We’ve done some paper map activities this year but as you know internet-based geography is what most of us use. Try your hand at these activities (I'll tell you how many to try in class). Please record your answers in your notebook/binder.
Visit a friend.
You have just met a new friend from another town at an intramural sports event/movie theater/water park/concert, etc. They’ve invited you to their house for a party. Write down directions to guide your parents/chauffer/older sibling, etc. to get you there. (Your printer is broken, so you’ll have to write them down by hand!)
You’ll need to start at your own address (or use the school’s) and choose an address in a nearby town. For example:
A) 7607 W. Cortland St., Elmwood Park, IL, 60707 (start)
B) 4020 North Olcott Avenue, Norridge, IL 60706 (end)
Win a free vacation!
If you go the following website, you can explore a new and exotic place for free – virtually.
Go to http://virtualtourism.blogspot.com/
Choose from the menu of places along the left, and take some notes about your trip (or make a virtual postcard.)
Follow your favorite band.
Pick a band or musician you like who is either on tour or planning a tour. Choose three cities in three different states they’re playing. Plot a course using interstate highways and write down the cities and which highways you’ll be using.
For example: to see the Jonas Brothers in Omaha, Nebraska I would take I88W and I80W. It’s only 8 hours!
Eat at an international McDonalds.
How many McDonald’s restaurants can you find in foreign countries? Visit a few and take notes about where they are as well as anything remarkable about their look or menu. Try starting here: http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/country/map.html
Train for a bicycle tour.
You’ve recently set a goal to participate in a bicycle race as a fund-raiser for your favorite cause, but the most you’ve ever ridden is 10 miles. The race is 50 miles!
Find a local bike route that’s safe for cyclists on which you can ride up to 25 miles and back home (for a total of 50 to match the race route.) Write down how to get to the path and where you end up before turning around.
Be an entrepreneur.
You’ve decided to open a business. Don’t worry right now about resources; your first task is to choose a location.
Use the features of Google Maps to find an Elmwood Park or surrounding location where there are no other similar businesses as competition. Then see what real estate is available so you can move in. Write down the type of business and the address you choose.
Manhattan Mosque
There’s been a lot of controversy about the proposed cultural center and mosque near ground zero. Use google maps to look at the ground zero site and locate mosques that are in Manhattan (downtown New York) and also the proposed site of the Park51 Mosque/Cultural Center.
How close is it? Are there other mosques nearby? Why do some people appose it? Why do others support it?
India!
I’ll be going to India this winter and I need your help. What should I make sure to see and do while I’m there?
Here’s where I’ll be going: Delhi, Mussoorie (and the Woodstock School), Kochi (aka Cochin) and Mumbai.
Thanks to Ms. Hawes for these terrific activities.
