NewsletterFall2002

Fall is here, with winter rapidly approaching. Now is the time to think about all the Geographic Alliance of Iowa professional development opportunities awaiting you. We are planning an exciting Louisiana Purchase Winter Workshop in February and March. Send your reservations to Jane as early as possible. You may call her at 1-800-601-3899 for more information or register using the form in this newsletter. We are planning to hold it once again in Waterloo at the Starlite Best Western. It is a great time to meet old friends and make new ones. Hope to see you there.

As always summer 2002 GAI activities provided teachers and staff a multitude of interesting experiences. There were seven teachers who participated in the technology workshop and about thirty who participated in the Laura Ingalls Wilder Workshop. That was a rolling classroom, literally. We spent every day on the bus doing our work as we traveled. Teachers learned about sink holes, coulees, tall grass prairie, visited Pipestone National Monument, and the woman who wrote those wonderful books. Those teachers are well prepared to integrate geography into their language arts programs this school year.

Are you aware that the NAEP results for geography were published this past summer? Approximately 25,000 students in elementary, middle school and high school were tested in 2001. Results were compared with those tested in 1994, and they were encouraging. Statistically, there was a significant increase in geographic knowledge among 4^th and 8^th grade students during that period. There was also a statistically significant improvement among the lowest-performance students as well as among minority students.

The National Geographic Society also assessed the impact of its State Geographic Alliance teacher-training programs on student achievement. This study found that students whose teachers had received in-depth training in geography content and instruction scored, on average, four percentage points higher — from 68 percent correct to 72 percent correct — than students who participated in the NAEP study. Statistically, this converts to an eight-point percentile difference between the average students in both groups. In other words, if the average NAEP student is at the 50^th percentile, the average National Geographic student is at the 58^th percentile.

We can indeed be proud that U. S. students are making progress in geography. You teachers are the ones who are responsible. Let me congratulate you!! Okay now, take your right hand and reach over your left shoulder and give yourself a little pat from Kay. Now don’t get too carried away, someone may see you and think you have a bad itch or something! Seriously, we must not become complacent and forget that the job is never done. Here at the GAI office we intend to continue to provide the services, programs, and resources you need for infusing geography into your curriculum, in so far as funding is available.

Kay will be unavailable during the spring semester of 2003. Should you need assistance please call Jane at the office at 1-800-601-3899 or e-mail her at jane.gillen@uni.edu. She will try to answer your questions as efficiently as possible and what she cannot answer, she will find someone who can. Don Peterson will be available a couple of days a week and Dr. Philip Suckling will also be available to assist Jane, so I suspect things will run quite smoothly.

Have a wonderful fall semester and hope to see you at the Louisiana Purchase Winter Workshop. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!

One of this summer’s GAI workshops centered on technology, and how teachers can better incorporate the Internet, GIS Applications, and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) into their classrooms. All the participants learned a great deal in the four-day session, which was held on the UNI campus in Cedar Falls.

One of the first topics we covered was the Mission Geography project (on the Internet at www.missiongeography.org/), where presenter Hans Goettsch showed us how NASA’s partnership with Geography has created a very useful website containing many good lesson plans. This site covers many topics and all are adaptable K-12. During our Internet searches, we found many good mapping sites. Many people were interested in viewing Landsat images of the World Trade Center taken a day after the attacks, where the smoke was quite visible.

Steve Oaks presented materials from ArgWorld, and we all received a demo CD of this product. This is a great product, since it contains interactive ways to teach geography concepts such as population and human interaction. The final CD will be affordable, costing around $50.

Phil Sorensen used the program ArcView to teach us how to create projects using GIS. One example was to create a sales map of good sites for distribution centers in the southeastern U.S. Phil also helped guide us in using the GPS units. The class took the GPS units on scavenger hunts to George Wyth Park and Hartman Reserve. The scavenger hunts can be found on the web at www.geocaching.com (there are many in Iowa), and were really quite fun to complete, minus the mosquitoes that found us. This is a fun activity for people of all ages.

To finish up the class, we all created webquests that covered many areas in Geography. Here is a list of websites that will take you to our webquests (double check when you type in the address, these are case sensitive):

One thing we noticed during the workshop is that it would be almost impossible to teach some of the GIS applications to a large group of students at one time. Due to the students’ lack of knowledge of GIS programs like ArcView, as well as a lack of computer access on a regular basis, we felt it was better for teachers to expose students to GIS, rather than teach a GIS program to them step by step. However, the GPS units seemed to be easier to grasp, and students would love the scavenger hunts that go along with this kind of technology.

The second workshop that the GAI offered this past summer dealt with the geographical factors involved with Laura Ingalls Wilder. During the four-day workshop in July, participants traveled part of the route that Laura and her family took during their movement around the Midwest.

Our first stop included Walnut Grove, MN, where we witnessed a production put on by the citizens of the town during their annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant held every July. The recreation of some of the events in Laura’s life was great! During our time in Walnut Grove, we got a chance to tour the museum there, as well as visit the site of the dugout house Laura’s family lived in. The dugout has caved in, but you can still see the impression in the landscape. Behind the dugout was a beautiful display of prairie grasses. That provides a good impression of how Laura saw the prairie in her time.

After our visit to Walnut Grove, we went to Pipestone National Monument, located in far southwest Minnesota, and almost on the border with South Dakota. The Native American settlement at Pipestone is still a working mine, and the residents carve the soft stone into many different objects which are sold in the museum there. This was also another good place to view what the native prairie looks like. As we traveled east, we made a short stop to Taopi, to visit the world’s smallest operating post office, and to use the GPS units to do a scavenger hunt amongst the prairie grasses. We were able to see how easy it would be for a small child to get lost in the tall grass! (The pencil I hid for the scavenger hunt is still out there somewhere!)

We made our way into Spring Valley, where the group was able to visit the museum, as well as Royal Wilder’s (Almanzo’s brother’s) grave. This museum focused on the Wilder family, as well as the history of the Spring Valley area. Our next stop was Lanesboro, MN, where the group was able to view the historic business district, which is on the national register of historic places. After lunch, the group split up to complete an OSAE of the town, and to do a little shopping. Ice cream was a popular treat on that hot day!

After Houston, we traveled to LaCrescent, MN, where my aunt Donna Huegel gave a short history of the area, as well as a photo stop along the scenic byway to get a good look at the barge traffic on the Mississippi River. To finish off the evening, the group took an hour cruise on the LaCrosse Queen paddleboat and had a relaxing supper on the river. We spent the overnight in Caledonia, and some of the members went into town to see the state’s oldest jail and the Schech Mill.

During the last day of the trip, we traveled back into Iowa, stopping at Burr Oak. This town has the only childhood home of Laura’s still standing on the original site. We were able to tour the home, as well as the former bank building, being remodeled across the street. After a Norwegian lunch in a Decorah café, we headed south to Amish Boulevard, making three stops at Amish homes and briefly experiencing their way of life.

Some of the geographical topics we discussed during the bus ride were physical landforms, like the karst topography and sinkholes, glaciated soils, and examples of strip cropping to help prevent erosion and water pollution near Fountain, MN. The five themes were focused on during the entire trip. We had many opportunities to do some observing, speculating, analyzing, and evaluating the landscape, which changed significantly from Southwest Minnesota to eastern Iowa. The shortage of rain in certain areas was very easy to see. Although we did much traveling in four days, it was a great way to experience Laura’s travels. By looking at the area through her eyes, you obtain a new perspective on this region. We all had a great time.

If ever you’ve thought along these lines, you may want to consider applying for a grant from the National Geographic Education Foundation. I did, and actually won a $2000 grant!

To access information about grants, go to www.nationalgeographic.com. From there, you’ll find a menu bar "For Teachers" which takes you to another menu of great lesson plans. At the top of the left menu list is "Education Foundation."

The next link will explain the details of grant writing, and even provide samples of successful grants. I read the samples, and considered how my project "Interdisciplinary Environmental Education" would measure up.

My project involves a three-day, two night field trip with all eighth graders to Eagle Bluff Environmental Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota. Our classes include (1) canoeing, (2) high ropes confidence course, (3) the role of fungus and decomposers, and (4) Oneota culture. Students are involved in conservation (stewardship) activities in the dorm and in the dining room. Students map the route to Lanesboro, too. Two of the courses are clearly related to geography standards published in Geography for Life, but we have a lot of fun, too.

In my case, the grant continued a program. Two years ago, my school board approved the trip on a two-year trial basis. We all know about budget cuts, and this program was on the chopping block. It is honest to say that The Foundation saved a good program.

It’s important that you link your grant to measurable geographic standards. If you don’t have a copy of Geography for Life, it’s available on the National Geographic website, too.

Where will you find the time? Luckily for Iowa teachers, the grants are due in mid-June, after classes dismiss. Think of grant writing as your first summer project. It’s a new role for teachers, but like anything new, you’re bound to learn something.

The Foundation, like parents, school boards, and superintendents, desires positive publicity. They want to showcase great teaching ideas and student learning. Our local newspaper, The Waterloo Courier, published a story with a photo on our class experience. Publicity shapes attitudes and budgets.

At the GAI winter workshop, I’ll share materials, which I prepared for the grant, and answer your questions. Meanwhile, you can e-mail me, at sundstedtk@dikenh.k12.ia.us.

A little success prepares you for another challenge. I’d love to have my junior high students from an all white rural community join with a more diverse urban junior high for a field walk. Maybe someone reading this will be interested in the Foundation’s mission statement "To prepare children to embrace a diverse world."

"There’s an old saying, " says Barbara Chow, executive director of the Education Foundation for the National Geographic Society, "`War is God’s way of teaching the world geography.’" Indeed, teachers report, U.S. troops’ arrival overseas spurred a return to the teaching of traditional geography this year in our nation’s schools.

You can enrich elementary-schoolers’ world awareness at home, too, with the help of these sites:

www.iknowthat.com offers a host of educational activities, including fun mapping projects that can be shared with far-flung relatives via e-mail, for an annual subscription price.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ find data comparing gas mileage by model, fuel economy tips, frequently asked questions and more.

http://biodiversityeconomics.org/ the site provides a search capability for resources relating to "the conservation of nature, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the sharing of the benefits arising from the use of nature."

http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ provides mean and median wages for a wide variety of occupations for different U.S. regions. How does your pay compare?

David DenHartog originally hails from southern Iowa but has proceeded to plant roots around the globe. Dave currently serves as the Talented and Gifted Coordinator for grades 6-12 in the Independence Community School District. He taught social studies for five years at Independence before becoming the TAG teacher three years ago. Dave received his B.A. from Luther College, M.A. from the University of Northern Iowa and is currently working on his doctorate at Drake University.

Besides teaching duties, DenHartog directs the Model U.N. program, Mock Trial team, Future Problem Solving teams, 8^th grade football, 8^th grade basketball, Varsity girls’ tennis, Intramurals, and Explore America program. He also has students participating in National History Day, Project Citizen, We the People, Invent Iowa, Math Counts, the Stock Market Game, and middle school Model UN.

Dave has a passion for travel, having spent time in six continents and forty-four countries. One of his latest adventures took him to Australia and New Zealand, where he took several Independence students this past summer. Most recently in mid-October, he traveled to Kazakhstan, in central Asia. With a very understanding wife and three beautiful young children, Dave believes he lives a charmed life!

Dates: February 7-8 and March 7-8, 2003 Time: 6:30 p.m. Friday through 3:00 p.m. Saturday

Advantages: Fees are inclusive of meals, lodging, & 1-hour credit or CEUs
Presentations by UNI staff, and GAI Teacher Consultants
Can be completed in 2 weekend sessions

Benefits: Earn 1-hour college credit or CEUs when attending both weekend seminars
            Interdisciplinary tested lesson plans
            Relevant materials
             Relaxing and informal weekend

Cost:    February 7-8, 2003: March 7-8, 2003:
          By January 24, 2003: $99 By February 21, 2003: $99
          After January 24, 2003: $119 After February 21, 2003: $119
           Both weekends by January 24, 2003: $198 Both weekends after January 24, 2003: $238

O Check here if you do not want the above information included on a roster distributed to participants.

O Check here if you have any special needs, including dietary. We’ll call to discuss how we can best meet your needs.

*Sign up today! Enrollment is limited. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Your registration is confirmed when payment has been received.

PLEASE REGISTER ME: O Regular registration - Double occupancy room
O PRIVATE ROOM REQUESTED - I would like my own room and have included an additional $30 per night.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: I’m interested in receiving O CEUs O 1-hour UNI credit

PAYMENT INFORMATION: O Check payable to: UNI Geographic Alliance of Iowa
O P.O. or Requisition #__________________________

The Geographic Alliance of Iowa requests this information for the sole purpose of registering you for this program. We do not routinely release any of this information to anyone outside our institution without express permission. We do ask that you fill out all the registration items that apply to you.

The University of Northern Iowa is an equal opportunity educator and employer with a comprehensive plan for affirmative action.

Become a member of the Geographic Alliance of Iowa (GAI).
As a member you are entitled to all the privileges and opportunities provided.
Membership is free.

Name _____________________________________ Name of School ________________________________________

Home Address ______________________________ AEA# _______________________________________________

City ______________________________________ County _______________________________________________

State _________________ Zip _________________ School Address ________________________________________

Mail form to: Geographic Alliance of Iowa
                          Department of Geography
                         University of Northern Iowa
                         Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0406

GAI Coordinator Dr. Kay E. Weller
Associate Editor Jane Gillen
Production Director Sarah Finke

Geographic Alliance of Iowa
Department of Geography
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0406
(319) 273-5952 or 273-2772
Toll free in Iowa 1-800-601-3899

October 2002

13 Steering Committee –
History Center, Cedar Rapids

15 ICSS
Sheraton Hotel,Cedar Rapids

16-19 NCGE – Philadelphia, PA

November 2002

23 Geography Awareness Week
"America’s Backyard:
Exploring Your Public Lands"

December 2002

January 2003

February 2003

8 Lewis & Clark Traveling the
Louisiana Purchase –
Starlite Village – Waterloo

March 2003

8 Lewis & Clark Traveling the
Louisiana Purchase –
Starlite Village – Waterloo

April 2003

4 Iowa Geographic Bee – DMACC

May 2003

June 2003

	GAI member Hans Goettsch, of Charles City High School, was awarded the NCGE Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award. He received the award in October during the 50^th anniversary celebration and conference in Philadelphia. Great job, Hans!
Kudos to Bev Grindeman-Adams of Metro High School in Cedar Rapids. Bev received the ICSS Secondary Teacher of the Year award during the conference held in Cedar Rapids October 14-15.
	Steve Wymore, of Lewis Central Middle School in Council Bluffs, was awarded the ICSS Middle School Teacher of the Year award. Congratulations on these fine achievements!!