Geography in Literature

Subject:                Language Arts/Geography
Grade:                  Elementary
Presented by:      Leah Bug-Townsend, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Geography Themes:     Could encompass all 5
Geography Standards:   Could encompass all standards
Skills:  Critical thinking, mapping, computing, organizing
Objectives:
1. Recognize and describe the geography in a book while following the plot.  2. Within a cooperative learning group, discuss the book and construct a project about it.  3. Using a blank map and an atlas, locate the various Port of Calls from the book.  4. Evaluate how the physical and human characteristics of a geographical area can influence the lives of the main characters in the book.  5. Utilize computer technology to research and present information on topics that arose from their reading.
Method:
Using the novel By the Great Horn Spoon!, students will learn about the geography of the Western Hemisphere. Students, using one or more of the five themes of geography, will complete a project. (Other appropriate novels may also be used for this lesson plan.)
Materials:
Student copies of the book (By the Great Horn Spoon!, by Sid Fleischman). Western Hemisphere map and student atlas for each student.
Procedures:
1. Explain the objectives to the students.
    a. Listen to or read By the Great Horn Spoon!.
    b. Map out the journey of Praiseworthy and Jack as they sail from Boston to San Francisco.
    c. Complete a project of their choice.

2. Distribute copies of the Western Hemisphere map and a student atlas to each student.

3. Discussion should be occurring throughout the voyage, especially when the ship goes through the Strait of Magellan. These discussions can be done in cooperative learning groups with a study guide, then discussed by the whole class.

4. At the conclusion of the ship's journey, students can choose one of the following activities or develop their own idea:  a. Research one of the locations visited and create a travel poster.  b. Make a products map of each Port of Call.  c. Draw the different types of homes found in each area and explain why they are different.  d. Draw the different styles of clothing and explain why they are different.
Closure:
Continual discussions of the book. Presentations by students.
Evaluation:
Projects.  Label the different locations on a blank map.
Extension:
Have students calculate how many miles the ship sailed and how fast.  Have students research the different art styles of the locations and create their own masterpieces.  Have students create a mural of the different cultures.  Discuss the map.  Have students draw the equator on their maps.  Find out what the students know about the Western Hemisphere, as well as the Southern Hemisphere.  To do this, have an exhibition of the artwork and projects.  KWL can be used in cooperative learning groups.
Notes:
Students will gain an awareness and understanding of how geography (landscape, climate, culture, distribution) influences the lives people live in a particular area.  Students will apply their technological skills to research and present information.  While the teacher or students read the book, students chart the voyage of the ship.  They need to number each area, having a total of approximately eleven locations. These areas also need to be labeled.  Students will gain an awareness of geography within literature.  By utilizing their mapping and math skills, students will appreciate the distance, time, and velocity of travel or exploration.  By using their mapping skills, students will gain an awareness of where in the world the various sites in the book are located.

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