Introduction
As you roll out of bed, already late for World Geography, you are surprised by a knock at your front door. When you get to the door and open it, no one is there, but you see a bright yellow envelope. Opening it nervously, your fear soon turns to excitement- You have been invited to participate in a race around the world. On your circumnavigational journey, you and three colleagues will be tasked with traveling to and learning about several different countries across the globe. While racing, you will need to keep an extensive journal and report on various geographical features of the places you visit. Luckily, you are well-versed in the five themes of geography. Checking your calendar, you realize that the race begins tomorrow morning. So much for that lame summer school class...
Task
You will create a journal that reflects the places you visit and the information you learn about each destination. This journal will include facts, figures, maps, and reflections of your trip. You will have access to the internet in order to find your information.
Along with a journal, you will create a group presentation of your journey. It must be between 10 and 15 minutes, include at least two slides for each destination, and provide clearly presented information.
Process
Here are steps you will need to complete in order to finish the Really Incredible Race.
1. Find your group
2. Choose roles:
A. Researcher: Finds information and records it on spreadsheet. Assists writer.
B. Writer: records journey in journal form, using creativity and writing skills to make journal exciting, witty, and interesting.
C. Photographer/design manager: collects, catalogues, and arranges photos for both journal and presentation.
You may choose to share all duties or designate them to specific group members. This project is a lot of work, so everyone needs to collaborate and cooperate in order create a project that you are proud of.
4. Create a Google Sheets spreadsheet on which you will record your research for each destination. This research will be based on the five themes of geography.
Here is what you must record for each spot you visit:
A. How will you get there? You must research flights/train rides/bus rides/ other forms of transportation that will take you to each location. How far is the trip? How long will it take? How much will it cost? If you are traveling from one foreign country to another, what is the exchange rate into US dollars?
B. What are the basic facts about the place? Where is it? Absolute location and relative location. What climate region is it in? What is the population? what language(s) are spoken there? What are the major religions?
C. You must visit at least two physical attractions (mountains, lakes, canyons, etc.) within 300 miles of your destination, and at least two human attractions (museums, religious buildings, famous neighborhoods/districts) within 200 miles of your destination. Make sure to take pictures!
D. You must research and investigate two major examples of movement associated with the destination. For example- IS it a major trade hub? What is imported/exported there? Are there immigration issues? IS it a center of religious thought and development?
E. Finally, research and explain how the people in that location adapt. modify, and depend on their environment. One example of each.
5. Once you have your spreadsheet formatted, it is time to check your luggage one last time, say goodbye to Elk Grove, and see your teacher for your first destination. Once you have that destination, start investigating and learning about this Big Blue Marble that we live on. Once you think you have all your information for your first destination , tell your teacher. If it looks finished, you will receive your second destination.
Here are some websites that might be helpful to you:
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
https://thatadventurer.co.uk/how-to-diy-travel-journal-travel-scrapbook/
GOOD LUCK! Have fun!!!
