Geography for Life
Utah Core Language Arts & Literacy Standards in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects
Geography is described as the study of the “why of the where.” Geography for Life will explore how to use geography as a tool to better understand the world in which we live. Students will learn to evaluate and question the why and where of spatial perceptions that are read, seen, and heard. The six standards identified below are best understood when using the following geographic themes: location, place, movement, region, and human-environmental interaction. Geography for Life is designed as a semester course, but is recommended to be a year-long course. A semester course will include map skills with physical and human geography essentials, beginning with North America, South America, Europe, and their connections to other world regions. The year-long course continues to use previously learned geography skills connected to the remaining areas of the world.
1. National Standards
National Standards from National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
2. Materials and Resources
The following are materials and resources that can be used to support the core curriculum.
UEN Core Resources
Lesson plans and web resources that are aligned to the core standards.
Making Sense of a Round World on a Flat Surface
What are Mental Maps
Notable Trade Books for Young People
The books that appear in these annotated book lists were evaluated and selected by a Book Review Committee appointed by National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and assembled in cooperation with the Children's Book Council (CBC).
Utah State Office of Education Recommended Instructional Materials System (RIMS)
Find instructional materials that have been adopted by the Utah State Office of Education
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. With members in all the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education.
National Geography Xpeditions
Xpeditions is home to the U.S. National Geography Standards and to thousands of ideas, tools, and interactive adventures that bring them to life.
Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Rare Map Collection at Hargrett Library.
European Schools Project Association (ESP)
The European Schools Project Association (ESP) supports teachers and pupils in participating in the world of Internet-based Computer Supported Collaborative Learning and in using Internet's Information Resources to improve learning and teaching.
Pioneer (Utah's Online Library)
Provides statewide access to newspaper articles, magazines, professional journals, encyclopedias, video, photographs, maps, charts, and graphics.
Utah Education Network
Provides education tools, activities, lesson plans, curriculum guides and professional development for teachers and educators in the state of Utah. You can also find other UEN resources like KULC channel 9, EDNET, and distance learning resources here.