Experiential Learning
2025-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
In this webinar we will travel through time and understanding to examine the ideas of Experiential Learning: What is it? Who defined it? Where do I find it? How do I apply it in my teaching? We will examine two examples that the speaker has been involved in and how they might help you develop Experiential Learning in your classrooms. The speaker will share a little bit about his two books on Experiential Learning in Geography, and finally we wrap things up with a Q/A time.
Audience Focus
All Grade Levels
Meet the Presenter

Jonathan Wessell
Grand Valley State University
MA in Geography, Western Michigan University

Jonathan Wessell is an instructor of Geography for the past 26 years. He is currently at Grand Valley State University and Glen Oaks Community College in Michigan. Mr. Wessell has been actively involved over the past 12 years with the AAG and served his colleagues for a decade in the Geography Education Specialty Group on the executive committee for the past 8 years. He was active in starting a poster competition and advanced the connection with AP Human Geography teacher by providing a day long PD opportunity during the AAG Annual Meetings. For several years he has remained active in chairing sessions on professional development in Geography and Experiential Learning in Geography. These activities have led Mr. Wessell to being the Chief editor of two books with his colleagues on Experiential Learning in Geography (2021 and 2025). Mr. Wessell has also served as a reviewer for the journals: Professional Geographer and The Geography Teacher. Recently, He was elected to the Board of Directors foe NCGE, and is currently working on a Young Scholar Research Symposium. Mr. Wessell plans to continue his research efforts in Experiential Learning and his work with pre-service teachers. He will do this through teaching and leading experiential opportunities around the world.
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GeoCircle: Teaching Geography to Young People: Tips and Resources for K12 Pre-service Teachers and Teacher Educators
2025-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Overview
Are you a future K12 teacher or teacher educator who is interested in advancing the teaching of geography? If so, this GeoCircles conversation is for you! We will discuss the significance of geographic thinking in the social studies, the importance of place connection, active involvement in stewardship, and the role geography can play in students’ understanding of, and action in, their local communities. Resources for improving your knowledge of geography and ideas for geographic-oriented projects at all grade levels will be showcased, so come prepared to share your favorites.
About the Facilitators
Kelly León is an Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB). Prior to moving to UWGB, she worked for nineteen years as a social studies teacher in a large urban school district in southern California. She led efforts to reconceptualize and update her district’s required 9th grade human geography course and also taught human geography for many years. Kelly completed her undergraduate degree, bilingual teaching credential, and M.E.d in Policy Studies in Language & Cross-Cultural Education at San Diego State University and is finishing her PhD in Education for Social Justice at the University of San Diego. Kelly is passionate about the role geography can play in a young person’s education and issues related to educational justice.
Thomas Herman is a Research Fellow in the Geography Department at San Diego State University, Director of the California Geographic Alliance, and Program Director for the California Global Education Project. In addition to 16 years of teaching at the University level, he has experience designing and leading teacher professional learning programs, developing curriculum resources, and advocating for geography education in K12 at local, state, and federal levels.

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The AP Exam: Tips and Tricks to Prepare Students
2025-06-03 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
In partnership with College Board, this webinar will provide strategies and ideas to help prepare your students for the AP exam. There will be McQ strategies, review of the FRQ task verbs and an overview of the exam itself.
Audience Focus
AP Human Geography and High School
Meet the Presenter
Charlotte Haney has been teaching AP Human Geography at the #1 Ranked high school in Texas. She serves as Human Geography District Lead for Houston Independent School District, the 4th largest district in the United States. She has had the pleasure of working with the team developing a project based curriculum for AP Human Geography and is always excited to work with teachers to support their students’ success.
Laura Massa was born and raised in Argentina where she got her university degree in Geography from the University of Buenos Aires. She worked at the United Nations Development Program assisting the Project Director in research and data analysis, and taught at the University of Buenos Aires and at many private schools. In 2002 she earned a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies at FIU/LACC. She teaches World History, AP Human Geography and Women’s Studies at Palmer Trinity School where she also taught Latin American History.
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APHG Bellringers: How to Apply in the Classroom
2025-08-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Summary
Tips and Tricks from classroom teachers on how to use the Bell Ringers in your AP Human Geography class. Bellringers can also be used in any on-level World Geography course.
About the Presenters
Laura Kmetz teaches APHG in Dallas, TX at Booker T. Washington High School, where she is the Social Studies Department Chair. She is the author of the NCGE Bellringers, a consultant for College Board, and a leader at the AP Reading. Laura loves engaging students in exploring our complex world and helping them figure out what they can do to make the world a better place.

Ryan Conway teaches at Glen Allen High School in Richmond, VA and is starting his 24th year as a classroom teacher. He is also the Director of the Center for Education and Human Development, a specialty center/magnet program within Henrico County. He has taught World History, US History, AP Government, AP Psychology, and for the first time last year AP Human Geography. Ryan loves to learn and teach new content and was excited about the opportunity to teach 9th graders APHG. It was a challenging but rewarding year of learning together with his students!

Carla Ingram teaches AP Human Geography, AP World History, and Honors/Standard World History at South Caldwell High School in Hudson, NC. She loves reading and traveling both of which help her liven up her classroom! Just this summer she made it to her 50th state, Rhode Island!

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GeoCircle: Teaching Geography - A Spatial Science
2025-08-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Overview
How is Geography different than other Social Studies? The spatial perspective of geographic thinking is what makes it unique. Come join the discussion about what spatial thinking is and how to help the students understand. Bring your best classroom ideas to share!
About the Moderator
Julie Wakefield is dedicated to providing relevant professional development opportunities for the members of NCGE. She has been the Professional Development Coordinator since 2022. After teaching high school geography for 25 years, Julie’s semi-retired life allows her to continue her passion of geography education, being a literacy advocate through various volunteer positions and teaching at the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College. Outside of work, Julie enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family, usually outdoors!
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GeoCircle: Teaching Population and Demographics
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join us for conversation about teaching population and demographics. This topic is a great opportunity to begin building geographic skills and analysis. Join in the conversation. Bring your questions and resources to share!
About the Facilitators
Tracy Edwards has taught Geography and Sustainability Studies in Higher Education for more than two decades. She currently serves on the NCGE Board. Every year at the AP Reading, Tracy is responsible for the Geographers Give Back campaign.

Michelle Albahae has been a teacher for 19 years, 15 of which she had the pleasure of teaching AP Human Geography. Currently, Albahae teaches at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Florida, and she also tutor students specifically in APHG content. She has had the privilege of attending the AP Reading since 2014, and has been a reader, table leader, and early table leader.
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Population: What charts, Graphs, and Diagrams can tell us!
2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
In this webinar you will be introduced to four charts, graphs and diagrams to discuss the majority of population content. Jonathan Wessell will apply his 27 years experience at the college level in Cultural and World Regional Geography when discussing POPULATION. His favorite, which you will find-out, is the Demographic Transition. His students always gasp when they learn that he experienced a 16 week course on just this diagram. There will be time for questions and you are encouraged to bring questions.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Jonathan Wessell is an instructor of Geography for the past 26 years. He is currently at Grand Valley State University and Glen Oaks Community College in Michigan. Mr. Wessell has been actively involved over the past 12 years with the AAG and served his colleagues for a decade in the Geography Education Specialty Group on the executive committee for the past 8 years. He was active in starting a poster competition and advanced the connection with AP Human Geography teacher by providing a day long PD opportunity during the AAG Annual Meetings. For several years he has remained active in chairing sessions on professional development in Geography and Experiential Learning in Geography. These activities have led Mr. Wessell to being the Chief editor of two books with his colleagues on Experiential Learning in Geography (2021 and 2025). Mr. Wessell has also served as a reviewer for the journals: Professional Geographer and The Geography Teacher. Recently, He was elected to the Board of Directors foe NCGE, and is currently working on a Young Scholar Research Symposium. Mr. Wessell plans to continue his research efforts in Experiential Learning and his work with pre-service teachers. He will do this through teaching and leading experiential opportunities around the world.
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QGIS - An Online Mapping Option For All
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
QGIS is a free open-source mapping tool. This webinar will dive into its key elements and how to apply it in a geography classroom.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Jen Mapes is Assistant Professor of Geography at Kent State University, where she directs the Community Geography Lab, which makes maps for and with the local community. She’s the author of The New American Small Town: Lessons for Sustainable Urban Futures. Jen is a former (& future?) APHG reader.

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Addressing Individual Needs to Learning: Blended Personalized Learning in Secondary Geography Course
2025-10-17 13:00 - 13:45 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Iowa
Summary
Ninth-grade World Geography is often students’ first formal exposure to geography, leading to varying levels of prior knowledge and learning gaps. Geography teachers must address these differences within limited instructional time and resources. Blended and Personalized Learning (BLPL) offers a flexible, student-centered approach that integrates digital tools with face-to-face instruction, allowing teachers to tailor content, pacing, and strategies to individual student needs. The purpose of this study is to examine a high school geography teacher’s professional knowledge, skills, and pedagogical reasoning in implementing BLPL to address students’ diverse learning needs. Using a single-case study of a World Geography course, data was collected through pre- and post-interviews and classroom observation videos over a semester. The anticipated findings will identify key factors influencing instructional decision making, including curriculum design, student backgrounds, and technology integration.
The study also aims to uncover specific instructional strategies—both planned and impromptu—that teachers employ to meet individual student needs in their classroom within the BLPL framework. By analyzing these pedagogical decisions, this research will clarify the underlying rationale for how BLPL enhances personalized learning in geography classroom. In the NCGE 2025 conference, this presentation will provide attendees with actionable insights into implementing BLPL in the secondary geography classrooms. Attendees will gain hands-on access to a curated website showcasing real-world BLPL case studies from K-12 classrooms, along with a printed resource.Through interactive discussions and practical recommendations, we will explore how BLPL can bridge learning gaps, foster student engagement, and create more inclusive geography classrooms. Whether the audience are new to BLPL or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip them with tangible strategies to enhance their teaching practice.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Blended and Personalized Learning, AP Human Geography, Differentiated
Learning
Conference Room
Iowa
Meet the Presenter
Sojung Huh

Geography: The Key to Our Global System of Agriculture
2025-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Lewis
Summary
This workshop explores the critical role of geography in shaping agricultural production and its impact on food, clothing, and shelter. Participants will connect these concepts to the Big Ideas of AP Human Geography (APHG)—Patterns and Spatial Organization, Impacts and Interactions, and Spatial Process and Societal Change—and gain strategies for engaging students in analyzing geographic influences on agriculture. The session introduces the SPEED model (Social, Political, Economic, Environmental, Demographic) as a framework for understanding these impacts. Attendees will also explore strategies for facilitating student discussions and conducting risk assessments on bioengineered foods, organic vs. conventional farming, food sustainability, and antibiotic use in dairy production.
Presenters will share free, standard-aligned lesson plans linked to the National Geography Standards, Common Core, and National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Agriculture, APHG, Population
Conference Room
Lewis
Meet the Presenters
Brooke Carpenter serves as the Director of Education for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, where she leads a team of educators, oversees the development of educational programs, and coordinates statewide initiatives aimed at advancing agricultural literacy among students and teachers. She also represents Nebraska as the State Contact for the National Agriculture in the Classroom program. Brooke holds a B.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Nurturing Curiosity with Earth Observation Day Games
2025-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Winnebago
Summary
Earth Observation Day (EOD) is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and outreach event AmericaView participates in annually to celebrate the Landsat program. Since 1972 the Landsat program has maintained a collection of satellites that provide a continuous space-based record of the Earth’s surface and its changes. Scientists, researchers, farmers, forest managers, policy makers, and many others utilize Landsat satellite imagery to help make wise decisions about how to utilize precious natural resources and how to better manage our physical environment. AmericaView is a nationwide, university-based, and state-implemented network that advances Earth observation education. As part of the annual EOD celebrations, held annually as part of Earth Science Week (October), AmericaView develops engaging new tools to teach students about the beauty and power of satellite imagery.
Join representatives from DelawareView and IowaView as they bring a selection of these games to NCGE Conference attendees. After ‘testing’ several of the games, workshop participants will be given one of the game posters to take back to their classroom and ideas of integrating in classroom lessons.
Session Focus
Middle School/Junior High| STEM | Earth Processes, Satellite Imagery, Critical Thinking
Conference Room
Winnebago
Meet the Presenters
Dr. Tracy DeLiberty and Amy Logan

Teaching the Middle East and Global Migration Through Graphic Novels
2025-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Clark
Summary
This interactive workshop introduces secondary geography educators to graphic novels as powerful pedagogical tools for teaching spatial concepts related to human migration, geopolitical borders, and transnational movement. Drawing on GW’s Middle East Studies research collection curated by Dr. Amal Cavender, participants will explore how graphic narratives can transform complex geographic theories into accessible spatial stories. Dr. Cavender will highlight works like “Baddawi,” “Hakim’s Odyssey,” “The Arab of the Future,” “Persepolis,” and “Arab in America” that effectively visualize human mobility, cultural landscapes, and territorial conflict. These narratives provide geography teachers with compelling resources to illustrate concepts of place, space, and human-environment interaction through the lens of Middle Eastern experiences. Participants will receive a comprehensive research guide for integrating graphic novels into geography curricula, with attention to migration patterns, boarder politics and spatial perspectives.
Through guided activities, geography teachers will develop lesson plans that enhance students’ spatial thinking while fostering cross-cultural understanding, helping students recognize geographic patterns in human movement and develop nuanced perspectives on how geopolitical forces shape migration experiences locally and globally.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | World/International | Human Migration, Geopolitical Borders, Graphic Novels in Education
Conference Room
Clark
Meet the Presenter
Dr. Amal Cavender, is a Middle East Studies research librarian in the Global Resource Center at George Washington University’s Gelman Library. Amal has a background in Arabic and Turkish languages, Islamic Art and architecture, and Middle East and North Africa research. She earned her Ph.D. in Global History from Purdue University and has worked in the US and abroad, teaching global history, religious studies, and Arabic and Turkish languages. Amal is fluent in five languages and focuses on collection development for Arabic, Turkish, and Persian languages, as well as literature, history, and religion. As a Middle East and North Africa area studies specialist with an academic teaching background, she is dedicated to enriching educational resources and promoting global understanding through her scholarly work and community engagement.

Inquiry into Pre-War Jewish Life as a Study in Cultural Geography
2025-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Nebraska
Summary
This session will focus on the outcomes shared in the forthcoming chapter, “Inquiry into Pre-War Jewish Life as a Study in Cultural Geography,” that is part of the University of South Carolina’s release, Teaching Holocaust Geographies in Middle and Secondary Schools. Participants will hear about approaches to this topic and experience hands-on activities that can be replicated in their own classrooms/schools.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels| Curriculum and Instruction| Holocaust, Pedagogy, Cultural
Conference Room
Nebraska
Meet the Presenters
Jennifer Gross

If You Give a Teen a Nuke...Geographic Scenario Gameplay in the Classroom
2025-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Flannigan
Summary
Inspired by our favorite educational philosopher, Ms. Frizzle, I sought an immersive way to engage my teenage students in the global issues we explore in class. Simply showing pictures of immigration, war, or international relations can only go so far before these topics begin to feel distant and abstract. Enter Geo-Strat!, an online strategy game I designed for classroom
integration. This game places students in national leadership roles, challenging them to navigate complex global issues and discover how geography shapes our world. As their nations face refugee crises, natural resource depletion, and political conflicts, students actively engage with geographic concepts, asking “where?” and “why?”, fostering critical thinking. Join us for a fast-paced play through of Geo-Strat, where you will take on a national role and explore how this interactive tool brings geography to life. Participants will leave with practical strategies for incorporating the game into their curriculum—and a FREE join code!
In order to get the full benefits from this workshop, your personal laptop is required.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | Global Issues| World/International
Conference Room
Flannigan
Meet the Presenters
Hello! I’m Dr. Ashley Penir, a geography and teacher educator out of California. I have a passion for teaching the power of geography and building geographic thinkers. With over 16 years of teaching geography in high school and at CSU, Fresno, I am convinced geography is essential to our curriculum and have dedicated my studies to exploring ways to understand and teach geography’s use and purpose. Geography is alive and I endeavor to teach it that way! I can’t wait to think through exciting ideas in geography education with everyone here at the NCGE!

Why Are There So Few Black Farmers in America? A Look At The History Of Racism In Rural Land Use
2025-10-17 15:15 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Clark
Summary
Participants in this session will examine the history of racism in US rural land use and farm systems, attempting to answer the question, “Why are there so few Black farmers in America today?” It wasn’t always this way, so how did we arrive here? This session aims to develop educators’ content area knowledge and is suitable for all grade levels but best applies to secondary school US History or AP Human Geography teachers. Participants will leave the session with a grab-and-go unit plan that is ready to use directly with students.
Session Focus
Secondary/ High School | U.S. History/Human Geography | Diversity in agriculture
Conference Room
Clark
Meet the Presenters
Leah Hood (she/her) grew up the sixth generation of Hoods on R. G. Hood Family Farms Inc. in NE Iowa. After earning her B.A. in Geography & History from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, she began teaching secondary social studies in 2008. Leah completed her Master of Arts in Teaching in 2013 from Hamline University (St. Paul, MN). She has spent the last 18 years teaching middle school and high school social studies & adult basic education in the Twin Cities, as well as undergraduates at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Leah is passionate about turning a spotlight on the history of the intersections between US agricultural systems and civil rights movements, and takes very seriously her responsibility as a farm owner and an educator to act with social responsibility to support diverse and emerging farmers.

Mundane Magnificence: Artifacts, Food, and Everyday Objects in Geography!
2025-10-17 15:15 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Iowa
Summary
Mundane Magnificence: Artifacts, Food, and Everyday Objects!! Get ready for this fast-paced and engaging session. Leave with ready-to-use strategies and resources for your K-12 Geography classroom. This session is designed to engage and challenge participants by exposing them to out-of-the-box teaching strategies for teaching both physical and human geography.
During this session, participants will learn how to use everyday materials to engage students and learn geography through a new lens by using artifacts. Through experiential activities, participants will learn how to engage not only the mind but also the senses while learning how food and geography go hand in hand. Participants will leave with actionable activities for their classroom.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | Inquiry | Engaging, Strategies, Resources
Conference Room
Iowa
Meet the Presenters
Nathan McAlister is the Humanities Program Manager – History, Government, and Social Studies, Library, World Languages, Indigenous Education, and Financial Literacy for the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). Prior to his time with KSDE, Nathan taught middle and high school social studies for 24 years. In the classroom, his students created and led several civic and historical preservation projects. These include three pieces of Kansas Legislation, an African American Civil War mural, and multiple National History Day and Lowell Milken for Unsung Heroes projects.
In 2010, Nathan was named Kansas and National History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History. Nathan has also been named a Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Master Teacher Fellow, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Fellow, and a George Washington Library, Lifeguard Teacher Fellow. He currently serves on the boards of several state and national organizations, including the Kansas Council for History Education, Council of State Social Studies Specialists, Council on Foreign Relations, and the iCivics National Educators Network.
Co-Presenter, Amy Walker

Empowering Geo-Inquiry: How the Science of Reading Can Strengthen Secondary Student Participation
2025-10-17 15:15 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Nebraska
Summary
In 2022, our nation’s 8th graders scored at mere 29% proficient readers. 71% of our 8th grade students are below reading level and yet we know as Educators that a strong Geography based curriculum revolves around the ability for students to learn to independently access knowledge. Geo-Inquiry not only opens students to the possibilities of the World, it allows them to think
critically about the knowledge they acquire both in and out of the classroom. But how can we expect our students to reach these levels with only 29% able to read at proficient levels in the 8th grade. Participants will be spurred to action with simple, research based strategies that will teach them how to bring basic literacy skills into the Geography classroom. This session will introduce participants to Scarbourgh’s Reading Rope along with the Simple View of Reading.
Together the session leader and participants will engage with the basics of reading instruction focusing on how to build background knowledge, vocabulary, and literacy knowledge that will allow them to enhance their students reading skills during geography lessons, resulting in students who are confident in their ability to read texts and maps for a greater understanding of how geography impacts their lives and those around them. This session will focus on participants to discuss, analyze and determine how to enhance their lessons with the strategies presented in their own Geo-Inquiry lessons.
Each participant will walk away with tips and tricks, along with a Google drive folder of lesson plans designed by the presenter to guide them through the process of teaching students reading comprehension through geographical inquiry.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | Inquiry | Geo-Literacy, Geo-Inquiry
Conference Room
Nebraska
Meet the Presenters
Kendra Miller is an experienced educator, curriculum designer, and speaker based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She has a strong background in teaching history at various levels, from middle school to advanced placement, and has also worked extensively in curriculum design. Kendra holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instructional Design and is currently pursuing a PhD in Literacy Studies, Literacy Instruction and Staff Development Concentration.She has received several awards for her research on improving reading in the content areas and is actively involved on the Executive Board for the Tennessee Council of Social Studies.

AAG - A Workshop on the Geography Pipeline from High School to College
2025-10-17 15:15 - 16:15 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Winnebago
Summary
The AAG task force on undergraduate geography education (aka the Gen A Project) seeks to develop strategies to address the challenge of declining undergraduate geography majors in the US today. This interactive workshop will provide some basic background information on the problem and the work of the task force. The organizers will then facilitate an interactive dialogue on the best ways to strengthen the geography pipeline from high school to college. The goal is to capture the collective wisdom of our community on this issue.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | Higher Education | Geography Majors
Conference Room
Banquet Level – Winnebago
Meet the Organizers

Bill Moseley,
Greg Hill
Samantha Serrano

Teaching Holocaust Geographies
2025-10-17 15:15 - 17:15 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Flannigan
Summary
This session will focus on the interdisciplinary relationships between geography education and Holocaust education. The session will begin by focusing on an edited book (co-edited by the presenters) that features geographers, historians, and education experts, including many voices from NCGE members, on the benefits, obstacles, and methods of teaching the Holocaust using the perspectives and tools of geographers. Then, session participants will put these discussions into practice by working with one another to evaluate and modify existing resources for teaching the Holocaust to include geographic skills, concepts, and tools. Holocaust education professionals, primarily from Nebraska, will be present for this working session. These discussions and hands-on interactions with a variety of resources is designed to benefit those seeking to teach geography and/or the Holocaust as a means from promoting civic engagement.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | World History | Holocaust | Multidisciplinary
Conference Room
Flannigan
Meet the Presenters
Michael Mewborne
Jeff Eargle is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of South Carolina, where he also serves as the Secondary Social Studies Program Coordinator. As a high school social studies teacher in the South Carolina public school system, he taught a range of social studies courses across both grade and learning levels. Additionally, Eargle was an Education Associate for K12 Social Studies Education at the South Carolina Department of Education where he implemented state-wide policy, provided professional learning for teachers, and was involved in the development of the current state standards. He is the coeditor of the forthcoming volume Teaching Holocaust Geographies in Middle and Secondary Schools: Promoting Inquiry into Space, Persecution, and Civic Engagement.

Art, Dance, Theatre, Oh My! Using Arts-Methodologies in the Geography Classroom
2025-10-17 15:15 - 17:15 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Winnebago
Summary
Come explore how art, dance, theatre, and other creative methodologies can deepen student understanding of geography! In this session, participants will engage in hands-on activities that bring historical narratives, social movements, and global issues to life through tableau theatre, protest art, and cartographic storytelling. Attendees will walk away with ready-to-use lesson ideas, creative assessment strategies, and a renewed vision for incorporating art into their classroom.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Art, Literacy, Engagement
Conference Room
Winnebago
Meet the Presenters
Jessica Flach is a Ph.D. student at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Prior to graduate school, she taught AP Human Geography and AP United States History in Pensacola, FL. Jessica works with the South Carolina Geographic Alliance in organizing professional development for K-12 geography teachers in South Carolina. Her graduate research focuses on youth geographies, travel, and citizenship. She is especially passionate about data literacy in geography classrooms, and strives to help geography teachers create engaging, inquiry-based lessons.

Bethany Sanders is a Secondary Social Studies teacher at Dutch Fork High School. She teaches a wide variety of classes including Human Geography, AP European History, and AP Comparative Government. She is currently an education doctoral student at the University of South Carolina where her research is focused on visual arts integration and visual literacy in the geography classroom. When she isn’t teaching, she is either coaching her school’s dance team or traveling!

Beltrami on Expedition: Exploring Minnesota in 1823 in search of the Headwaters of the Mississippi River
2025-10-17 15:15 - 17:15 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Lewis
Summary
Throughout the 1800’s, as the United States expanded north and west after the Louisiana Purchase, there were numerous explorers who came to northern Minnesota searching for the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Though the mouth was well known and much of the lower and middle river well charted, it proved to be difficult to find and map the ultimate source of the river which was though to be in the new northern territory of Minnesota. Members of the Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education have been engaged in researching this history and creating a documentary series reenacting these various important expeditions, and the Italian explorer Giacomo Beltrami’s expedition of 1823 is the first to be completed. The hour long documentary will be shown, followed by hands-on activities on a giant NGS classroom floor map of Minnesota to learn experientially why the river’s source was so difficult to determine. Why is the “True Source” of the Mississippi River still a scientific and geographic question today? Where, Why There, Why Care? Join us to explore and learn more about this exciting topic in US historical geography, and learn how you too can use the film and associated activities with your students.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | U.S. History | Cartography, Exploration, Headwaters
Conference Room
Lewis
Meet the Presenters
Dr. Janet Rith-Najarian is a biogeographer and educator living in the northwoods of Minnesota, among the “Sky-Blue Waters” of her home state’s storied 10,000 lakes. Along with her past work doing surveys and research for various natural resource agencies, she is a certified National Geographic educator and teacher-consultant who has served many years on the steering committee for the Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education.
She is also a Minnesota Master Naturalist, a “Teacher-Ranger” with the National Park Classroom program, a naturalist and instructor with the international Wild Wonder Foundation, and a mentor with the “Take Me Outside” Outdoor Learning Project. With an interest in historic cartography and scientific illustration, she has recently become an active member of the “Arts in Exploration Collective” of the RGBS. In her free time, she loves to go camping with her family and explore new places with her adventurous Geo-Dog.
Along with her colleague and fellow explorer and filmmaker Norwood Hall, Janet’s most recent work is as a geographic and environmental storyteller. Janet and Norwood are in the process of creating several documentaries, podcasts, and presentations about expeditions and famous explorers and natural scientists of the past, with a special focus on Minnesota explorers on the Mississippi River. Today’s NCGE workshop will include a screening of their documentary about early Minnesota explorer Giacomo Beltrami, along with inviting workshop participants to join in on an experiential expedition of Minnesota using an NGS Giant map and models of plants, animals, climate and more to build 3-D GIS layers of Minnesota’s landscapes and watersheds.

Globalizing the ‘Yellow Peril’ and Anti-Asian Racism with Human Rights Education
2025-10-17 16:15 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Iowa
Summary
This presentation examines how human rights education (HRE) can help teachers frame and globalize themes related to anti-Asian racism. This session will demonstrate how human rights concepts can help teachers identify stereotypes and discrimination faced by Asian people across the globe, and promote citizenship that interrupts these forces. Following a brief overview of HRE and its utility in approaching issues of social justice, examples of how teachers can use human rights concepts to examine anti- Asian racism will be provided. Each of these examples connects topics and events in the United States with similar matters abroad. Subjects include the internment of Japanese citizens in Brazil, Canada, and the United States during World War II, the deportation of Koreans from the Soviet Union, the expulsion of South Asians from Uganda, massacres of Chinese miners in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, as well as anti Asian/xenophobic stereotypes and legislation in all of these countries.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | World/International | Human rights education, Anti-Asian racism, Global perspectives
Conference Room
Iowa
Meet the Presenters
Sean Corrigan

Beyond the Hype: Critical AI Literacy for Geography and Social Studies Educators
2025-10-17 16:15 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Clark
Summary
The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has sparked both optimism and unease within education. For geography and the broader social sciences, GenAI tools such as ChatGPT promise efficiencies in curriculum design, data analysis, and feedback, yet they also produce errors, false citations, and cultural oversimplifications. The use of large language models poses ethical dilemmas that risk undermining core disciplinary practices in the social sciences. This session situates geography educators within this tension, emphasizing the need for AI and data literacy that is critical rather than uncritical. Drawing on recent research in geography and social studies education, I propose a framework of “error typologies” that reveal how GenAI can reshape knowledge production and interpretation of curricular content. The session will engage participants in considering ways to integrate AI that fosters critical inquiry and civic literacy, without outsourcing essential human judgment to machines. Rather than treating GenAI as a shortcut for assessment or content delivery, educators are invited to explore how it can serve as a tool for critique, revealing questions of bias, representation, and the implications for its use in the social studies classroom. Attendees will leave with some practical strategies for guiding classrooms to critically evaluate GenAI outputs and apply disciplinary thinking to AI-generated claims. Bring your questions and comments!
Session Focus
All Grade Levels| Curriculum and Instruction| Technology
Conference Room
Clark
Meet the Presenter
Samantha Serrano

The Journey Begins: Building a State Atlas for Iowa
2025-10-17 16:15 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Nebraska
Summary
State atlases are a tool to teach students about the social, cultural, and natural history and current affairs within the context of a state’s geography. Maps help students make richer connections to a subject by engaging students to connect events to an actual place. In 2024, several members of the Geographic Alliance of Iowa (GAI) decided to create a state atlas for Iowa students. Their approach included enlisting the help of members of the Iowa GIS community from the Iowa Geographic Information Council (IGIC) to help gather data and make maps for the atlas.
During this session, you will hear from the Iowa Atlas team participants about this approach’s strengths and challenges. The Iowa Atlas team will share the vision for the Iowa Atlas, our progress and hope for the future, and how we are using the Iowa Atlas to build partnerships within the geographic and education communities. To finish our time together, we would invite a discussion including seasoned state atlas creators to share their experiences, and those interested in starting or updating a state atlas to join the conversation.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | State Atlas | Promote Geography through Partnerships | Shared Knowledge | Curriculum and Instruction
Conference Room
Nebraska
Meet the Presenters

Thomas Larsen, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Northern Iowa

Amy Logan is a GIS Research Scientist at Iowa State University and the IowaView state coordinator, an AmericaView remote sensing consortium affiliate. Her work spans various areas, including geospatial education and outreach, social science research, digital storytelling, and web app development. Amy has hosted workshops on integrating GIS technologies into the classroom. She is passionate about connecting people to GIS resources to improve their work or learning.
Rachel Hansen (she/her) is the K-12 Education Coordinator at the State Historical Society of Iowa. Prior to her current role, she taught 7-12 social studies in public schools in Iowa for 15 years. In 2021, she was recognized by NCGE with an AP Human Geography Distinguished Teaching Award. Rachel is passionate about designing learning experiences that compel students to engage in meaningful, authentic projects within their communities. Her work focuses on storytelling through podcasts, maps, and heritage education. Rachel’s current research explores how students use spatial thinking when creating counter-maps. She received her B.A. in History from the University of Iowa and her M.A. in Geography from the University of Northern Iowa.

Poster Session: Minnesota State University and the Founding of NCGE
2025-10-18 | Banquet Level – Mezannine Area
Summary
The National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) was founded in 1915 by George J Miller and Cora Sletten, both teacher educators at the then State Normal School in Mankato, Minnesota (today Minnesota State University, Mankato). Both taught Geography in the Social Science Division during their tenure in Mankato.
While it was originally called the National Council for Geography Teachers (NCGT), the purpose of this new organization was to “increase the effectiveness of geography teaching in America.” It was not until 1956, that NCGT changed its name to become the National Council for Geographic Education.
One of their main goals was to bridge the gap between the subject expertise of college professors and the pedagogical training and insights of K-12 teachers. Both Professors also believed that not all learning occurs in the classroom but actually viewed the whole world as a place for students to learn. Along with running some of the first national geographic education conferences and workshops, Miller
Session Focus
All Grade Levels |History | curriculum | Inquiry
Conference Room
Banquet Level – Mezzanine Area
The Presenters
Dr. Kyle Ward started his career as a 7th-12th grade Social Studies teacher and taught in Minnesota and Indiana. He has a master’s in History and his Ph.D. is in Curriculum and Instruction (emphasis Social Studies Education) from Indiana State University. He currently serves as the Director of Social Studies Education at Minnesota State University.
Kaitlyn Zaske-Simning is a student in her final year at Minnesota State University-Mankato. She is part of the Social Studies Teaching program, with a focus on history. Kaitlyn has experience working in curation and research at the Redwood Falls County Museum in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and will be finishing her student teaching experience in December.

Joseph Jensen is a student at MSU where they are majoring in SOST with an emphasis in history. He is a member of history club and has gone to the colonial Williamsburg teachers institute. He Has student taught at Waseca High school in Waseca Minnesota.

Noah Sather is a senior at MSU Mankato. He is majoring in Social Studies Teaching with an emphasis in history. A highlight in his collegiate and professional development has been going to the Bob and Marion Wilson Teachers Institute at Colonial Williamsburg.

Katy Pearson

Poster Session: Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region
2025-10-18 | Banquet Level – Mezannine Area
Summary
The Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) is the premier educational program by the Library of Congress. The TPS Midwest Region at Illinois State University has helped distribute funding to over 180 unique organizations, including education networks like the Geographic Educators of Nebraska (GEON) in 2023. Across its 11 states, which span from Nebraska to Ohio, the Midwest Region offers grants of up to $25,000 to organizations interested in utilizing Library of Congress materials in their educational programming. The Midwest Region would like to identify possible future grant recipients in the state of Nebraska and surrounding states through this poster session.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels |Primary Sources | Grant Funding | Library of Congress
Conference Room
Banquet Level – Mezzanine Area
The Presenter
Joseph Skotzke works as the Associate Director of the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Midwest Region, a grant program the provides funding to organizations to integrate the use of the Library’s digitized primary sources. As a former secondary-level English teacher, he believes in the importance of inquiry in the examination of any document, be it maps, books, or photographs.

Poster Session: Drones in Geography Classrooms: Advantages and Challenges
2025-10-18 | Banquet Level – Mezannine Area
Summary
Drones as remote sensing platforms have changed the way geographers map the world. Given the low cost and ease of use of drones, the need to educate
geography students on scientifically sound and ethical use of drones has never been greater. As university geography departments develop drone
courses to attract new majors and provide desired instruction, the academic community knows little about drone curriculum in geography (either in whole or as a part of a course) and how such courses are being taught. This study, through a Web-based survey of forty-five instructors, provides a baseline understanding of drone instruction within geography higher education. We outline who is teaching geography courses with drone content, and, more important, what and how drone content is being taught. Findings reflect differing instructional approaches and content-related uncertainties connected to courses potentially lacking remote sensing principles.
Session Focus
Higher Education | Technology | Drones | Geography Education
Conference Room
Banquet Level – Mezzanine Area
The Presenter
Adam Mathews
Grayson Morgan

Poster Session: Geographic Thinking in Interdisciplinary Research: Examining Conceptualization, Experience, and Communication
2025-10-18 | Banquet Level – Mezannine Area
Summary
Geographic understanding is essential in academia, providing frameworks to interpret natural phenomena. Geoscience research often requires interdisciplinary collaboration and an appreciation of interconnected processes across spatial scales. However, limited research has explored how geographic methods influence scholars’ research and communication strategies. This study investigates the impact of geographic thinking among graduate students in the Watershed Scholars program, comparing those with geoscience and non-geoscience backgrounds. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Watershed Scholars Program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville aims to dismantle financial barriers and promote diversity in STEM through support, mentoring, and professional development. The program fosters scholars researching environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches and skills valued by employers. Graduates are equipped to address issues from human interventions and watershed alterations.
This study seeks to determine if Watershed Scholars understand the broader geographic context of their research, engage in interdisciplinary thinking, and integrate geographic perspectives. It also assesses their efforts to communicate findings to diverse audiences. By answering these questions, the study advances geoscience education and promotes a deeper understanding of geography’s role in science and society. The comparative analysis highlights how geographic understanding influences students’ preparedness and communication skills, promoting better integration of geographic perspectives in scientific inquiry.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | STEM | Geographic Thinking
Conference Room
Banquet Level – Mezzanine Area
Meet The Presenter
My name is Hunter Hansen, and I recently graduated with a Master of Science in Geography from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). My research, Exploring the Impact and Interdisciplinarity of Geographic Backgrounds among Graduate Students: A Comparative Study of Geosciences, explores how Watershed Scholars engage with geographic thinking and how this shapes their preparedness and ability to communicate across disciplines.
As a Graduate Assistant for the Watershed Scholars Program, I had the opportunity to conduct qualitative research, manage program data, and support student learning and mentoring. I am passionate about making connections through geography education, and I view research as a way to continuously learn, grow, and share knowledge with others.

Esri Bring Your Own Device Lab & Workshop
2025-10-18 | Conference Room: Missouri, Omaha, Nebraska
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Each lab is 45-minutes long with a 15-minute break between sessions. Esri Representatives will use training accounts on the T3G ArcGIS Online org
Full Lab Schedule
8:00 – Introduction to National Geographic MapMaker
Learn about MapMaker data and tools in this entry level session. Teachers will explore the no login experience – using existing content, creating, and sharing!
with Charlie Fitzpatrick
9:00 – Physical geography activities for the classroom
Discover Earth science activities and resources from Esri.Topics include a wide range of instructional topics taught throughout the year
With Charlie Fitzpatrick
10:00 – Introduction to StoryMaps for Teachers
Explore storymaps from authoritative authors around the world. Learn about common teaching techniques with storymaps and create your own basic storymap.
with Tom Baker
11:00 – Creating StoryMaps – intermediate techniques
Create basic to advanced storymaps in this session, where we will explore some of the newest features in storymap construction, including: AI, templates, 360 images, infographics, and more.
with Tom Baker
1:00 – APHG resources from National Geographic Learning
Explore the new storymap-based resources for studying human geography from National Geographic Learning.
with Anita Palmer
2:00 – Utilizing National Geographic Learning resources: World Cultures
Discover storymaps based content supporting world cultures curriculum from National Geographic Learning.
with Anita Palmer
3:00 – Map Viewer – Basic map making
Learn to create basic point and polygon maps with your own data. Incorporate data from the LIving Atlas of the World and share your map.
with Joseph Kerski
4:00 – Designing projects with Survey123
Learn how to design, create, and share Survey123 applications to support student collection and projects.
with Joseph Kerski
Conference Room
Banquet Level – Missouri Conference Room

Field Mapping: Engaging Students by Collecting Data using Street Surveys
2025-10-18 08:00 - 08:45 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Flannigan
Summary
Field data collection remains one of the most important ways to collect geographic information. An increasing number of commercial applications rely on OpenStreetMap so adding pedestrian-level detail to OpenStreetMap yields broad-based benefits for everyone in a community. Field mapping is a fun way to learn about the landscapes as well as how to collect geographic field data which is used to produce maps. Field mapping guides students to discover new geography in familiar places when mapping on foot. The geographic
detail becomes more apparent when students have to decide what to put on the map. This session will walk educators through the process of Field Mapping which can be used to engage their students in collecting geographic information using OpenStreetMap. Students will begin to understand how maps are produced today, identify types of data presented in maps, and analyze spatial patterns in maps.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Mapping and Engagement
Conference Room
Flannigan
Meet the Presenters
Celest Reynolds
