Geogra3: Black History month, 8 billion, Honduras

In this week’s Geogra3 blog I’m sharing ideas for Black History month, the debate about Earth’s population limits and also some good news from Honduras.

So here goes!

1. Black History month (UK)

Here in the UK, October is Black history month, celebrating and honouring accomplishments of Black Britons.  Caiti Walter posted on Twitter (@EduCaiti) about how her Geography department have created a programme of events, linked into what they are currently studying.  It is well worth checking out the post to get some ideas of what you could also do.  I like how it’s not just about doing bespoke events but it also highlights the relevant areas of the curriculum, so it doesn’t feel like an add on/tick box exercise.  Also, in the first week of October, I will be sharing the new resources for the Geography Teacher Box vault, and one of the lessons is focused on multiculturalism in London and the experience of Black Caribbean communities in Brixton.  It would be particularly useful in the urban units for GCSE or in the changing places section of A-level.

2. Heading to eight billion people

The United Nations predicts that the Earth will hold 8 billion humans on 15th November 2022!  The debate about how many people Earth can support creates major divisions (and interesting discussions in the classroom) but this article from the BBC dives deep into the two sides of the debate, highlighting both environmental concerns and economic opportunity.  I would definitely recommend the article for A-level students (age 16-18 years) and you may want to share the documentary with Chris Packham “7.7 billion people and counting” to go with it.  There is a free Q and A worksheet here too (thanks to Nick Elliman for sharing in the FB group). 

3. Hondurans fight poverty and drought

A reason to be cheerful!  It’s easy to get bogged down by negativity in the media so it was great to read this article in the Guardian highlighting how women in Honduras have been diversifying crops to adapt to climate change and they’re now reaping the rewards.  The World Food Programme has been working with community cooperatives to focus on cashew trees to help diversify their crops away from corn.  Unpredictable rainfall has meant poor harvests, but cashews are native to the area and used alongside traditional crops like yuca and beans, can help to build resilience against food insecurity.  The cashew trees provide wood, fruit and seeds all of which can be sold, while also improving the condition of the soil and provide habitats.  Many women have been involved in the project, enabling them to buy land and animals as well as send their children to school.  A great example of female empowerment and grassroots action! 

That’s it for this week.  If you’ve enjoyed reading you might like to sign up to my Geogra3 newsletter to get 3 useful Geography things landing in your inbox every week.  Just click this link to subscribe today.

And remember, keep being curious - there’s a whole world out there!

I love nothing more than supporting Geography teachers as we are a pretty awesome bunch.  

So here are five ways that I might be able to help you….

• The FREE question and answer booklet - 15+ Q and A worksheets linked to documentaries 
• The GTB Vault - Classroom-ready powerpoints and worksheets so you never need to feel guilty about showing a video in class again! New pick up and go lesson resources added every month.
• The Geography Teacher Box bookstore - boost your subject knowledge while supporting local independent bookshops
• Tote-ally Geography - A newly created store with tote bags designed specifically for geography teachers.
• Connect with other like-minded Geography teachers and share resources (suitable for teachers of students aged 11-18) - The GTB Facebook Group