Wisconsin Geography Virtual Road Trip Activity

As social studies teachers, we understand the importance of making our lessons engaging and relatable to our students. One fantastic way to achieve this is by incorporating local geography into our curriculum. Not only does this strategy foster a deeper connection to the subject matter, but it also helps students appreciate the world around them. Today, I want to share an exciting activity from my 7th-grade geography course, centered on the physical geography of Wisconsin.

The Virtual Road Trip:

Imagine taking your students on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin without ever leaving the classroom. In my 7th-grade geography class, I've implemented a virtual road trip activity that allows students to explore the rich physical geography of our state. This activity not only captures their imagination but also encourages them to become active explorers and document their findings.

Preparation:

To kick off this adventure, I prepared a virtual map of Wisconsin, highlighting significant land and water features. Websites like Google Earth can be an excellent resource for this purpose. I provided students with a "Field Guide," which is essentially a booklet for them to record their observations, notes, and sketches during their virtual journey.

The Journey Begins:

As we embarked on our virtual road trip, students "drove" through Wisconsin, stopping at various locations of interest. Here are a few notable places we visited:

1. Horicon Marsh: We visited the sprawling wetlands of Horicon Marsh. Students learned about the importance of wetlands in our ecosystem and the diverse wildlife that calls it home.

2. Devil's Lake: We visited stunning Devil's Lake, where students explored the geology of this glacially formed gem. They also discuss the recreational opportunities it offers to visitors.

3. Door County: Students virtually explored the beautiful peninsula and discussed the influence of geography on tourism and agriculture.

4. Madison: We visited the state capital, Madison, and discussed how its location on an isthmus shaped its development and economy.

5. Driftless Area: Our journey took us to the southwestern Driftless Area, where students learned about the unique, unglaciated landscape.

(I also created a "Gallery Walk-Style version of this activity which includes posters of each of the features that I hung up around the building. Kids scan a QR code which takes them to a Google Earth presentation including all of the sites.)

Recording Observations:

At each stop, students recorded their observations in their Field Guide. They note geographical features, climate, and any unique aspects of the region. They also consider how geography affects human activity, such as agriculture, industry, and tourism.

Discussion and Reflection:

After the virtual road trip, we gathered as a class to discuss our findings. We explore the interplay between geography and human activities in Wisconsin and how these interactions shape our state's identity.

By incorporating this creative and interactive activity into my curriculum, I've found that my students not only gain a deeper understanding of Wisconsin's physical geography but also develop valuable skills in observation, research, and critical thinking. Plus, it's a memorable experience that they talk about long after the lesson ends.

Interested in this lesson? Check out my resource here!