Outcomes —  This workshop marked a successful start to our geo-literacy project.  Nine teachers from a wide range of backgrounds, grade levels, and content areas, representing nine different schools around the Tri-Cities, attended.  This session was focused on laying the foundation for the work ahead.  We began by testing our own mental maps of the world and by discussing the concept of geo-literacy.  Dr. Newcomer also gave an introductory presentation.  (Please be patient, this link may take a few seconds to load...)

There was clear agreement that students (and learners of all ages) need to develop geo-literacy skills, now more than ever, in order to make informed and far-reaching decisions for the wellbeing of our planet and ourselves.  We also explored various regions of the world through PuzzleMap™ and discussed preliminary ideas for teaching and learning with PuzzleMap.  Everyone enjoyed engaging with PuzzleMap, helping one another with the example puzzles and sharing their own knowledge and understanding of the places they encountered. 

Next Time —  Workshop #2 (November 12th) will focus on investigating curricular connections further and developing complementary activities that help support overall teaching objectives.  Classroom observations will commence soon thereafter and become another key component of our study.