking to find solutions and make connections within the game’s framework.

Now that you have some ideas for using connections with content, let’s explore some exciting digital resources.

Connections Resources for Teachers

1. Connections+ 

If you are late to the party and want to play the past NYT Connections, you should definitely visit Connections+. The website houses every game created starting with #1 on June 12, 2023. It is important to note that Connections+ is not affiliated in any way with the New York Times. This site is the ultimate site for Connections fans! It has three important pieces: the NYT Archives, Community, and Create, which allows you to create your own game.

Connections+ is a website with a community, archived connections games, and creation tool. Create classroom Connections games!

Yes, as if having the whole archive isn’t fabulous enough, you can create your own games in a flash. Just click on the pink create button. Enter a game name, the author name, the four category descriptions, and the four clues. You can make the game private or add your game to the Community. 

2. Custom Connections

Custom connections gives you the opportunity to custom build connections games for your classroom.
Screenshot by Emily Horn | Custom Connections Home Page

Custom Connections was created by Claire Wang. This is a very straightforward Connections game-maker site. You can title your game, and the colors match the official New York Times version. For each category, you will enter a title and the four items. At the bottom, you copy the game link to share with others. Bonus – if you make a mistake, you can update, and the link will still work. 

3. Swellgarfo’s Create a Puzzle

Swellgarfo offers a free and simple connections creation tool.
Screenshot by Emily Horn | Swellgarfo’s Connections Home Page

Swellgarfo.com offers a convenient online tool to craft personalized puzzles inspired by the New York Times daily Connections game. It offers the same basic setup as Custom Connections. 

4. Flippity- Coming soon!

I also contacted Steve at Flippity.com. He has this feature on his Flippity to-do list. He let me know he is looking forward to the summer release of a connections-like puzzle maker!

5. Ready-to-Use Classroom Connections Games

I have started to make Connections games for the classroom! You can access my connections games on Canva or on the Connections+ Community page.

Peggy Reimers of TCEA has made classroom Connection games in Canva and Connections+.
Access Peggy’s Connections Games in Canva | Access Peggy’s Connections Games on Connections+ 

NOTE: Connections in Canva is not a digital game that automatically sorts the words into the proper categories; you must write the words on paper, arrange them into groups manually, and reference the answer key. 

The New York Times Connections game may have started as a delightful distraction, but its potential for learning is undeniable! This versatile tool can spark critical thinking, vocabulary development, and even historical and scientific exploration in your classroom. Whether you’re crafting your own puzzles or using the wealth of online resources, Connections offers a fun and engaging way to challenge your students and ignite those crucial “aha!” moments.

So, the next time you find yourself captivated by a game, take a moment to consider its educational potential.  With a little creativity, you can transform playtime into a powerful learning experience for your students.  And if you or the teachers create your very own Connections game, send the link my way. I would love to try and solve it. Happy connecting!

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Students can create apps for any type of content quickly and easily with no coding required.
Technology Applications

Student App Development with Glide

by Shane Peek
written by Shane Peek

Our lives are intricately intertwined with mobile devices and apps. From communication to productivity, entertainment to education, we rely on apps to navigate today’s digital landscape. Spend five minutes with a teenager, and you’ll quickly realize this trend is amplified in our students. But while students are consumers of tech, it is important to push students to become active creators in the digital world, fostering vital skills like creativity, critical thinking, and communication. One powerful and underutilized tool that can facilitate this shift is Glide, a free app development platform. Let’s explore this tool and its potential to cultivate digital designers.

What is Glide?

Unlike other app development methods, Glide requires no coding, making it accessible for students regardless of their tech background. With a versatile and user-friendly interface, Glide integrates with spreadsheets, allowing students to work with data and hone their spreadsheet skills. Teachers can upload an Excel spreadsheet, link to Google Sheets, or work within Glide’s platform, but I recommend using Sheets. Teachers create the Sheet and share it with students, who use their Google accounts to add content, edit, and build a mobile or web-friendly product. Glide has a few pricing options and offers Free, Maker, Team, and Business accounts, and you can accomplish a lot with the free version.

Plus, if you feel stuck at any moment, Glide provides robust support with educational clips, a blog, documents, templates, and an active community.  In one class period, students have the potential to collaboratively build a fully functional and informative app! Here is an example where students have made a spreadsheet with info about the solar system. With Glide, they can connect their spreadsheet data and view the information in an interactive app with images and more.

Four Stages of App Development with Glide

Shifting our focus over to integration, how does an educator start an app development project with Glide? For ease of use, we’ll break this into four stages: getting started, linking to a spreadsheet, customizing the app, and publishing the project. Here is a five-minute video to get you acquainted with Glide before we dive in.

1. Getting Started with Glide

A "how to" guide for getting started with student app development using Glide.
Get Shane’s “Getting Started with Glide” Guide | View Presentation | Edit or Download Presentation

Getting started is a straightforward process for teachers. At glideapps.com, sign up on the top right using Google credentials or with a work email. Upon logging in, educators arrive on a simple landing page. Click around and explore before navigating to the top, left-hand side to initiate a new team (e.g., class). While additional features like upgrading, templates, settings, and team member management are available along the lower left side, most educators will not need these extensive features for class projects.

Once a team is started, click “new app” in the main area. Teachers are prompted to select a template type or source of data, and I recommend Google Sheets. In the new window, teachers are prompted to choose a file, which allows Glide to automatically build the framework of the app, as well as instantaneously update the data as students add their research.

2. Building and Linking the Spreadsheet

A pivotal step in the app development process is crafting your Google spreadsheet. Before diving in, consider the following questions:

  • What are the goals of this project?
  • What are students researching?
  • What data will be included in the app?

With these considerations in mind, educators can create a spreadsheet with the end in mind. The answers to these questions may serve as the spreadsheet’s column headers. For example, if students are researching a particular organism, column headers may include “Organism,” “Student Name,” “4 Facts,” and columns for images (here’s a free template). Assign an easily recognizable name to your spreadsheet, then return to Glide and pick up where you left off (new app > select a file). In Glide, locate your spreadsheet and within moments, Glide builds the app framework based on your data. 

3. Customizing the Student App

A "how to" guide for customizing the student app in Glide.
Get Shane’s Complete “Customizing the Student App” Guide | View Presentation | Edit or Download Presentation

Once Glide generates the app layout, a new window opens providing educators with a range of customizations. Along the top toolbar, teachers can rename the app and toggle between the Data, Layout, and Actions tabs. While students edit from the spreadsheet, educators can make adjustments in Glide from the Data tab.

Slide outlining the Data tab function when developing an app in Glide.

The Layout tab offers a fully functional preview and allows for style adjustments such as card or list format. Pro tip: Disable a few options at the bottom right-hand side (i.e., allow users to add, edit, or delete) to prioritize spreadsheet editing over in-app modifications. The Actions tab provides advanced integrations. Feel free to dig into those, but they exceed the scope of this beginner’s guide. 

Slide outlining the Layout tab function when developing an app in Glide.

Additionally, the Settings and Publish options are accessible along the top toolbar to the right. Regarding Settings, explore the Name & Icon, Appearance, and Privacy tabs. You can customize the app’s name and upload an icon. Consider appsmashing with Canva to create a personalized icon using this template. Click on the Appearance tab and have fun with your class – allow students to vote on colors, layout, style, and other customizations.

Slide outlining the Settings tab function when developing an app in Glide.

In the Privacy tab, decide between the following accessibility settings: private, public with a link, or sign-in required. For classroom projects, I opt for public access without sign-in ensuring family members can view students’ creative work, but feel free to keep the project private if you desire.

4. Publishing the Classroom App

Now that students have added their research, what’s next? Publishing the app is the final phase in bringing this project to life! Simply click on “Publish” and you’ll receive a shareable link. Upon selecting “Publish” again, Glide provides a QR code that can be printed for parents or displayed in the hallway for easy access. Educators can also send invites via email. Keep an eye on the Publish button – it may change colors to indicate completion (teal to black). Additionally, you’ll notice new settings (Share, Privacy, Publishing, and Domain) behind the Publish button, allowing for further customization should you decide to make changes later.

Your classroom app can now be shared with students, colleagues, and family members, allowing the world to explore your students’ collaborative effort and hard work!

Ways to Use Glide in the Classroom

Slide with icons for student app development ideas using Glide.
Shane’s Ideas for Using Glide in the Classroom | View | Edit or Download

At this point, I hope app development project ideas are flooding your brain. Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Start Small: Begin with an upcoming unit and experiment with a simple design. Introduce students to the spreadsheet interface cautiously, emphasizing similarities with documents while highlighting unique features. Encourage students to maintain organization within rows and highlight helpful shortcuts like Ctrl+Enter.
  2. Free Activity Ideas: Project ideas are vast with Glide. Anything involving research and sharing information on concepts in science, social studies, or geography is fair game. Students can create apps on the solar system, local organisms, historical landmarks in their backyard, biomes, presidents, states, and more.
  3. Interdisciplinary and Project-Based Learning: Glide lends itself well to project-based learning and cross-curricular projects.
  4. Parent Hub: Schools could leverage Glide to create a centralized hub for parents housing important information, documents, and updates regarding schoolwide events.
  5. Personal Planning: Glide isn’t limited to classroom use, educators also have lives outside of school (despite what our students may think)! Create an app for an upcoming vacation or side hustle, or use your skills to serve a local organization.

The project possibilities with Glide are endless. I’ve only scratched the surface! I invite you to share your ideas and thoughts through X or LinkedIn. Let’s collectively explore innovative ways to harness the power of free app development in education! Remember – it’s not just about teaching, it’s about igniting creativity and curiosity in our students. From simple apps to complex projects, we’re shaping a future where our students aren’t just consumers but creators with technology.

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