Lesson Overview:
In this game, students try to locate places, landmarks, or even stadiums all over the world. If students do not have experience in world travel, they can focus on a specific country (Brazil, USA) or even city (London, New York City). Use this lesson after the atlas lesson just for fun as the kids try to help each other figure out where special places and sites are. You will be surprised at how much they know! (Electronic devices and an internet connection are required to play.)
Lesson Plan:
Suggested Grades:
3-8
Objective:
To play three different GeoGuesser map games to practice using an atlas and to share geographical knowledge and understanding with classmates.
Suggested Time:
40-45 minutes
Success Criteria:
Each student will play three different GeoGuesser games. Each student will also bookmark GeoGuesser in his or her toolbar for future play.
Lesson Outline:
1. Introduction:
Remind students that this year (or in the last lesson) they have learned to use an atlas. Today’s lesson is all games to challenge them to share their understanding of geography and their atlas skills. How many points can the students score? Who can outguess their classmates?
Introduce GeoGuesser by going to the web site and demonstrating how to choose and play a game. The web site is found here: https://geoguessr.com/
Be sure you include the following in your demonstration:
- One person vs. multi-player games
- Choosing the map
The only way to keep track of scores and keep results is to create an account. In our school, students have school Google accounts that can be used for sites like this one without the students giving away any personal information. If you have a similar arrangement, have the students use their school IDs to set up a user account. This is also the only way that they can challenge each other. If your kids do not have school accounts, have them play as a guest without logging in. The site will work fine either way.
2. Main:
Give the kids enough time to play several rounds of GeoGuesser. Check to see how they are doing. Don’t let anyone get frustrated! Some students who have specialized knowledge or are particularly well traveled may really shine in this lesson, but it’s just for fun!
Ask the kids to keep track of how many rounds of which games they play. They can create simple tally sheets for this. They need to play three different games, so each student should turn in a sheet with his/her name and the names of at least three map games.
3. Conclusion:
Draw the kids back together for a few quick reflections. What did they learn today that they did not know before? What was the most unusual place they “visited” on the maps? What was the hardest clue? Did the atlases help at all? How accurate could they be with the online tools? Would they ever want to play again?
Resources:
- Computers and internet access.
- Ability to project your screen so that the kids can see the demonstration.
- GeoGuesser web site found here: https://geoguessr.com/
- Scrap paper and pencils for keeping score and keeping a tally of the names and number of games played.
Notes:
Although I’ve put this lesson in the games section, it could be played as part of any Unit of Inquiry that focuses on geography.
Be sure to share the game on the class Weebly or in the school newsletter. Families can have a lot of fun playing this game together!
Recommended books for this lesson:
None
Key Terms:
Maps, Geography, Games, Landmarks, Tourism