momto2Cs Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I am trying to pick a geography program for my rising 6th and 8th graders. I prefer secular content, physical and cultural, and not too time-consuming (I know, a lot to ask!) I'd appreciate votes, and/or any feedback/suggestions. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Do you want a stand alone geography program or do you want something that can be integrated into your history studies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto2Cs Posted June 25, 2014 Author Share Posted June 25, 2014 Do you want a stand alone geography program or do you want something that can be integrated into your history studies? Stand alone. I think we're taking a break from formal history studies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Two suggestions: Trail Guides for Geography http://www.home-school-curriculum.com/product/trail-guide-to-world-geography As far as I can tell, it is secular. And Ellen McHenry's Mapping the World with Art http://store.ellenjmchenry.com/?product_cat=mapping-the-world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saja1029 Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 We are planning on using MyWorld Geography. It comes with a student text, workbook, answer key, and DVD's. It is for 7 - 8th grade. Bought it from CBD.com for $55.00 :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I adapted Glencoe World Geography with the OM syllabus to make an "honors" middle school course. OM is very flexible and gives a range of suggested activities for each chapter. I had the Trail Guide to World Geography but barely used it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 Two suggestions: Trail Guides for Geography http://www.home-school-curriculum.com/product/trail-guide-to-world-geography As far as I can tell, it is secular. And Ellen McHenry's Mapping the World with Art http://store.ellenjmchenry.com/?product_cat=mapping-the-world I'm actually combing these along with Harmony Art Mom's World Geography plans (FREE). Waiting for Trail Guide to arrive in the mail so I can make lesson plans for my rising 7th graders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildiris Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 I adapted Glencoe World Geography with the OM syllabus to make an "honors" middle school course. OM is very flexible and gives a range of suggested activities for each chapter. I had the Trail Guide to World Geography but barely used it. An alternative to the above that I am considering is World Cultures & Geography. A link to an online text to check out: http://www.nexuslearning.net/books/ML-WCG-East/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clear Creek Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 I am using Glencoe World Geography with my 7th grader this coming school year. I am a meanie, though; she is doing history as well :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkateLeft Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 I think I'm going to use Holt World Geography as my spine, because I already own it. I found this and got really excited at first - Zombie Based Geography. I don't think it's quite what I want though, and it's pretty expensive. Even so, it's a neat idea! (There are samples on the ordering site for the printed materials.) I might pick up the graphic novel for the Kindle, since that's only $2.99 and add it to my plan just for fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pronghorn Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 We loved The Geography Coloring Book. Sounds childish perhaps, but it has a lot of good content. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krystan Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 A note on the Trail Guide. We used and loved the U.S. Trail Guide, but found the World Trail Guide to not be as good. It looks the same on the surface, but it wasn't as organized, the questions didn't make as much sense, and the mapping was all over the place. That were my kids' thoughts anyway. We stopped halfway through. I may have dd 8th grade do MyWorld geography next year in addition to other history; not sure if it will be too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 I think I'm going to use Holt World Geography as my spine, because I already own it. I found this and got really excited at first - Zombie Based Geography. I don't think it's quite what I want though, and it's pretty expensive. Even so, it's a neat idea! (There are samples on the ordering site for the printed materials.) I might pick up the graphic novel for the Kindle, since that's only $2.99 and add it to my plan just for fun. Bwahaha, zombie-based geography!Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipitous journey Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 I think I'm going to use Holt World Geography as my spine, because I already own it. I found this and got really excited at first - Zombie Based Geography. I don't think it's quite what I want though, and it's pretty expensive. Even so, it's a neat idea! (There are samples on the ordering site for the printed materials.) I might pick up the graphic novel for the Kindle, since that's only $2.99 and add it to my plan just for fun. ooooh, that is neat. Pricey, though not esp. for a full course I think; it's $135 for print-based, $30/3 months subscription-based (looks like automatic rollover and would be $120/year). Here's the S&S: Mapping the Outbreak Map and analyze zombie attacks · Geographic tools · Display data on a map · Analyze spatial relationships Creating Regions Create regions to warn citizens · Types and uses of regions · Create and display regions Mental Mapping Map your neighborhood from memory · Explain mental maps · Create mental maps · Improve mental mapping Physical Characteristics Choose a location based on landform and climate · Landforms and climate · Patterns of characteristics · Natural hazards · Opportunity and constraint Resources Choose a location based on resources · Types of resources · Formation of resources · Advantages of resources Migration Describe local connections of new settlement · Types of migration · Push and pull factors · Movement within regions Settlements Designing a new settlement · Functions and patterns of settlements · Urban land use · Boundaries and conflicts Human-Environment Impact Environmental impact of new settlement · Role of technology · Long distance impact · Positive and negative impact Ecosystems Model change in ecosystem post-outbreak · Intro to ecosystems · Systems in ecosystems Demographics Compare population change post-outbreak · Population demographics · Comparing demographics · Population density Geography and History Use history to influence plans · Historical expansion of settlements Culture Plan to aid survival of all cultures · Cultural characteristics · Diffusion · Cultural landscape Planning Plan for the next 30 years. · Current and future issues · Geographic planning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Is this the Holt Geography being considered? http://www.amazon.com/World-Geography-Student-Edition-Survey/dp/0547484798/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1403929233&sr=8-2&keywords=holt+world+geography If one has to buy new, it's a lot cheaper than Glencoe.... But I can't find a sample to see if I like it or to compare the two! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkateLeft Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 This is the Holt World Geography that I have. It's the middle school version. I picked it up used ages ago. I'd just be using it as part of our geography program, so I don't think I need to bother with the high school edition. I told my husband last night that I wish I could just have my ds watch Anthony Bourdain each week, and assign some reading to go along with the episodes. He said, "Why don't you then?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto2Cs Posted June 28, 2014 Author Share Posted June 28, 2014 This is the Holt World Geography that I have. It's the middle school version. I picked it up used ages ago. I'd just be using it as part of our geography program, so I don't think I need to bother with the high school edition. I told my husband last night that I wish I could just have my ds watch Anthony Bourdain each week, and assign some reading to go along with the episodes. He said, "Why don't you then?" For a while, we were reading Richard Halliburton's Complete Book of Marvels, and then watching an Anthony Bourdain episode to "go with it". Hmmm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto2Cs Posted June 28, 2014 Author Share Posted June 28, 2014 Has anyone seen/used this book? World Cultures & Geography Or the National Geographic version? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 The Glencoe World Geography text I used was produced in conjunction with the Natl. Geographic Society. I don't remember the author's name, however, and I've got the book packed away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 We use this and this. They both have the student center pages with quizzes, vocabulary, and videos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paceofnature Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 I'm actually combing these along with Harmony Art Mom's World Geography plans (FREE). Waiting for Trail Guide to arrive in the mail so I can make lesson plans for my rising 7th graders. This is what we are planning to do as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Other: Trail Guide To (World or US) Geography. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shamima Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I've been looking at Mapping the World by Heart by Reynolds. Iit looks great and hope to run a class using this. shamima Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I've ordered but not yet used Exploring the World of Geography. It looks exactly what I was looking for. I won't get to it until second semester of 5th grade though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merylvdm Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I looked at everything that was available and didn't find anything very engaging so put my own together and largely used DVDs (e.g. Michael Palin's and Rick Steve's) and then set research projects that were fun (e.g. plan a 10 day trip around Scotland). I also used a book called "Selling Destinations" used by the travel industry. And they played lots of online geography games. The one curriculum I did get my kids to do was Runkle's Geography - but it is mainly earth science. It does have some basic info on political geography. I did that with them in middle school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 We used Around the World in 180 Days through 6th grade. Then in 8th and 10th my dc did PAC World Cultural Geography together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Okay, the only reason I voted "other" was so I could see the tally of votes (sorry!). My two are rising 5th and 7th, and while I'm not worrying overly much about geography yet (only our 2nd year homeschooling and have other, higher priorities to get straight first) I do want to know what people know about and recommend. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 ooooh, that is neat. Pricey, though not esp. for a full course I think; it's $135 for print-based, $30/3 months subscription-based (looks like automatic rollover and would be $120/year). Here's the S&S: Mapping the Outbreak Map and analyze zombie attacks · Geographic tools · Display data on a map · Analyze spatial relationships Creating Regions Create regions to warn citizens · Types and uses of regions · Create and display regions Mental Mapping Map your neighborhood from memory · Explain mental maps · Create mental maps · Improve mental mapping Physical Characteristics Choose a location based on landform and climate · Landforms and climate · Patterns of characteristics · Natural hazards · Opportunity and constraint Resources Choose a location based on resources · Types of resources · Formation of resources · Advantages of resources Migration Describe local connections of new settlement · Types of migration · Push and pull factors · Movement within regions Settlements Designing a new settlement · Functions and patterns of settlements · Urban land use · Boundaries and conflicts Human-Environment Impact Environmental impact of new settlement · Role of technology · Long distance impact · Positive and negative impact Ecosystems Model change in ecosystem post-outbreak · Intro to ecosystems · Systems in ecosystems Demographics Compare population change post-outbreak · Population demographics · Comparing demographics · Population density Geography and History Use history to influence plans · Historical expansion of settlements Culture Plan to aid survival of all cultures · Cultural characteristics · Diffusion · Cultural landscape Planning Plan for the next 30 years. · Current and future issues · Geographic planning Thank you, that is quite helpful! Some practical cartography involved, from the looks of it, as well as geography. Have you and yours used the course yet? What do you think of it? It sounds tempting, but I will need to consider carefully how to fit it into our budget and our school year plan so far. I'm not familiar with Zombie Apocalypse, but DDalmost13 is really getting into graphic novel-type materials. She might actually like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom10 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Does anyone know anything about North Star Geography? It says can be used for 7-12th and can be a high school credit. Do you think that it would be too much for a 7th grader? I like the looks of it but don't know if it would be too much for my 7th grader. https://www.brightideaspress.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_82 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 I have looked at this program and am really liking the looks of it. I found a more complete sample here : http://schoolhouseteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/North-Star-Geography-Lesson-21.pdf I think I will be using this with my 8th grader next year. It doesn't look too complicated and it seems like you can easily pick and choose what they have to complete. I think the textbook looks like a 7th grader could understand it. Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 ANyone seen the new Memoria Press geog 3 book set yet? I'm looking, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenslp Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 We use Map Trek. It has all the maps from ancient times to present and has outlines describing what different ages should be doing with the maps. We have the hardcover book and then it came with a CDrom to print out the blank maps for the kiddos to fill out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 Zombie Based Geography. If that's anything as good as the title would suggest, I'm gonna get that for *me*. And, uh, the kids. Even though I already have a nagging suspicion I planned too much for our first year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clear Creek Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I am using Glencoe World Geography with my 7th grader this coming school year. I am a meanie, though; she is doing history as well :D Bumping this thread up because I have to eat my words :D . I am <gasp> dropping formal history this year (except for a quick reading of Book of the Ancient Greeks before we tackle Homer) because I decided to have my 7th grader focus more on geography after finding this amazing resource that I wanted to share with y'all. Barefoot Meandering has a free list of books (for all ages, up through high school) and Netflix/Amazon videos to go with countries around the world on her site. Just click on Geography Literature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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