Semantic Feature Analysis
One of the activities I have my students do during the semester is to create a map of the region or continent being examined. After they get over the initial shock of having to create their own map grids and sketching the landform in hopes of being recognizable, the students create a reference they will use to describe the effects of physical features on population, the economy, and government activity. The students are currently creating a physical map of Africa and will be including desert regions, plains, mountainous regions, and major water sources. Using the map as a visual source, their textbook and the Internet, the students will analyze the effects of landforms on human activity. To further create an understanding of the effects, students were asked to use the information and describe, in writing, the effects of population density in various regions and why certain areas are more heavily populated than others. The students were allowed to choose 20 of the 61 locations from their map. The activity is designed to show students how landforms affect human activity from one region to the next.
The geography standards ask students to understand the interrelationship between human and physical geography. It sounds as if this assignment immerges student in a hands on activity to not just "learn" this standard but to understand and comprehend it. I can see where students might not remember every single landform in this region; however, they will understand how the landforms impact people and vice versa. This is a skill that will help them to critically think in other academic areas. I always tell me students...you can learn EVERY climate region of the world-but why? So you can forget them next week or month? What is more important is that you understand why we have climate regions and the impact they have on human activity.....I don't even know EVERY climate region!
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