Geogra3: Engage Your Geography Classroom with December's Impactful Awareness Days!

Hey there, fellow Geography gurus! 🌍 It's that time again – gearing up for December's exciting awareness days that tie seamlessly into our curriculum. Ready to sprinkle some magic into your lessons? I've got you covered with these upcoming events that'll light up your classroom.

1. World Soil Day: December 5th

This year's theme, "Soil and water, a source of life," is a goldmine for us geography buffs!  Dive into soil experiments with this fantastic resource I stumbled upon.  Ever thought about tying in soil erosion with rainforests and deforestation?  Or taking your Year 7s out to explore soil profiles within your school grounds?  There's even a nifty section on water retention in soil, perfect for topics on flooding or farming. Let me know which experiment you choose – I'm eager to hear about your classroom adventures!

2. International Mountain Day: December 11th #MountainsMatter

"Restoring Mountain Ecosystems" takes center stage this year. The resources available, from articles on mountain communities to engaging video clips about Kyrgyz mountain women collaborating with Stella Jean, are absolute gems. And hey, if you're in the mood for a ready-made lesson on the changes in the European Alps, there's a captivating documentary on Waterbear titled "Falling Mountains" that you can pair with Q&A sheets from the GTB vault.

3. International Migrants Day: December 18th

Let's acknowledge the incredible contributions of migrants while sensitively addressing their challenges. It's a complex and relevant topic in today's world, with conflict and climate change forcing people from their homes. For thought-provoking discussions, consider films like "The Swimmers," sharing the journey of two Syrian sisters, or "Ayman: forced migration" on Waterbear (complete with lesson presentations and Q&A worksheets in the GTB vault, see example below). Plus, there's a wealth of regional profiles by the Migration Observatory and detailed migration data for the UK available for students to explore.

As we draw to the end of 2023, I have now created a brand new 2024 Geography Awareness Days calendar.  You can grab your free copy here and keep up to date with what's coming up.

Feeling inspired for the month ahead? 🌟 Stay tuned for the next Geogra3 blog, where we'll dive into fun quizzes and activities as we edge closer to the Christmas break. Make sure to follow my Facebook page for the latest updates!

P.S. I'm on a mission to make life easier for Geography teachers and spread the love for our subject. That's why I've crafted The GTB Vault – THE ultimate membership for Geography teachers! Inside, discover a treasure trove of worksheets linked to documentaries and a growing lineup of KS3 units of work. Join today and reclaim your evenings and weekends, knowing you've got a stash of incredible lessons at your fingertips! 🗝️✨