Geogra3: Census 2021, COP27, Photo competition

In this week’s Geogra3 blog I’m sharing the content of my weekly email to Geography teachers.  This week we focus on the 2021 UK Census release, COP27 and also a photography competition ideal for Geography Club activities.

1. Census Data released

For those of you teaching in the UK, you might be interested to hear about the brand new releases of Census Data 2021 this week.  There’s a great thread over on Twitter by Ahmad Barclay summarising some of the major highlights with useful graphics included.  There is also a blog referenced that helps you get the most out of the interactive tools and generate maps for your own areas of study.  I think this could be particularly helpful for those students preparing for their A-level NEAs or maybe you could use it to update your own UK case studies.  However, the thing that has led me to losing 15 minutes of my life is the Census game, which seems to be a bit of a cross between Blockbuster and the Price is Right (very much showing my age here!).  I highly suggest you DON’T follow this link!  

2. COP27 powerpoint

Ahead of the COP27 Summit, there has been a fair bit of news coverage about who is and who isn’t attending the event.  However, if you’re looking for a good way to help students understand the significance of the event and the issues being addressed, you might find the free downloadable and editable powerpoint on the Tutor2U website helpful.  There is a lack of actual activities for students to do as I think it is more aimed at use in an assembly, but it links to some really useful video clips throughout the presentation.  There is also a blog referenced entitled “Does it matter that COP27 is in Africa?” that might stimulate ideas for further enquiry.

Image credit: Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

3. Photography competition

If you’re looking for ideas to use in your Geography club, you might like to explore this year’s Earth.org photography competition.  The focus is on our planet’s natural beauty as well as the impact of human activities.  Check out the details of the competition here and the deadline isn’t until April 2023 so plenty of time to get entries in.  Alternatively, the same organisation also has a website specifically for children to help them engage with environmental issues at an accessible level.  There also seems to be an opportunity for children to submit articles, posters or drawings of environmental issues that interest them. 

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 geographical 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