Digital Commons Network^™

Sudan And South Sudan: Colonialism, Conflict, And The Growing Pains Of A New Nation, Amy Jones

Open Educational Resources

Students will understand the concept of colonialism by comparing and contrasting America with Africa's colonial rule. Students will discover how this often contributes to contemporary conflict by igniting cultural differences. Sudan and South Sudan are used to illustrate contemporary conflict that is in part based upon the effects of a history of colonialism.

The Geography Of Rwanda's Genocide, Rachel Hansen

Open Educational Resources

Students can (1) use Google Maps or Google Earth to examine the physical features of Rwanda; (2) apply knowledge of the Demographic Transition Model to Rwanda; (3) evaluate the role culture plays in conflict.

Rivers In Europe, Aileen Meyer

Open Educational Resources

Students will understand that rivers are a natural feature located on six of the seven continents. Students will understand Europe is fortunate to have many rivers which have helped to shape its history. Students will understand Europe’s rivers influence human settlement as well as provide transportation, energy, and recreational needs for the people of Europe. Students will understand humans have a responsibility to care for their rivers and keep them clean for future generations.

The Immigration Tango, Gary Larsson

Open Educational Resources

Students will create a multi-media presentation on the geographic/historical reasons for their families migration to the US.

Sexually Transmitted Infections And Diseases In The United States, Erin Coffey, Bev Alderson

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to visually compare Iowa’s rate of STI’s and STD’s with the rest of the United States.

Understanding Conflict And Genocide In The Former Yugoslavia, Traci Lake

Open Educational Resources

Students will know: the causes of conflict, the definition of genocide, the causes of conflict in the former Yugoslavia, what action has been taken to recover from genocide in the former Yugoslavia. Students will be able to: identify sources of conflict in other parts of the world and analyze the role geography plays in those conflicts, determine the responses that were made to the genocide in the former Yugoslavia and formulate a plan about what should have been done differently to prevent/lessen the severity of the conflict, analyze the current situation in the former Yugoslavia and how the past plays …

Discovering Diffusion And Reformulation, Sarah Lerdal

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to define diffusion and reformulation and give examples of each. Students will be able to explain how certain everyday products have been diffused into the American culture. Students will be able to use Google Earth and its tagging feature to demonstrate to the class the origins of the product or process.

Weather-Related Phenomenon Of Iowa, Elizabeth Dexter

Open Educational Resources

Students will identify the natural hazards that affect the state of Iowa. Students will identify Iowa’s landscape and runoff. Students will compare surrounding state’s natural hazards to those of Iowa; how is Iowa different? Students will analyze precautions necessary to avoid loss of property or death.

What You Give, Jennifer Krieger-Coen

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to identify the exports of their native country and why the U.S. needs/wants these imports.

European Comparisons, Barry Eberhard

Open Educational Resources

Students will compare and contrast different rates within European countries’ culture to the United States.

Who Are We? Local Geography: Hull, Iowa, Rob Van’T Land

Open Educational Resources

Using the most recent data, students will create pie graphs, maps, and writings to give a better picture of the ethnic diversity of Hull.

Farmers And Economic Decision-Making, Anthony Boggs

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to make rational economic decisions based on given conditions. Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the impact economic decisions have on agricultural products in the state of Iowa.

What Causes A Genocide?, Jesse Dowell

Open Educational Resources

Understand the broad common themes that occurred in the Rwandan and Bosnian genocides, and apply them to current situations.

Body Art, Geographic Alliance Of Iowa

Open Educational Resources

Students will explore the history of, uses of, and impacts of body art on cultures. Students will identify global practices of body art. Students will design their own works of body art.

Visiting Mesopotamia, K. Schmidt, A. Garman

Open Educational Resources

Students will design a postcard using primary knowledge of previous classroom discussions of the geographical importance of Mesopotamia.

Follow An Indian Resource, Luke Juran

Open Educational Resources

Students will learn various facts about India and Indian states. Students will observe how regional economies are related to national economies, and in turn how national economies fit into the large picture of the global economy. Students will observe how transportation infrastructures (highways, railroads, ports, etc.) aid in the transportation of goods, resources, communication, etc. Students will get a better feel for the geography of India.

We're Going To Bangladesh - Now What?, Geographic Alliance Of Iowa

Open Educational Resources

Students will find out the entry requirements for the country of Bangladesh. Students will learn how to properly complete passport and visa application forms. Students will identify the need for vaccinations/immunizations and other medical treatment recommended for travelers to Bangladesh. Students will know how to find entry requirements for all countries and will be able to identify the process to be taken to get to any country in the world.

Geography Around The Great Wall, Bob Gilbertson

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to:

• Describe the Great Wall in their own words

• Work collaboratively with a small group

• Increase their informational writing skills by writing a 7 paragraph essay instead of usual 5

Getting Familiar With Mapping, Susan Wernimont, Jayne Meyer, Carl Meyers, Beth Jarding

Open Educational Resources

Students will identify characteristics of maps and learn how to use tools to make and analyze them.

Google Sketch Monumental Structures Project, Ryan Dalton

Open Educational Resources

The objective of the activity is to create a three dimensional monumental, unique, and everlasting structure that symbolizes your selected culture between the 100CE and 1800CE. The second objective will be to research the location, the resources, trade routes, people, specialized skills, and artisans to complete this task. The created structure should symbolize the empire's region's culture, history, location, power, and prestige.

Highland Osae: Observation, Speculation, Analysis, Evaluation, Carrie Taylor

Open Educational Resources

Students will observe changes that occurred when Highland Elementary was built.

Hiv/Aids Status In Africa, Steve Knoche

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to determine where in the world the rates of HIV/AIDS are the highest and be able to compare those rates with other parts of the world.

How Do Your School Rules Compare?, Natasha Cooper

Open Educational Resources

Students will gain knowledge in their own school rules. Students will be able to compare their school rules with Nigerian school rules.

How Humans Are Creating Desertification In Africa, Casey Conover

Open Educational Resources

Students will describe the process of desertification and brainstorm ideas on how to help the problem.

Lake Mills O.S.A.E. Land Mark And Business Field Walk, Angie Boehmer

Open Educational Resources

Students will create a map of Lake Mills that accurately includes local landmarks and area businesses using the O.S.A.E. strategy.

Living In A Lungi, Dawn Brown

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to describe, make, and wear traditional Bangladeshi male attire. Students will be able to sew French stitches on cotton fabric.

Mapping Activity: What Countries Have Child Soldiers?, Kimn Hassenfritz

Open Educational Resources

Students will be able to understand what countries use child soldiers and draw generalizations.

Misery Mountain Melting (How Climate Change Affects Ski Resorts), Tami Mcinroy

Open Educational Resources

Students will learn the names of all 12 major climate zones, what each one is like, discuss the argument about whether climate change is human-caused or due to natural shifts, and decide how climate change impacts snowfall at ski resorts.

Nigerian Storytelling, Anne Hoeper

Open Educational Resources

Students will be acquainted with Nigerian literature. Students will see similarities and differences between folktales they are familiar with and Nigerian folktales. Students will become aware that folktales may teach values. Students will gain an appreciation of Nigerian culture through the reading of folktales.

Nigerian Transportation Through Mathematics, Aaron Shields

Open Educational Resources

Students will compare the percentage of one’s income needed to buy a car in Nigeria vs. United States.