Geogra3: Quizzes, AI and visualising data

For this week’s Geogra3, I’ve got a bit of an eclectic pick-a-mix of things to share matching my current feelings of chaos!

So let’s crack on…..

1. Interactive Quizzes

Another great quiz has been made freely available from Discover the World tour company.  There are 8 rounds in total covering different areas of geography including resources, fire and water, cities and also a geography news round.  In total, it will probably take close to an hour but you can pick and choose which rounds to use.  Lots of great graphics included and I particularly like the way the answers are at the end to make marking of each round easier.

Alternatively, head over to The Worldview Upgrader, another great resource provided by Gapminder.  It’s a great way to address misconceptions with interactive quizzes that you can either set students to do related to specific countries, world population and refugees as well as the much used Gapminder test.  I think this would be great to use prior to starting a unit on the Middle East or any other specific regions/countries to help students get to grips with the true nature of these places.  

2. Using AI for teachers

Unless you’ve been under a rock (or swamped by exam marking) I’m sure you haven’t failed to see the amount of people talking about Chat GPT.  The potential for this AI tool is huge in terms of how it can be useful to us as educators, but there are of course potential drawbacks with regards to plagiarism and student use.

I’ve come across two resources recently that have been useful.   Firstly, there are quite a few Facebook groups about this but look out for ones specifically for teachers and educators as they have some really useful ideas for prompts to use.  I’ve joined these two: chatGPT for teachers (UK)  and chatGPT teachers.

I’ve also had a quick look at Teach AI free version as it can help generate curriculum intent statements and on their free version you can also ask it to help you create 5 reports. 

3. Visualising data

One of the major things I love about geography is the maps, not surprisingly!  But I also love seeing data creatively visualised, especially with a spatial element.  So I've been exploring the Visual Capitalist website recently - I could literally spend hours exploring this website and thinking about how to use some of the graphics in the classroom! 

I’ve been planning the population unit for next year and thought this was a useful graphic illustrating the decline in birth rates for all countries, while this one demonstrated population pyramids comparing China and India, USA and Japan, Africa and Europe.  There are loads of other ones too so if you need a bit of time out from what you’re doing, go and explore this rabbit hole!

And before we part ways, here’s your weekly reminder that you’re amazing.  Thank you for being the superstar you are!

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

So here are five ways that I can help you make teaching a sustainable career….

1. The GTB Vault - Classroom-ready presentations 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.
2. Changing China - a set of 10+ classroom-ready lessons for students aged 11-44, with homework activities and an assessment PLUS a set of Youtube lessons that you can provide for absent students.
3. The Geography Teacher Box bookstore - boost your subject knowledge while supporting local independent bookshops
4. Tote-ally Geography - A newly created store with tote bags designed specifically for geography teachers.
5. Connect with other like-minded Geography teachers and share resources (suitable for teachers of students aged 11-18) - The GTB Facebook Group