Something we will be moving onto with Year 7s shortly.How to feed 10 billion people by 2050 while also protecting the environment. https://t.co/VRXRFS9EYp— NatGeoMaps (@NatGeoMaps) December 21, 2019
Dispatches from the classroom, and life as a freelance Geographer.
How to feed the world in 2050
Fridtjof Nansen
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csyp5p
This is well worth a listen.
It's a profile of Fridtjof Nansen.
Belt and Road Initiative
An Al Jazeera feature on the Belt and Road Initiative.
What President Xi has called 'the project of the century'.
What President Xi has called 'the project of the century'.
Geography CPD in Doha
I've previously shared information about the CPD being offered in Dubai, involving Matt Podbury on March the 10th.
This event is organised by, and involves Karen Corfield from Discover the World Education. It's a week later in Doha.
Free tickets on Eventbrite.
Join like-minded teachers for a CPD workshop at Doha British School.
Thinking like a Geographer
Objective:
Cover how to encourage geography students to think independently and critically
Share free teaching resources
Order of event:
15.00 - 16.00 Session 1
What does 'Thinking like a Geographer' mean to you? Why is it important?
Strategies for the classroom:
- Encouraging questioning, discussion and debate in the classroom.
16.00- 16.15 Coffee Break
16.15 - 17.15 Session 2
Strategies for the classroom:
- Making better sense of information
- Becoming an open thinker
17.15.- 18.00 Fieldwork and Resources
Exploring free high quality, award-winning resources to assist in your classroom, plus Q&As regarding international field trip opportunities.
18.00 - 19.00 Networking
Presenter:
Karen Corfield, Discover the World Education
The CPD will be led by Karen Corfield who has extensive experience in education, including over 20 years as Head of Geography and Pastoral Deputy Head. Karen has worked in a variety of different schools and has experience in teaching across the Key Stages, as well as delivering quality teacher CPD.
Karen is also an Area Manager and one of our most experienced Icelandic Tour Leaders. Her extensive knowledge and training, puts Karen in an excellent position to deliver highly effective CPD for you and your colleagues.
This event is organised by, and involves Karen Corfield from Discover the World Education. It's a week later in Doha.
Free tickets on Eventbrite.
Join like-minded teachers for a CPD workshop at Doha British School.
Thinking like a Geographer
Objective:
Cover how to encourage geography students to think independently and critically
Share free teaching resources
Order of event:
15.00 - 16.00 Session 1
What does 'Thinking like a Geographer' mean to you? Why is it important?
Strategies for the classroom:
- Encouraging questioning, discussion and debate in the classroom.
16.00- 16.15 Coffee Break
16.15 - 17.15 Session 2
Strategies for the classroom:
- Making better sense of information
- Becoming an open thinker
17.15.- 18.00 Fieldwork and Resources
Exploring free high quality, award-winning resources to assist in your classroom, plus Q&As regarding international field trip opportunities.
18.00 - 19.00 Networking
Presenter:
Karen Corfield, Discover the World Education
The CPD will be led by Karen Corfield who has extensive experience in education, including over 20 years as Head of Geography and Pastoral Deputy Head. Karen has worked in a variety of different schools and has experience in teaching across the Key Stages, as well as delivering quality teacher CPD.
Karen is also an Area Manager and one of our most experienced Icelandic Tour Leaders. Her extensive knowledge and training, puts Karen in an excellent position to deliver highly effective CPD for you and your colleagues.
Helsinki - Open Data
Helsinki is one of the most open cities in the world for the sharing of data to citizens (and others)
Datasets are shared along with imagery and other information about the city.
Here's a link to take a look at them.
https://hri.fi/data/en_GB/dataset
One of the exciting developments that has grown from this is an experiment in navigation for blind and partially sighted people using technology.
More on this to come as I get further into the D3 ERASMUS project.
Climate Migration - a free MOOC
This looks excellent - going to have a go at this I think, partly to see how the course is put together for some ERASMUS work I'm going to be putting together.
Climate Migration Coalition
Climate change is set to play a key role in patterns of human settlement and migration in the future. Altered patterns of drought, storms and sea level rise are already creating new patterns of migration.
This course is intended for anyone wishing to tackle a major global issue.
The course is completely online. You can join the sessions via live stream from your computer. The sessions will provide roughly an hour of lecture input, followed by a chance for discussion. If you can’t join the sessions live, you can watch them online anytime, at your own pace. Each session also comes with a collection of recommended reading and watching, so you can investigate the themes and ideas further if you wish.
Course themes
Sessions 1 -3 – getting started
These sessions provide grounding in the links between climate change and migration, as well as research methods used to explore the role of climate change in shaping the human movement.
Sessions 4 -6 – politics
These sessions look at the key political ideas that are shaping how climate migration unfolds, who is impacted and how governments are responding.
Sessions 7 and 8 – policy
These sessions look at the key policy areas where decisions about climate-linked migration are being taken. These sessions look at the major international fora where states negotiate on this issue.
Sessions 9 and 10 – complex crises
These sessions use the tools and learning from the entire course to examine several complex humanitarian crises in which climate change has played a role. They will look at how climate change has created and influenced human movement in and around the impacted areas.
Climate Migration Coalition
Climate change is set to play a key role in patterns of human settlement and migration in the future. Altered patterns of drought, storms and sea level rise are already creating new patterns of migration.
This course is intended for anyone wishing to tackle a major global issue.
The course is completely online. You can join the sessions via live stream from your computer. The sessions will provide roughly an hour of lecture input, followed by a chance for discussion. If you can’t join the sessions live, you can watch them online anytime, at your own pace. Each session also comes with a collection of recommended reading and watching, so you can investigate the themes and ideas further if you wish.
Course themes
Sessions 1 -3 – getting started
These sessions provide grounding in the links between climate change and migration, as well as research methods used to explore the role of climate change in shaping the human movement.
Sessions 4 -6 – politics
These sessions look at the key political ideas that are shaping how climate migration unfolds, who is impacted and how governments are responding.
Sessions 7 and 8 – policy
These sessions look at the key policy areas where decisions about climate-linked migration are being taken. These sessions look at the major international fora where states negotiate on this issue.
Sessions 9 and 10 – complex crises
These sessions use the tools and learning from the entire course to examine several complex humanitarian crises in which climate change has played a role. They will look at how climate change has created and influenced human movement in and around the impacted areas.
The Future of Food - RGS debate
An interesting looking event at the RGS on the 20th of February.
Hungry to know how you can eat more sustainably?
Hungry to know how you can eat more sustainably?
Curious about the future of the food on our plates?
Our expert panel will look at food security and the potential role of new technology, as well as how we can be more mindful of seasonality, production processes, consumption and waste.
Our panel includes
Professor Peter Jackson is the Co-Director of the University of Sheffield Institute for Sustainable Food. Peter's research focuses on commodity culture and the geography of consumption with a particular interest in food. Also one of our Honorary Vice Presidents.
Professor Chad Staddon is Professor of Resource Economics and Policy at the University of the West of England, and his work focusses on water sustainability and security, demand management, and hydrosocial cycle.
Carolyn Steel is an architect, lecturer and writer. Her chief interest is in exploring the inner lives of cities, and her work has focused on what it takes to feed a city and how food has shaped cities. I have her Hungry City book, which is excellent.
Tristram Stuart is an award-winning author, campaigner and expert on the environmental and social impacts of food. The environmental campaigning organisation he founded, Feedback, has spread its work into dozens of countries worldwide to change society's attitude towards wasting food.
Our expert panel will look at food security and the potential role of new technology, as well as how we can be more mindful of seasonality, production processes, consumption and waste.
Our panel includes
Professor Peter Jackson is the Co-Director of the University of Sheffield Institute for Sustainable Food. Peter's research focuses on commodity culture and the geography of consumption with a particular interest in food. Also one of our Honorary Vice Presidents.
Professor Chad Staddon is Professor of Resource Economics and Policy at the University of the West of England, and his work focusses on water sustainability and security, demand management, and hydrosocial cycle.
Carolyn Steel is an architect, lecturer and writer. Her chief interest is in exploring the inner lives of cities, and her work has focused on what it takes to feed a city and how food has shaped cities. I have her Hungry City book, which is excellent.
Tristram Stuart is an award-winning author, campaigner and expert on the environmental and social impacts of food. The environmental campaigning organisation he founded, Feedback, has spread its work into dozens of countries worldwide to change society's attitude towards wasting food.
Coronavirus
More to come on this in a few days... working up something for a session...
Thanks to the GTAV for sending the link to this ESRI Data Dashboard.
Thanks to the GTAV for sending the link to this ESRI Data Dashboard.
Eurogeo - new year, new identity
I've been connected with Eurogeo for over a decade now through ERASMUS projects which have been funded through Eurogeo or working in association with colleagues linked with EuroGeo at various levels.
Eurogeo now has a new student-created logo for 2020.
Here are the aims of the association:
The principal aims of EUROGEO are to advance the status of geography by:
EUROGEO is concerned with the effective use of open geographic information and to use this to contribute to areas such as demography and migration, sustainability, economic development and urban and rural challenges, hazards, landscape, poverty, democracy and citizen engagement.
EUROGEO promotes the importance of geographical education and spatial thinking as a contribution towards the development of a better understanding of our world and therefore global citizenship. By doing so, EUROGEO encourages the development of a greater global awareness through the medium of geography and an increase in mutual knowledge and understanding.
EUROGEO, in affiliation with other organisations, has produced a large number of publications and has organised geography conferences, meetings and workshops on a regular basis. Representatives of national and regional professional educational associations have been actively involved in EUROGEO.
EUROGEO also supports those seeking to establish or organise national geography associations and those that promote geography as an academic discipline and geographers in the workplace.
It is clear that spatial skills and geographical information are increasingly important especially in Cloud-based, open data environments. The roles that geography and geographers play are being challenged by these new geo-opportunities. Those involved with EUROGEO are seeking to monitor, support and promote these developments.
EUROGEO is a membership-based professional society governed by an elected Presidium. It operates mainly within Europe but increasingly has an international / global remit.
It costs just €40 a year to be an individual member and support the work of the association.
It has its annual conference in Madrid later this year.
Consider joining the European Association of Geographers to reinforce the connections between yourselves and our EU friends and neighbours.
Here are the aims of the association:
The principal aims of EUROGEO are to advance the status of geography by:
- organising events and activities for members
- undertaking research
- producing publications for members
- supporting geographers in their jobs and careers
- identifying and promoting good practise
- lobbying at international, European and national level
- giving advice on geography
- making recommendations to decision makers
EUROGEO is concerned with the effective use of open geographic information and to use this to contribute to areas such as demography and migration, sustainability, economic development and urban and rural challenges, hazards, landscape, poverty, democracy and citizen engagement.
EUROGEO promotes the importance of geographical education and spatial thinking as a contribution towards the development of a better understanding of our world and therefore global citizenship. By doing so, EUROGEO encourages the development of a greater global awareness through the medium of geography and an increase in mutual knowledge and understanding.
EUROGEO, in affiliation with other organisations, has produced a large number of publications and has organised geography conferences, meetings and workshops on a regular basis. Representatives of national and regional professional educational associations have been actively involved in EUROGEO.
EUROGEO also supports those seeking to establish or organise national geography associations and those that promote geography as an academic discipline and geographers in the workplace.
It is clear that spatial skills and geographical information are increasingly important especially in Cloud-based, open data environments. The roles that geography and geographers play are being challenged by these new geo-opportunities. Those involved with EUROGEO are seeking to monitor, support and promote these developments.
EUROGEO is a membership-based professional society governed by an elected Presidium. It operates mainly within Europe but increasingly has an international / global remit.
It costs just €40 a year to be an individual member and support the work of the association.
It has its annual conference in Madrid later this year.
Consider joining the European Association of Geographers to reinforce the connections between yourselves and our EU friends and neighbours.
Prisoners of Geography
A new illustrated version of the book by Tim Marshall has been out for a few months now.An interview in Geographical magazine explains more.
I had a small class set delivered and used them with our work on the Middle East and Russia.
Climate Change and Geography
Over this weekend is the Geography Teacher Educators' Conference (GTE).
This year it was hosted by UCL.
I have attended and presented at the conference in the past, but wasn't able to be there at this event, and it seems from the various tweets I've been following that it's been an excellent conference. Search twitter for #gte2020 #gteconf20 and similar variations to find tweets.
Paul Turner was at the GTE this weekend talking about the work he has been doing around Climate Change, linked to the EduCCate Global project.
Paul's presentation has been shared and can be viewed here.
This year it was hosted by UCL.
I have attended and presented at the conference in the past, but wasn't able to be there at this event, and it seems from the various tweets I've been following that it's been an excellent conference. Search twitter for #gte2020 #gteconf20 and similar variations to find tweets.
Paul Turner was at the GTE this weekend talking about the work he has been doing around Climate Change, linked to the EduCCate Global project.
Paul's presentation has been shared and can be viewed here.
Walking the Norfolk Coast
A lovely piece on the Ordnance Survey's GetOutside blog featuring Lauren and John - the T-shirt twins.
Lauren and John walked past some very familiar places to me, living as I do in Norfolk and having lived on the coast for 12 years.
There's also some useful guidance on how to get outside if you have some sight loss.
Getting outside is very good for you.
Lauren and John walked past some very familiar places to me, living as I do in Norfolk and having lived on the coast for 12 years.
There's also some useful guidance on how to get outside if you have some sight loss.
Getting outside is very good for you.
The GA's Strategic Plan 2020-2025
We'd love your help shaping this....
Your GA – your say
The GA’s current strategic plan is coming towards its end. Over recent months, the GA’s Governing Body, Education Group and headquarters staff have helped to lay the groundwork for the next phase of the GA’s work – our 2020-25 strategic plan. We would now like to open the discussion to all GA members. This is your invitation to influence the future of geography education and of the GA.
What do we hope to achieve through the next phase of our mission?
In our discussions to date, we have recognised the complex and compelling nature of the challenges facing the world today, and the vital role of geographical knowledge and thinking in making sense of and facing these. A very strong sense has emerged that the GA’s vision for 2025 must demonstrate why it is so important at the present time to further geographical knowledge and understanding and what we want the impact of our work to be.
We want to build our vision around our desire to inspire geographical learning through a vibrant geography education community which will set us the goal of sharing our collective knowledge and understanding of the world to help meet its contemporary challenges.
The GA thrives off the energy and ideas of its members. We would like you to respond with your thoughts on our mission, vision, values or aims for 2020-25.
Go here to help us with a survey asking your thoughts.
Your GA – your say
The GA’s current strategic plan is coming towards its end. Over recent months, the GA’s Governing Body, Education Group and headquarters staff have helped to lay the groundwork for the next phase of the GA’s work – our 2020-25 strategic plan. We would now like to open the discussion to all GA members. This is your invitation to influence the future of geography education and of the GA.
What do we hope to achieve through the next phase of our mission?
In our discussions to date, we have recognised the complex and compelling nature of the challenges facing the world today, and the vital role of geographical knowledge and thinking in making sense of and facing these. A very strong sense has emerged that the GA’s vision for 2025 must demonstrate why it is so important at the present time to further geographical knowledge and understanding and what we want the impact of our work to be.
We want to build our vision around our desire to inspire geographical learning through a vibrant geography education community which will set us the goal of sharing our collective knowledge and understanding of the world to help meet its contemporary challenges.
The GA thrives off the energy and ideas of its members. We would like you to respond with your thoughts on our mission, vision, values or aims for 2020-25.
Go here to help us with a survey asking your thoughts.
Cambridge GeogMeet at the Perse
Details are in the 2 images on this Tweet
❤️🌏🚨GEOG-MEET announcement for CAMBRIDGE A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS 🚨🌏❤️— Cambridge Geographical Association (@CambGA) January 23, 2020
We welcome secondary school geographers to be part of our 2nd Geog-Meet @PerseGeography on 24 March. See images for details of how to watch or how to present!!https://t.co/Lr7B5W2j2O pic.twitter.com/cbwnXXP68j
New Energy and Climate Resource
Encounter Edu has released a new FREE resource for those teaching about climate and energy.
Register for free for an immediate download.
Register for free for an immediate download.
New Climate & Energy resource ages 14-16
Created with industry experts using real-world data, the unit explores the link between weather and energy use, compares renewable vs non-renewable sources and encourages students to form their own opinions and propose a low carbon solution for the future.
The lessons in the unit are:
Lesson 1 - What is the global atmospheric circulation model?
Students will study air pressure and weather systems and the impact they have on global weather.
Lesson 2 - What impacts the weather of NW Europe?
This lesson focuses on using isobar maps and satellite images of NW Europe to predict and explain weather conditions.
Lesson 3 - How can we predict the weather of the future?
This lesson for higher ability students extends student knowledge of climate models and how they can be used in policy development.
Lesson 4 - How is energy produced?
Students will learn about how different types of energy are generated and stored, focussing on examples of renewable and non-renewable sources.
Lesson 5 - What are the issues with renewable energy?
Students will evaluate the positives and negatives of renewable energy production and the effect of weather on renewable energy.
Lesson 6 - What will our future energy needs be?
In this lesson students will think about our future energy needs and how we will generate enough energy to meet them.
Lessons 7 and 8 - How can governments plan for a low carbon future?
Students work in groups to propose how a low carbon future could be achieved through carefully planned electricity production and then present their ideas.
David Attenborough Q and A
Head to Odeon cinemas on the 16th of April to see a new film with David Attenborough.
This will followed by a broadcast of a live Q&A.
This sadly clashes with the first evening of the GA Conference, but for those who can't get to the Guildford, a date with David Attenborough is probably the next best thing!
This will followed by a broadcast of a live Q&A.
This sadly clashes with the first evening of the GA Conference, but for those who can't get to the Guildford, a date with David Attenborough is probably the next best thing!
New GA Chair of Trustees role
The Geographical Association is looking for a Chair of Trustees to support the existing Governing Body fulfil its role in a fascinating and ever-changing educational landscape. It will also involve working with the current Presidential team - JVP (me), VP (Susan Pike), President (Gill Miller) and Past President (Stephen Scoffham) along with other key members of the GA's group of trustees. This is an interesting change in the governance of the Association, and we are looking for someone who has significant experience and skills which will allow us to learn from each other.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone. Please share with people you think may be available and ideal for the role.
Details are here on Guardian Jobs. Feel free to get in touch via Ricky Buck / Gill Miller for more details and information.
Deadline is the 20th of February.
Documents are available from the Guardian Jobs page.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone. Please share with people you think may be available and ideal for the role.
Details are here on Guardian Jobs. Feel free to get in touch via Ricky Buck / Gill Miller for more details and information.
Deadline is the 20th of February.
Documents are available from the Guardian Jobs page.
GA Conference 2020
Booking for the GA Conference is open. If you are a PGCE student member you can get FREE access to the conference.There is a concessionary rate for NQTs too.
The Conference is an excellent source of CPD and to help you improve your knowledge and skills in specific areas we have identified six pathways where you select a route from suggested sessions.
Primary - this pathway will provide you with information, ideas and resources for planning and teaching primary geography.
GCSE - this pathway will provide you with information, ideas and resources for planning and teaching your GCSE courses.
A level - this pathway will provide you with information, ideas and resources for planning and teaching your A level courses.
Fieldwork - this pathway is for those who want to develop ideas and resources for creative learning outside the classroom and have an interest in fieldwork progression.
Global Learning – this pathway has a Global Learning focus and will provide you with suggestions and resources for developing a different and global perspective in the classroom
Beginning Teacher - this pathway is aimed at trainee teachers, NQTs and those at an early stage in their careers and will address issues and needs by providing practical advice and guidance.
Conference TeachMeet
University of Surrey, 17.30-19.00
A TeachMeet is an informal gathering of likeminded teachers coming together to present to, and learn from one another's classroom practice including practical innovations and personal insights in teaching. The 2020 Conference TeachMeet will take place on Friday 17 April before the networking and quiz and unofficial #beermeet. Special thanks to David Rogers (@davidErogers) for organising the TeachMeet.
Proudly sponsored by Discover the World Education.
University of Surrey, 17.30-19.00
A TeachMeet is an informal gathering of likeminded teachers coming together to present to, and learn from one another's classroom practice including practical innovations and personal insights in teaching. The 2020 Conference TeachMeet will take place on Friday 17 April before the networking and quiz and unofficial #beermeet. Special thanks to David Rogers (@davidErogers) for organising the TeachMeet.
Proudly sponsored by Discover the World Education.
Primary Geography
The latest editions of GA Journals are now available to download from the GA website for subscribers.Print copies will be in your possession shortly. As always, there are some excellent articles to Delighted to have contributed a small piece in the latest, Spring 2020 edition of Primary Geography.
Carbon Footprints of 'Thank you' e-mails
I guess that blogging also has a carbon footprint - in which case, with over 9000 posts and millions of page views I should probably apologise to the planet...
Tornado
A useful map / animation showing the seasonal movements of tornados as the North American continent starts to warm up through the year.
GIS Mallorca
This is a new resource from Discover the World Education.
It provides an in depth look at the landscape and culture of Mallorca.
From the e-mail I received earlier:
It provides an in depth look at the landscape and culture of Mallorca.
From the e-mail I received earlier:
Help your Year 7 with urbanisation, Year 8 with population and migration, Year 9 with GIS skills, GCSE students with the perfect case study for resource management and even A-level students with contemporary urban environments... All with one inspiring and FREE resource.
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RGS Conference session - call for papers
If you are planning to attend the RGS conference later in the year, there are various sessions which may be of particular interest to you.
One of them is here.
I will probably be on holiday at the time, but also considering this as an option this year, if there are some good connections with ERASMUS work I'm completing around pedagogy.
One of them is here.
Click to enlarge and see in more detail, or see Grace Healy's Twitter feed."Mind the gap! Possibilities across the ‘borderland’ between geography as an academic discipline and school subject" Read on if you would like to propose a paper @RGS_IBG #RGS2020: https://t.co/YsujxzUIl6 @IOE_mageoged @SSRGUCLIOE @GAChiefExec @SteveBraceGeog @citizenjoesmith pic.twitter.com/6xAzeRR8xG— Grace Healy (@GraceEHealy) January 20, 2020
I will probably be on holiday at the time, but also considering this as an option this year, if there are some good connections with ERASMUS work I'm completing around pedagogy.
The middle of Nowhere
This is an idea that I have explored previously when making some resources for a project that never saw the light of the day.
Where is your idea of 'the middle of nowhere'?
Have you ever been somewhere that you would describe as that?
Where is your idea of 'the middle of nowhere'?
Have you ever been somewhere that you would describe as that?
"good with maps"....
That's how Lance Corporal Blake is referred to at the start of 1917, which I saw earlier... plenty of 'sense of place' moments here... shot by Roger Deakins.
Ocado deliveries
Supply chains and home deliveries involve a great logistical juggling act. I have previously written on the nature of this work, and how it can impact on cities and am working on something in that area currently, which will be out later in the year.An RGS-IBG lecture on Monday the 13th of January explored the connections between food and geography / spatial analysis. I am looking forward to this appearing on the RGS website so that I can view it (as a Fellow I have access to past lectures in this format - one of the benefits of RGS fellowship)
Raconteur special edition on supply chains.
OCADO Technology looks very impressive in the warehouse in this film here.
I also came across this article giving an alternative perspective on the impact of OCADO deliveries, with a group of residents saying 'NOCADO' to a distribution hub close to a primary school.
One to follow up and consider, as it links with some of the ideas we will be developing for our D3 ERASMUS toolkit for teachers.
National River Flow Archive - new data release
The National River Flow Archive has had several names over the years since I first started using it years ago. It operates a network of gauges measuring discharge and plotting trends, to feed into modelling of river flow and catchment management.
This is an interesting update on what has been available on GaugeMap for a while.
Click on a gauge, and you get a detailed description of it.
Here's one on the Wensum, just outside Norwich - a location I know well.
Choose the LIVE DATA tab to get a much more detailed set of data than was previously shared (in the same way at least...) - mouse over for current values.
Click the CATCHMENT DATA tab to get further detail on the river catchment feeding that gauge. This could be useful for those exploring a particular river case study at GCSE.
I've just been updating the Hodder OCR GCSE books for their 2nd editions and might be able to squeeze this in there for the River Wye case study which we have used.
Here are some of the gauges in Norfolk, for example.Live data tabs are available for around 475 NRFA sites that the @EnvAgency have released live data for in their API. View near real-time flow data now! More information: https://t.co/uhjCXbEqlE pic.twitter.com/YSCmbetpQD— UK NRFA (@UK_NRFA) January 17, 2020
This is an interesting update on what has been available on GaugeMap for a while.
Click on a gauge, and you get a detailed description of it.
Here's one on the Wensum, just outside Norwich - a location I know well.
Choose the LIVE DATA tab to get a much more detailed set of data than was previously shared (in the same way at least...) - mouse over for current values.
Click the CATCHMENT DATA tab to get further detail on the river catchment feeding that gauge. This could be useful for those exploring a particular river case study at GCSE.
I've just been updating the Hodder OCR GCSE books for their 2nd editions and might be able to squeeze this in there for the River Wye case study which we have used.
Internet Geography - Coastal CPD day.
Another chance to learn on the Holderness Coast with Anthony from InternetGeography.
More details here.
what3words
This is also forming part of a connection with the D3 ERASMUS project which the school is involved with via the geography department.
The website has provided a 3 word address for every 3m square area of the world - 57 trillion in total. It is starting to be used in cars for navigation, and also by emergency services. There are plenty of other exciting uses being developed all over the world.
On Friday morning, I welcomed Jack Waley-Cohen, one of the co-founders to school. After a fascinating discussion about the company's work, and a chat with the Head of the Junior school, I gave Jack a tour of the site, showing him some of the signs in situ. Jack spoke to some students about what3words and we discussed how he could work with the school as a pioneer to explore how other schools could make use of the technology and the idea. I have had my room 'located' in this way for several years.
Jack also left us some excellent swag which we shall use as prizes for student who engage in some proposed work using what3words.
Why not download the app or visit the website https://what3words.com/ and find the address for your own front door or classroom?
Why not download the app or visit the website https://what3words.com/ and find the address for your own front door or classroom?
Reuben Wu
.@Reuben_Wu uses a drone not as a camera, but instead as a light beam to create surreal images of remote landscapes. His photos don’t work at magic hour — he prefers to shoot at night. #NatGeoStorySummit pic.twitter.com/ZXSCoN67Et— National Geographic (@InsideNatGeo) January 16, 2020
These images look excellent... Worth checking out.
Buoys, Beacons and Bananas
This is the title of a new set of resources which have been produced by Trinity House, who previously ran the nation's lighthouses and light vessels, providing lighthouse keepers before they all went automatic. They have a vital role to play to keep navigation safe, keeping shipping traffic flowing and getting information provided to those that need it.
A brand-new suite of free learning resources should help Key Stage 3 students learn about shipping, seafaring and safety, as well as Trinity House’s role as a lighthouse authority.
Featuring a range of slides, videos, worksheets and games for you to deliver in class, kick off the new term with our curriculum-linked resources which explore a variety of topics centred on the maritime sector.
Topics include:
- The impact of globalisation on our lives and the UK’s prosperity and the roles played by shipping and Trinity House.
- The role of lighthouses and buoys in keeping ships and seafarers safe at sea.
- The huge range of diverse, interesting and important jobs that keep food and goods moving in support of Britain’s economy.
Our Key Stage 1 resources use slides, videos, worksheets and games to teach pupils to recognise that the food we see in our local supermarket comes from different locations all over the world, and to appreciate the importance of shipping as a means of transporting goods from overseas.
A useful video as part of KS1
The Key Stage 2 resources cover the following:
Our Key Stage 2 resources use slides, videos, worksheets and games to teach pupils that the UK is as an island nation reliant on trade links with the rest of the world; as such, the nation’s maritime sector has a vast range of job types, including seafarers, engineers, designers, port operators and more.
Pupils will be able to think about how these roles work at sea and on shore, and understand that Trinity House provides training for young people who want to be seafarers to ensure they can undertake their work safely and efficiently at sea.
Pupils will also learn about the role of aids to navigation such as lighthouses and buoys in keeping ships and seafarers safe at sea, and explore their own ideas about designing visual systems to convey messages to mariners about safe passages and hazards.
Four lessons:
- Britain as an island nation
- Jobs at sea
- Safety at sea
- Global connections
The videos that are included in the resources can be viewed on a YouTube channel here.
Our Key Stage 3 resources use slides, videos, worksheets and games to give pupils a more advanced understanding of the role the maritime sector plays in the UK’s prosperity, and the huge range of diverse, interesting and important jobs that keep food and goods moving in support of Britain’s economy.
Pupils will learn how Trinity House keeps ships and seafarers safe by providing a mix of aids to navigation and training for seafarers, keeping the movement of commercial shipping safe, constant and vital at a time when globalisation has made the world a smaller and more connected place.
Pupils will also be challenged to work within a team to address and solve design problems given to them, developing specifications for innovative and functional products that respond to stakeholder needs.
Three lessons:
- Just the job
- Safety at sea
- Global connections
This last one is perfect for Globalisation / Stuff related lessons...
Alan Kinder on the teaching of Climate Change
I've been working on updating my KS3 curriculum to start to think about the best way to map the Climate Change connections which are threaded through it, to make them more explicit, and also encourage different approaches.
Alan Kinder has contributed a characteristically thoughtful piece to the Sec-Ed journal, which has a wide readership. It can be read HERE. It describes some of the work of the GA, along with a useful list of possible actions and accompanying readings.
Given today's BBC piece by David Attenborough that we have reached a defining moment, this is something all geography teachers need to be tackling.
Alan Kinder has contributed a characteristically thoughtful piece to the Sec-Ed journal, which has a wide readership. It can be read HERE. It describes some of the work of the GA, along with a useful list of possible actions and accompanying readings.
Given today's BBC piece by David Attenborough that we have reached a defining moment, this is something all geography teachers need to be tackling.
New Aardman animation on the Oceans
A new Aardman animation on the Oceans, with a focus on turtle migration.
Free CPD event in Dubai
My invitation to present at this event was obviously lost in the post, but for those colleagues in Dubai, there is an excellent CPD opportunity coming up in March.
Details sent by Matt Podbury.
Calling all teachers in/near Dubai, there is a fantastic free CPD day coming up in March.
The Geography Teacher Toolkit Conference will be held at Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis and include sessions from Matt Podbury, (geographypods.com), Richard Waller (Keele University) and John Sayers (Nord Anglia International School, Dubai).
Secure your place today and don’t forget to sign up for our teachmeet afterwards!
The tickets have gone live on Eventbrite. They are FREE!
Order of the day
8.30 am - Registration
9.10 am - Introductions
9.30 am - Fieldwork and Geographic Skills - Richard Waller
This session will explore the creative ways in which fieldwork can be used to enhance the development of a range of important geographical skills. This would include field observation and interpretation, the combined use of specialist field techniques and research design.
11.00 am - Coffee break
11.30 am - Planning / Evaluation / Questioning Skills - John Sayers
This session will explore how TOK is used in geography along with examples of it in this subject. John will also be sharing his question grid developed to include photos, maps, videos and other resources to develop Socratic questioning. Find out how these resources can assist you with planning, coaching and self-evaluation.
1 pm - Lunch (provided)
1.45 pm - Geographic Possibilities and Affirmative Action - Matt Podbury
Matt will give some practical ways that he promotes Geographic possibilities into his teaching, across the secondary age range with some free take away resources for you to adapt and try out in your own school. These will deal with climate change and disparities with school-based projects, new case studies at IGCSE and IB/A-Level and getting ‘positive Africa’ into your curriculum.
3.15 pm - Coffee break
3.30-4.30 pm - Teachmeet
Learn something new, be amazed, amused and enthused. This is an informal gathering of those curious about teaching and learning. Come along to share great ideas trialled in your classroom, ask important questions or simply sign up to take part in learning conversations. Professionals from all educational sectors are welcome.
TeachMeet is not about presenting a new product or theory, rather it is a chance for teachers from all types of establishments to hear ideas from each other - real narratives of practice that make a difference. It is about being engaged and inspired by our immediate colleagues with a bucket-load of networking to boot!
Details sent by Matt Podbury.
Calling all teachers in/near Dubai, there is a fantastic free CPD day coming up in March.
The Geography Teacher Toolkit Conference will be held at Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis and include sessions from Matt Podbury, (geographypods.com), Richard Waller (Keele University) and John Sayers (Nord Anglia International School, Dubai).
Secure your place today and don’t forget to sign up for our teachmeet afterwards!
The tickets have gone live on Eventbrite. They are FREE!
Order of the day
8.30 am - Registration
9.10 am - Introductions
9.30 am - Fieldwork and Geographic Skills - Richard Waller
This session will explore the creative ways in which fieldwork can be used to enhance the development of a range of important geographical skills. This would include field observation and interpretation, the combined use of specialist field techniques and research design.
11.00 am - Coffee break
11.30 am - Planning / Evaluation / Questioning Skills - John Sayers
This session will explore how TOK is used in geography along with examples of it in this subject. John will also be sharing his question grid developed to include photos, maps, videos and other resources to develop Socratic questioning. Find out how these resources can assist you with planning, coaching and self-evaluation.
1 pm - Lunch (provided)
1.45 pm - Geographic Possibilities and Affirmative Action - Matt Podbury
Matt will give some practical ways that he promotes Geographic possibilities into his teaching, across the secondary age range with some free take away resources for you to adapt and try out in your own school. These will deal with climate change and disparities with school-based projects, new case studies at IGCSE and IB/A-Level and getting ‘positive Africa’ into your curriculum.
3.15 pm - Coffee break
3.30-4.30 pm - Teachmeet
Learn something new, be amazed, amused and enthused. This is an informal gathering of those curious about teaching and learning. Come along to share great ideas trialled in your classroom, ask important questions or simply sign up to take part in learning conversations. Professionals from all educational sectors are welcome.
TeachMeet is not about presenting a new product or theory, rather it is a chance for teachers from all types of establishments to hear ideas from each other - real narratives of practice that make a difference. It is about being engaged and inspired by our immediate colleagues with a bucket-load of networking to boot!
Free UEA Course on Nairobi
Ideal for those teaching about development.
On this course, you will learn how international development is conceptualised, imagined and communicated as an area of study.
You will consider the ways international development impacts individuals living in different parts of the world, focusing on Nairobi in Kenya.
You will use the example of Nairobi to relate abstract concepts and debates to the lived experiences of real people.
Upon completion of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of indicators of development, population growth, migration, urbanisation, and environmental issues like waste and pollution.
On this course, you will learn how international development is conceptualised, imagined and communicated as an area of study.
You will consider the ways international development impacts individuals living in different parts of the world, focusing on Nairobi in Kenya.
You will use the example of Nairobi to relate abstract concepts and debates to the lived experiences of real people.
Upon completion of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of indicators of development, population growth, migration, urbanisation, and environmental issues like waste and pollution.
Exhausting a place.
About a month ago, I got a copy of a free PDF download of a book on the geographical influence of Georges Perec.
Perec was a very interesting character. There are some of his ideas which I shall be developing and building in to various sessions which are coming up.
There are some interesting pieces in the book, particularly a piece by David Matless, which set me off in various directions.
This led me to investigate a few further works of Perec, which are available in full as PDFs.
From here, I headed for one book that was mentioned: "Species of Space".
Finally, we come to the title of this post and its meaning.
One of the experiments that Perec did was sit at a cafe for three days, and observe and record everything that he saw. The book is below. It can be downloaded as a PDF from this link.
An extreme ethnographic investigation....
Perec was a very interesting character. There are some of his ideas which I shall be developing and building in to various sessions which are coming up.
There are some interesting pieces in the book, particularly a piece by David Matless, which set me off in various directions.
This led me to investigate a few further works of Perec, which are available in full as PDFs.
From here, I headed for one book that was mentioned: "Species of Space".
Finally, we come to the title of this post and its meaning.
One of the experiments that Perec did was sit at a cafe for three days, and observe and record everything that he saw. The book is below. It can be downloaded as a PDF from this link.
An extreme ethnographic investigation....
Welcome to the UK
A useful resource on the nature of the UK.
One of several animations on the BBC Primary website, for KS1 pupils.
New Geographies
Thanks to my colleague Dan for a tipoff to a geography / art project in the East of England which he came across over the weekend.
The Cooking Sections project explored Hemsby, for example.
The structure my colleague came across is called Mother, and is located at Wicken Fen.
Here's an image taken from the Twitter feed for the project.
— daniel everest (@dan_everest) January 12, 2020New Geographies is a project which has placed art in a range of locations.
The Cooking Sections project explored Hemsby, for example.
The structure my colleague came across is called Mother, and is located at Wicken Fen.
Here's an image taken from the Twitter feed for the project.
ilivehere - and I'd rather not
The website iLiveHere has published a list of the 10 places which have the worst ratings according to over 80 000 people.
They are given the title 'the 10 worst places to live in the UK'.
The website itself has sections and some language which are NSFW, so I wouldn't use it with students directly.
Can you guess which place comes out at number 1 - the clue is that I was born there...
It's worth remembering previous lists, including the 'Crap Towns' books which put Hull in first place back in the day.
They are given the title 'the 10 worst places to live in the UK'.
The website itself has sections and some language which are NSFW, so I wouldn't use it with students directly.
Can you guess which place comes out at number 1 - the clue is that I was born there...
It's worth remembering previous lists, including the 'Crap Towns' books which put Hull in first place back in the day.
Ridge Maps
Another tip off from Ben Hennig is this Github mapping tool and script.
Open it up and navigate to a location, zoom in and change the angle of the map if necessary.
Open Settings and you will see various options for the creation of peaks on the map using height data.
These can be made more exagerrated, and the colour changed - messing with other settings produces different effects. Why not have a play?
It's a way of making a Joy Division 'Unknown Pleasures' style image...
Here's a map of the island of Ely in the Fens... with the Ouse Washes the flat area running diagonally across.
And here's one with the Wash and King's Lynn at the top - spot the edge of the Fens... see, Norfolk is actually far from flat...
Open it up and navigate to a location, zoom in and change the angle of the map if necessary.
Open Settings and you will see various options for the creation of peaks on the map using height data.
These can be made more exagerrated, and the colour changed - messing with other settings produces different effects. Why not have a play?
It's a way of making a Joy Division 'Unknown Pleasures' style image...
Here's a map of the island of Ely in the Fens... with the Ouse Washes the flat area running diagonally across.
Bad Geology
Yesterday, whilst scrolling through the Freeview channels, I noticed a film called 'Airplane vs Volcano'. A few minutes showed me it was hilariously bad.Here's the synopsis for those who are not familiar with the film.
A circle of volcanos in the Pacific all erupt at once, and a commercial airliner flies right into the middle of them. With the captain and co-pilot incapacitated, a passenger is forced to take over the controls and guide the aircraft through the inferno to a safe landing ground.
This morning, I noticed that Ben Hennig had shared a link to a list of films shared on the site Letterboxd under the heading Bad Geology. This is a film site my son uses to record the films he has seen, or would like to see. It's a nice interface, and I have an account myself. A little like Instagram for film posters.
Good to see that Airplane vs Volcano is on there, along with a number of other classics...
Are there any missing which you think should be on the list?
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