BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//National Council for Geographic Education - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ncge.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for National Council for Geographic Education REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T104500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250710T202617Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T172537Z UID:10000330-1760781600-1760784300@ncge.org SUMMARY:Geography Potpourri: “Tried and True” Lessons to DO Geography DESCRIPTION:Summary\nHigh on engagement\, this session will showcase a medley of “kid-tested and teacher-approved” classroom activities that allow students to tap into their place-based knowledge\, leverage their cultural capital\, and share their geography connections with one another. Participants will engage in a sampler of experiential activities\, that foster cultural responsiveness (Multicultural Bingo)\, build map skills via collaboration (the “ABC’s of . . . ”)\, and develop geoliteracy skills via personalized learning (Geographize Your Name). Educators will leave this session with “tried and true” classroom-ready lessons that DO solid geography. \nSession Focus\nMiddle School/Junior High | Curriculum and Instruction | Geoliteracy\, Place-based\, Cultures \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenter\nJeannine Kuropatkin has taught World History\, AP Human Geography\, World Geography\, US History\, and Holocaust Studies at the junior high and high school levels for the past 35+ years. She currently teaches World History/Geography and coaches the Model UN Team at Red Mountain High School in Mesa\, Arizona. Jeannine has been a long-standing Teacher Consultant with the Arizona Geographic Alliance\, received the NCGE K-12 Distinguished Teaching Award\, is a three-time recipient of the NCGE Nystrom Award for Exemplary Classroom Lessons and has been published twice in The Geography Teacher. She is currently serving her second term as Vice President of the Arizona Council for the Social Studies\, is a former recipient of the ACSS Isadore Starr “Outstanding Social Studies Teacher” Award and has received the ACSS “Great Moments in Teaching” Award on four occasions. \nJeannine had the opportunity to participate in educational study programs and fellowships in Saudi Arabia\, Bahrain\, Qatar\, UAE\, Mexico\, South Korea\, Puerto Rico\, and the US Virgin Islands\, as well as two Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad in Morocco and Indonesia. She is an education consultant and has written curriculum for The Arizona Geographic Alliance\, National Geographic Society Education Foundation\, The GeoCivics Project\, Japanese American National Museum\, and the Fred T. Korematsu Institute. URL:https://ncge.org/event/geography-potpourri-tried-and-true-lessons-to-do-geography/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Flannigan CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T104500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250710T203111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T203111Z UID:10000331-1760781600-1760784300@ncge.org SUMMARY:Aspects of the Physical and Cultural Geography of Morocco DESCRIPTION:Summary\nGeographers have a unique perspective when it comes to the observation of places. This presentation focuses on the Landscapes and Culture of Morocco as was observed by the Presenter\, through recent travel. Specific cities in Morocco will be highlighted\, and cultural aspects unique to each areas of the country will be emphasized\, including the very important indigenous Berber / Amazigh culture of Morocco. The physical landscapes (including the climates) of the Sahara\, the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Coast will also be discussed\, with the aid of maps\, illustrations and personal photographs. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels  | World/International  | Morocco\, Landscapes\, Culture \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenter\nVictoria Alapo\, Ph.D. is a Geography Instructor and has taught at the Metropolitan Community College in Omaha\, Nebraska for about 20 years.  Victoria has a passion for Teaching and for Travel and has been to every inhabited continent!  She eagerly looks forward to her presentation on Morocco at the NCGE\, this October. This photo was taken at the Library of Congress\, in Washington\, DC. URL:https://ncge.org/event/aspects-of-the-physical-and-cultural-geography-of-morocco/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Winnebago CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T104500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250710T203546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T203546Z UID:10000332-1760781600-1760784300@ncge.org SUMMARY:Teaching with Primary Sources: Analyzing the Holocaust through a Geographic Lens DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn this session\, the presenters demonstrate how analyzing primary sources through a geographic lens differs from an historical lens while providing a more critical understanding of time\, place\, and events when juxtaposed with teaching history. Throughout the session\, the presenters share a series of activities related to the Holocaust\, which model how geographic inquiry can be used with a variety of primary sources\, such as photographs\, oral histories\, maps\, and political cartoons. The session will be interactive with attendees investigating primary sources to learn how geographic inquiry can produce a more nuanced understanding of the Holocaust when juxtaposed with teaching history. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Inquiry  | Primary Sources\, Holocaust \nConference Room\nLewis \nMeet the Presenter\nKen Carano is a professor of social science education in the division of education & leadership at Western Oregon University and programs coordinator for the Center for Geography Education in Oregon. Prior to joining higher education\, he taught high school social studies in Sarasota\, Florida and spent time living in Suriname\, South America as a Peace Corps Volunteer with his wife. Ken’s scholarship has long focused on issues of diversity\, equity\, and inclusion on both a local and global scale. URL:https://ncge.org/event/teaching-with-primary-sources-analyzing-the-holocaust-through-a-geographic-lens/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Lewis CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T104500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250710T204339Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T185903Z UID:10000333-1760781600-1760784300@ncge.org SUMMARY:Lightening Lessons for Transformative Learning DESCRIPTION:Summary\nWe invite contributors to use 5-8 minutes to make brief\, lively presentations of classroom ideas\, materials\, or strategies that work to electrify geography education and inspire and mentor others. The session is envisioned as a workshop-like panel where contributors “pitch” and discuss their ideas\, whether fully developed or still in planning. \nWe invite interested participants to submit their ideas-title and brief description to ken.foote@uconn.edu and s-bednarz@tamu.edu by 1 September\, 2025. The session will be open to any and all even without prior submission. This is a workshop to improve and hone high quality geography lessons/materials. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction  | Advocacy\, Curriculum Development\, Transformative Learning \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenters\nSarah Witham Bednarz is professor emerita of geography at Texas A&M University. Bednarz’s research interests are in the intersection of teaching and learning geospatial technologies and spatial and geographic thinking. She was PI on two major curriculum and educational research projects; co-authored the national geography standards\, Geography for Life (1994 and 2012); participated in the National Research Council Learning to Think Spatially project\, and helped to develop the National Assessment of Educational Performance (NAEP) framework in geography. In 2013 she co-chaired the Geography Education Research Committee (GERC) of the 21 st Century Road Map for 21 st Century Geography Education Project. She has been an AP Human Geography reader\, table leader\, question leader\, exam leader\, and served on the Test Development Committee. \n \nDr. Ken Foote is a professor in the Department of Geography\, Sustainability\, Community and Urban Studies at the University of Connecticut. Much of his work focuses on improving professional development for early-career academics and department leaders. His research focuses on historic preservation\, heritage tourism\, and the commemorative landscapes of the U.S. and Europe\, especially the way events of violence and tragedy are interpreted and memorialized. Ken is a past president of the NCGE (2006) and a past president and fellow of the AAG (2010-11). He has received awards from the NCGE\, AAG\, University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS)\, and the Royal Geographical Society. He has taught at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Colorado Boulder and holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Chicago. Among his books are Shadowed Ground: America’s Landscapes of Violence and Tragedy\, Teaching GIScience and Technology in Higher Education\, and Aspiring Academics: A Resource Book for Graduate Students and Early Career Faculty. URL:https://ncge.org/event/lightening-lessons-for-transformative-learning/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Clark CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T104500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250710T204702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T204702Z UID:10000334-1760781600-1760784300@ncge.org SUMMARY:Experiential Learning in Geography DESCRIPTION:Summary\nExperiential Learning has been an impactful and important part of Geography Education for years. There are many different types of EL that we use and encourage our students to participate in\, and each one serves an important purpose in developing students for future careers. This session will review this topic and assist you in thinking where and how you could use EL in and out of your classrooms. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction  | Overview\, Reflective\, Exciting Transformative Learning \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenters\nJonathan Wessell URL:https://ncge.org/event/experiential-learning-in-geography/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Nebraska CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T104500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250710T205050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T205050Z UID:10000335-1760781600-1760784300@ncge.org SUMMARY:(Sea) Lions\, (Bengal) Tigers\, & (Polar) Bears: Climate Vulnerability and our Changing Landscape DESCRIPTION:Summary\nExperiential Learning has been an impactful and important part of Geography Education for years. There are many different types of EL that we use and encourage our students to participate in\, and each one serves an important purpose in developing students for future careers. This session will review this topic and assist you in thinking where and how you could use EL in and out of your classrooms. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | World/International  | Climate\, Health\, Biomes \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenters\nDaniel Duncan is a high school social studies teacher at AC Flora High School in Forest Acres\, SC. He teaches AP Human Geography\, IB Geography\, and South Carolina Geography. Daniel’s classroom focuses on experiential learning to promote student understanding through authentically engaging with their world. Focusing on understand the impacts of geographic phenomena at a local scale. URL:https://ncge.org/event/sea-lions-bengal-tigers-polar-bears-climate-vulnerability-and-our-changing-landscape/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Iowa CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T114500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T130526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T130526Z UID:10000336-1760785200-1760787900@ncge.org SUMMARY:Geo-Literacy for the Countries of the Americas DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe Pan-American Institute for Geography and History (IPGH) initiated a multi-year research and outreach effort to enhance geography education across the Americas through a charge given to its Commission on Geography’s Committee on Education. Through this endeavor\, called ‘Geo Literacy for the Countries of the Americas’\, researchers focused on four broad areas: geography teaching methods\, connecting geography and education stakeholders\, best practices in on-line geography teaching\, and best practices in in-person teaching. \nThis presentation outlines the accomplishments of the Committee on Education and then provides specific examples of educational materials and best practices developed through the project\, with a focus on those that are directly transferable to US classrooms and state-level curricular standards. As one example\, the presenters will share bilingual (Spanish and English) materials that build off of the National Geographic Geo-Inquiry Process to incorporate the research or creative activities of National Geographic Explorers as well as educator/student guides that align the steps of Geo- Inquiry with select geographic themes in Chile and across the globe. Geography education/teacher education researchers at a Chilean university led the development of these materials with the support and expertise of teachers and teacher education students in the region. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | World/International  | Geo-Literacy for the Countries of the Americas \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenters\nAlex Oberle (PhD Geography) is Professor of Geography at the University of Northern Iowa. His research specializes in geography education\, specifically inquiry in geography\, internationalizing teacher education\, and GIS/geospatial technologies in geography education. Email: alex.oberle@uni.edu \n  \n  \nSandra Alvarez Barahona (PhD Education) is Professor of History and Geography in the Education Department at the University of La Serena (Chile). Her research specializes in geography education and the promotion of geographic thinking among teacher education students. email: salvarez@userena.cl Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5357-767X \n  \n  \nFabián Araya Palacios (PhD Geography) is Professor of Social Sciences and Dean of the College of Social Sciences\, Business\, and Law at the University of La Serena (Chile). His research specializes in geography education for civic engagement\, sustainability\, and the promotion of geographic thinking among teacher education students. email: faraya@userena.cl Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6083-1661 URL:https://ncge.org/event/geo-literacy-for-the-countries-of-the-americas/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Flannigan CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T114500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T131309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T132942Z UID:10000338-1760785200-1760787900@ncge.org SUMMARY:Harnessing AI to Enhance Language Acquisition and Content Mastery in the Geography Classroom DESCRIPTION:Summary\nArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education\, offering powerful tools to help teachers support emergent bilingual students in acquiring language skills while mastering geographic concepts. This presentation explores innovative ways AI can enhance both language acquisition and content knowledge in the geography classroom. By integrating AI-driven adaptive learning technologies\, educators can create inclusive\, personalized learning experiences. AI-powered tools can provide real-time language support\, scaffold academic vocabulary\, and improve reading comprehension\, allowing students to engage more deeply with geographic themes. Additionally\, interactive AI applications enable students to analyze maps\, interpret data\, and engage with case studies through choose-\nyour-own-adventure experiences\, fostering deeper exploration and critical thinking. These tools make content more accessible\, engaging\, and culturally relevant\, empowering emergent bilingual students to take ownership of their\nlearning. \nBeyond instructional benefits\, this session will address best practices for implementing AI ethically and effectively while also addressing the underlying concerns with utilizing AI to support student learning. Participants will gain practical strategies for leveraging AI to foster multilingual engagement\, critical thinking\, and collaboration in geography education while also reducing teacher workload through automated language support\, personalized feedback\, and data-driven insights that help tailor instruction to student needs. By harnessing AI’s potential\, educators can bridge language barriers\, enhance content understanding\, and empower emergent bilingual students to succeed. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and resources to integrate AI- driven language and content support into their geography classrooms. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | English Language Learners/Bilingual Education | AI-Powered Learning\, Language Acquisition\, Geography Education \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenter\nDawn Brimhall serves as an Instructional Specialist in Aldine ISD and is a current doctoral candidate at the University of Virginia focusing on Curriculum and Instruction. In 2020\, Dawn was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year for Aldine ISD and was nominated as a Teacher of the Year for the Houston Area Alliance for Black School Educators (HAABSE). Prior to becoming an Instructional Specialist\, Dawn spent 10 years teaching history in Texas and Utah. In her free time\, Dawn loves to travel the world and explore new cultures. \n  \nWilliam Danes serves as a World Geography Teacher and Department Chair in Aldine ISD. In 2012\, William earned his Master’s in Education Technology from Lamar University. Prior to 2018 William served the district as a Technology Specialist. William has taught at both the middle school and high school levels as well. In his free time\, William likes to hike and read. \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/under-the-map-of-germany-maps-and-the-art-of-war-1918-1945/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Clark CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T114500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T141419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T141419Z UID:10000339-1760785200-1760787900@ncge.org SUMMARY:People and their Environment: Human Geography Lessons for Young Learners DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn this workshop\, the presenter will engage participants in interdisciplinary\,hands-on activities that introduce elementary students to human geography content and geographic skills\, while also promoting global citizenship. After a brief overview of concepts and learning strategies\, the presenter will engage participants in several hands-on activities that explore human geography topics including: human changes to the environment\, such as land use patterns\, natural resource patterns and pollution. Participants will also consider issues surrounding human well-being\, including education\, health and social equity. The presented activities build skills in communication\, social interaction and cooperation\, listening\, role-playing\, data gathering and more. Participants will receive lesson plans in an electronic format\, all matched to state and national academic standards. \nSession Focus\nEarly Childhood/Elementary | Curriculum and Instruction | Human Geography\, Environment \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenter\nAmanda Steiner \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/people-and-their-environment-human-geography-lessons-for-young-learners/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Nebraska CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T114500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T141809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T025941Z UID:10000340-1760785200-1760787900@ncge.org SUMMARY:Traversing the Historical Religious Geography of India and Nepal DESCRIPTION:Summary\nAttendees at this session will gain an understanding of India’s and Nepal’s religious geography from the birth of Hinduism through the modern era\, based on a historical approach\, as experienced through an educational trip to these countries during 2024. Travel participants participated in Hindu and Buddhist religious ceremonies\, interacted with other religious groups\, and visited multiple religious sites during the two-week trip. This session will show how South Asian religions developed cultural landscapes\, human-environmental interactions\, and their role in shaping society. Religious sites emphasized in the presentation include Varanasi\, Lumbini\, and Pashupatinath. Additionally\, the presentation examines religion’s role in developing distinct cultural artifacts and architecture\, as well as art and rituals\, during the region’s Medieval era. This session examines primary and minority Indian/Nepali religions and their impact on non-native religions in the two countries\, shaping modern-day religious practices. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | World History | Hinduism\, Buddhism\, Geography \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenter\nWyndham Whynot \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/traversing-the-historical-religious-geography-of-india-and-nepal/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Iowa CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T114500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250920T154850Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250920T180616Z UID:10000377-1760785200-1760787900@ncge.org SUMMARY:Beyond the Hype: Critical AI Literacy for Geography and Social Studies Educators DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe 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! \nSession Focus\nAll Audiences | Digital Literacy | AI | Technology \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenters\nSamantha Serrano is a high school social science teacher at James B. Conant High School in Hoffman Estates\, Illinois. She has a Master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Geography Education. Samantha carries professional interests in APHG\, equity and access in education\, creating curricular tools for teachers\, and learning about ethical concerns in technology. When not teaching and running the school’s geography club\, you can find her at the gym\, in an airport\, or at Target with her son\, Matteo at the video game demo kiosk. \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/beyond-the-hype-critical-ai-literacy-for-geography-and-social-studies-educators-2/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Winnebago CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T114500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250921T215050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250921T215050Z UID:10000385-1760785200-1760787900@ncge.org SUMMARY:The Fate of Research in Geography Education: A Look Back to Plan Forward DESCRIPTION:Summary\nResearch in geography education – Where are we now? This session begins a dialog to evaluate the current state of geography education and to determine concrete steps for the future. Guided by published research agendas and The Roadmap for 21st Century Geography Education project\, we will examine the geography education community’s progress tackling issues and conducting meaningful research. Come join us explore challenges and success as we discuss practical plans for the future. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Research | Geography Education \nConference Room\nLewis \nMeet the Presenter\nMary Curtis URL:https://ncge.org/event/the-fate-of-research-in-geography-education-a-look-back-to-plan-forward/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Lewis CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T131500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T134500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T144307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T144307Z UID:10000341-1760793300-1760795100@ncge.org SUMMARY:Beyond the Map: Organizing a GIS-Focused Study Abroad Experience DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIntegrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into study abroad programs offers students an immersive\, hands-on learning experience that bridges classroom concepts with real-world applications. This presentation will provide a practical guide to designing and implementing a GIS-focused study abroad program\, from selecting a destination and identifying local partnerships to navigating logistics\, budgeting\, and curriculum integration. Drawing from firsthand experience\, I will share insights on structuring field activities\, ensuring access to necessary software and equipment\, and leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies\, common pitfalls to avoid\, and ideas for fostering meaningful student engagement in international geospatial education. Whether you’re considering launching a new program or refining an existing one\, this session will equip you with the tools to create a transformative learning experience for students through GIS study abroad. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Technology | Study Abroad\, GIS\, Class Development \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenter\nMayra Román-Rivera \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/beyond-the-map-organizing-a-gis-focused-study-abroad-experience/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Flannigan CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T131500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T134500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T144912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T144912Z UID:10000342-1760793300-1760795100@ncge.org SUMMARY:Borchert Teacher Fellowship: Letting Teachers Loose in a Map Library DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe Borchert Map Library at the University of Minnesota started a summer Teacher Fellowship in 2023\, bringing five teachers per summer together for a two-month deep dive into the resources of the library. Teachers have time to connect with other teachers\, research in the Map Library\, learn new technologies\, connect with UMN faculty and staff\, and find content for their classrooms. The session will showcase participating teachers\, activities they’ve developed and logistics for other organizations to start their own fellowship program. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Maps \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenters\nShana Crosson is a former Social Studies teacher turned geospatial technology consultant at the University of Minnesota\, now focusing on integrating geospatial technologies and spatial thinking across the curriculum in higher education and in K-12. \n  \n  \nJess Winkelaar URL:https://ncge.org/event/borchert-teacher-fellowship-letting-teachers-loose-in-a-map-library/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Winnebago CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T131500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T134500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T180533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T180533Z UID:10000343-1760793300-1760795100@ncge.org SUMMARY:Box\, Box\, Box! Fostering pre-service elementary teachers’ geographic lens through global F1 and STEM DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn this session\, we share experiences of our collaborative\, three-year pedagogical project that focuses on building elementary pre-service teachers’ geographic awareness and geographic lens with a purposeful eye towards connecting social studies\, geography\, science and STEM engineering processes that contribute to geographic thinking. Engaging the most popular global sport on the planet\, Formula 1\, a high-speed and thrilling racing series that encompasses 21 countries and 5 continents over the course of a year\, we will share with participants how we foster an inquiry-based\, experiential\, and curiosity-driven “race week” experience that showcases vast geographical locations\, diverse cultures\, elements of human-environment interaction\, a geography-informed student built foldable\, codable Ozobot robots\, and integrated STEM learning standards for our students and the young learners they will teach. Participants will leave the session with materials\, handouts\, examples\, and resources to help them consider their own Formula 1 exploration connected to global sport and popular culture for both young learners and pre-service teachers. While we worked from an elementary viewpoint\, we think there are opportunities for all grade levels and related disciplines given the spatial\, ecological\, historical\, economic\, and technological perspectives possible. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Pre-Service Teachers\, Elementary\, Formula1 \nConference Room\nLewis \nMeet the Presenters\nLori Meier is a Professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at ETSU. Her teaching and research interests include elementary social studies education with a specific focus on elementary geography and building pedagogically innovative moments of “global connections” with pre-service teachers. She also leads the M. Ed. In Curriculum and Instruction graduate program with an eye towards incorporating curriculum studies and foundations. \n  \n  \nLaura Robertson is an Associate Professor of Science Education at East Tennessee State University. Her teaching and research interests include integrating science with other content areas\, STEM education\, and collaboration between pre-service and in-service teachers. She has 11 years of experience as a middle school math and science teacher and 11 years of experience teaching science and STEM education courses in higher education. URL:https://ncge.org/event/box-box-box-fostering-pre-service-elementary-teachers-geographic-lens-through-global-f1-and-stem/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Lewis CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T131500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T134500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T180855Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T180855Z UID:10000344-1760793300-1760795100@ncge.org SUMMARY:Localizing Global Challenges: A Case Study on constructing EcoBricks in Intro Geography courses DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis session will share information on the construction of an EcoBrick together with results of a case study evaluating the pedagogical outcomes of incorporating EcoBrick construction into undergraduate geography and sustainability curricula. Drawing on submitted student documents and EcoBrick events over the past four years\, the project investigates how hands-on EcoBrick construction fosters appreciation of global sustainability issues and geographic concepts while addressing implementation challenges. Lesson plans will be provided from three intro college level courses: Human Geography\, Physical Geography\, and Introduction to Sustainability Studies. \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Curriculum and Instruction | EcoBricks\, Global Citizenship\, Sustainability \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenter\nTracey Edwards \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/localizing-global-challenges-a-case-study-on-constructing-ecobricks-in-intro-geography-courses/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Clark CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T131500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T134500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T181543Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T181543Z UID:10000345-1760793300-1760795100@ncge.org SUMMARY:Exploring South Asia Through Literature: Using Award-Winning Books to Enrich Geography Education DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe South Asia Book Award (SABA) celebrates outstanding literature that authentically portrays the cultures\, histories\, and lived experiences of South Asians\, both in South Asia and across the globe. This session introduces geography educators to the wealth of award-winning books that can enhance students’ understanding of the diverse countries and cultures that make up the South Asian region. Through a curated selection of books\, from picture books to young adult novels\, participants will discover how to integrate compelling literature into geography curricula to bring South Asia to life in the classroom. Whether you’re teaching about historical events\, contemporary cultural issues\, or geographical landscapes\, these books offer valuable perspectives that will engage students and deepen their global awareness. \nSession Focus\nEarly Childhood/Elementary | Literacy | Geography\, Literature\, Culture \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenter\nJulie Wakefield is a retired high school teacher now teaching in the higher education system. She volunteers with the South Asia Book Award Committee to choose books annually that are worthy of recognition. She regularly integrates cultural stories\, poetry\, literature and other print options into her teaching. \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/exploring-south-asia-through-literature-using-award-winning-books-to-enrich-geography-education/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Nebraska CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T131500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T134500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T181847Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250809T230207Z UID:10000346-1760793300-1760795100@ncge.org SUMMARY:Restricting the Mercator Map Projection Usage in Public School Classrooms DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe Nebraska State Legislature passed a law in 2024\, prohibiting public school classrooms from using the Mercator map projection\, in favor of Gall-Peters and AuthaGraph. Although there are exceptions described in this statute when it is permissible to use projections outside of Gall-Peters and AuthaGraph\, it has led to confusion among public school educators. This session will describe how peoples’ mental maps could be shaped by map projections and common map layouts\, which could serve as rationale for such a law. In addition\, this session will explain how educators facing a ban on the Mercator map projection can still use web GIS and map projections other than Gall-Peters. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Mercator\, Map Projection\, Mental Maps \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenter\nLesli Rawlings is Professor of Geography in the Department of History\, Politics\, and Geography at Wayne State College (Nebraska). Her research interests include geographic information systems (GIS) applied to study local housing markets\, public education issues\, and population decline in rural Nebraska. Her teaching interests are GIS and computer mapping\, urban geography\, economic geography\, and world regional geography. \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/restricting-the-mercator-map-projection-usage-in-public-school-classrooms/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Iowa CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T182429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T182429Z UID:10000347-1760796000-1760797800@ncge.org SUMMARY:Promoting Critical Perspectives in a Geography Methods Course DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis session shares ongoing efforts by the presenter to promote critical perspectives in a geography methods course for pre-service teachers. This presentation explores how interdisciplinary connections have raised student consciousness about the utility of the field of geography to frame issues of power and inequality. Drawing from decolonial thought\, ethnic studies\, and media literacy\, instruction in this course has centered critical approaches to geography education. More specifically\, students have examined the power and politics of naming places/things\, Indigenous experiences with colonialism\, climate migration\, and mis(dis)information about the recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. These critical approaches have resulted in high student engagement and an increased focus on issues of global justice. Supporting data\, collected over the past three years\, will be shared. Lastly\, this session will be planned so that there is time for participants to discuss their thoughts on the presenter’s practices and/or share their own efforts to promote critical perspectives in geographic education. \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Curriculum and Instruction | Critical Geography\, Media Literacy\, Decolonial Pedagogies \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenter\nSean Corrigan \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/promoting-critical-perspectives-in-a-geography-methods-course/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Winnebago CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T183915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T183915Z UID:10000348-1760796000-1760797800@ncge.org SUMMARY:Geography Teaching for the Future: Leveraging New Ideas DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn a rapidly changing educational world filled with AI\, social media\, loosening teacher requirements\, and curriculum concerns across states\, what can we do in geography education to ensure our existence beyond all the unnecessary noise? In this presentation we will share ways to keep geography relevant and get students engaged in the classroom. We will discuss the tools needed to motivate students through the creation of transformational educational experiences. This begins with getting to know who our students are\, what they are interested in\, and what they aspire to become. Geography is in everything that we do\, and what better opportunity than in the classroom to showcase to students all the things they can do with an understanding in geography? We will talk about how to leverage AI and social media to create everlasting learning opportunities that will shape the future generation of geographers! After this\, your principal will see the value of investing in geography and in you! \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Pedagogy\, Student Motivation\, Authentic Learning \nConference Room\nLewis \nMeet the Presenters\nJoann Zadrozny\, PhD. is the senior research associate for the Gilbert M. Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education at Texas State University. Her research agenda involves tracking the status of geography and social studies standards across every state\, including analyzing the alignment among national and state geography standards. She also focuses on improving K-12 geography curriculum through the implementation of Powerful Geography\, and empowering teachers by leading professional development opportunities with the Texas Alliance for Geographic Education. \n  \nNamed a top modern-day explorer by Canadian Geographic and a top innovator in education by The Science Coalition\, Dr. Aaron Doering is an online learning\, design\, and adventure-learning pioneer. He has skied\, trekked\, and dogsledded the most remote regions of the world while delivering unique online learning experiences to students worldwide. Aaron is a laureate of the prestigious Tech Awards that honors innovators applying technology to benefit humanity\, a fellow for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society\, as well as the International Explorers Club. Aaron’s work and adventure learning projects have been featured on CNN International\, the Weather Channel\, CBC\, CBS\, the Wall Street Journal\, NPR\, and more. \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/geography-teaching-for-the-future-leveraging-new-ideas/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Lewis CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T185358Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T185358Z UID:10000349-1760796000-1760797800@ncge.org SUMMARY:Place Representation and Music Geography: Australia and Midnight Oil DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis session explores the lyrical content of the music of Midnight Oil\, an Australian rock band active for more than 40 years\, as a strategy to illuminate the varied political\, social\, and environmental landscapes of Australia. The band’s lyrics use place names\, evocative place description\, and Australian vernacular terms to create for the listener an understanding of Australia\, that though still limited to the experience of the band themselves\, is fuller and more complete than portrayed in much popular culture. A simple mapping exercise of Aboriginal population is included as part of the inquiry. The content of this session follows from a recent paper published in the Journal of Cultural Geography. \nSession Focus\nMiddle School/Junior High | World/International| Music Geography\, Australia \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenter\nJerry T. Mitchell is Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography at the University of South Carolina. He holds a BS in History and MA in Geography from Towson University\, and a PhD in Geography from the University of South Carolina where he returned to the faculty in 2004 after teaching for several years in Pennsylvania. Jerry’s research has focused on environmental hazards and geography education. He was the coordinator of the South Carolina Geographic Alliance for 17 years\, providing geography learning opportunities for more than 40\,000 teachers and students. Additionally\, he served as the Editor of the Journal of Geography from 2010-2019\, was President of the National Council for Geographic Education in 2020\, and was awarded the 2022 Gilbert Grosvenor Honors in Geographic Education from the American Association of Geographers. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/place-representation-and-music-geography-australia-and-midnight-oil/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Clark CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T191545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T191545Z UID:10000350-1760796000-1760797800@ncge.org SUMMARY:Food Geography DESCRIPTION:Summary\nGiven the complexity of our world today\, it’s never too early to introduce students in the elementary grades to geographic thinking. While it’s not unusual for schools to include as part of their cultural programming an experience of “ethnic” foods\, the subject of food can be used in a more substantive way\, acquainting students with the concepts of place\, location\, space\, scale\, pattern and globalization. \nThis presentation will discuss how the celebration of foods and festivals can be taught in a more geographic way- from production to consumption-in conjunction with award winning picture books focused on the food cultures of East Asia\, plus teaching suggestions and resources. \nSession Focus\nEarly Childhood/Elementary | World/international | Foodways\, Asia\, Picture-books \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenter\nNancy Hope\, M.Ed.\, M.F.A.\, M.A.\, is the Executive Director of the Freeman Book Awards\, which recognizes quality literature for young adults and children in East and Southeast Asia. She lived in Japan for 8+ years\, first as a line officer in the United States Navy\, and then as a designer and dyer of kimono. Later as the Associate Director of the Kansas Consortium for Teaching about Asia\, she promoted international education at the K-12 level. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/food-geography/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Nebraska CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T192236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T192236Z UID:10000351-1760796000-1760797800@ncge.org SUMMARY:The Chesapeake Bay Climate Institute: Integrating Climate Literacy into Curriculum DESCRIPTION:Summary\nStudies indicate climate literacy remains low across the U.S. K–12 system. Funded by the Virginia and Maryland Geographic Alliances\, the Chesapeake Bay Climate Institute has introduced educators to the issue of climate change since 2019. Using America’s Estuary as a place of learning\, the immersive multi-day\, professional development experience includes expert lectures constructed around the topic of climate change\, highlighting the ways in which communities understand\, respond\, and address climate change. Institute participants utilize the Geo-Inquiry Process\, combing a rapidly eroding barrier island and listening to the narratives of local watermen of Tangier Island. This presentation overviews the institute and highlights learning activities designed by participants. Integration is needed in science education\, where standards of learning often compartmentalize topics without consideration for how other course material beyond single disciplines. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Literacy | Climate Education\, Chesapeake Bay\, Experiential Learning \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenter\nDr. Michael Allen is an Associate Professor of Geography at Towson University. He previously served as a co-coordinator of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and Geography Program Director at Old Dominion University. For more than a decade\, Dr. Allen has worked with formal and informal K-16 educators to promote geographic understanding and climate literacy. Since 2019\, Michael has coordinated the Chesapeake Bay Climate Institute\, a multi-day experiential professional development program that uses the Chesapeake Bay watershed as a place of learning\, culminating with a field experience on Tangier Island. In 2023\, Allen worked at the University of Novi Sad\, Serbia as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar\, improving cross-cultural climate literacy. Exploring the Balkans\, Allen reflects on his experience and highlights future professional development opportunities to explore both the human and environmental landscapes of the region. His local and international experience integrates cultural competence\, geospatial technology\, scientific understanding\, and critical thinking into pedagogical approaches. A physical scientist\, Michael has extensive experience working across academic disciplines to bridge mutual understanding between social and natural sciences. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/the-chesapeake-bay-climate-institute-integrating-climate-literacy-into-curriculum/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Iowa CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250904T224310Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250921T183715Z UID:10000376-1760796000-1760797800@ncge.org SUMMARY:How the Amazon Rainforest connects and supports your classroom curriculum and why it's important to teach about it. DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis engaging workshop explores the vital role of the Amazon and its powerful connections to classroom curriculum at every  grade level encompassing subjects as diverse as geography\, social studies\, science\, language arts\, math and global citizenship. Educators will discover how the Amazon influences global climate\, biodiversity\, indigenous cultures\, and why its preservation is critical to all of us. Participants will leave with practical strategies and resources to bring the Amazon to life in their classrooms\, fostering student awareness about environmental interdependence and encouraging critical thinking about sustainability and global responsibility. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Amazon\, Educator Travel \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenter\nJackie McCann \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/how-the-amazon-rainforest-connects-and-supports-your-classroom-curriculum-and-why-its-important-to-teach-about-it/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Flannigan CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T144500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T151500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T192722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T194819Z UID:10000352-1760798700-1760800500@ncge.org SUMMARY:Omaha Redlining: How the hotel we are in divided Omaha DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis session will cover redlining in Omaha as well as the opportunity for highway diets to reconnect a city. It will cover the economics of redlining in Omaha and how the hotel we are in divided the city. The session will end with an uplifting message of entrepreneurship and how teens across Omaha have worked with history to bring life back to forgotten corridors across the city. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Political Geography\, Redlining\, Transportation \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenter\n \nMatthew Pierson is the Associate Director of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. He is a 13-year veteran of the classroom\, spending that time teaching social studies and economics at Omaha Bryan High School. He holds Master’s degrees in both History Education and Economic Education. He was a co-author of NAEE Silver \nCurriculum Award Winning\, Entrepreneurship in our Community\, The Ethics\, Economics\, and Social Issues Curriculum\, and Beyond the Bet:  Economics of Gambling. Matthew has a passion for bringing new and odd resources and topics into economics classrooms and loves inserting his own passions into economics. \n  \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/geography-and-the-shoah-the-contribution-of-geopolitics-to-the-holocaust/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Flannigan CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T144500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T151500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T193458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T025210Z UID:10000353-1760798700-1760800500@ncge.org SUMMARY:Context\, Input\, and Implementation Challenges on Learning Outcomes in Geography DESCRIPTION:Summary\nGeography has laudable goals that could make students become responsible citizens. However\, students’ achievement in geography is generally low\, and this is caused by map reading. Previous studies on map reading concentrated largely on teaching strategies with little attention to factors that could hinder effective learning of geography. This study\, therefore\, investigated self-efficacy and locus of control as predictors of students’ achievement in map reading among secondary school students in Ibadan\, Nigeria. A descriptive research design of survey type was adopted for the study. Simple random sampling techniques were adopted to select ten senior secondary schools from Ibadan North and Akinyele Local Government Areas of Oyo state\, while a total number of three hundred students participated in the study. The instruments used were validated and reliable. \nResults showed that there was a positive relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement\, while locus of control was found to have a negative relationship with academic achievement. It was also found out that achievement in map reading was jointly predicted by self-efficacy and locus of control. Self-efficacy and locus of control influenced secondary school students’ achievement in map reading. Teachers should work on the self-efficacy and locus of control of students. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Geography\, map reading\, psychological variables \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenter\nPeter A. Amosun\, Ph.D is a Professor of Social Studies Education and Geography Education at the University of Ibadan\, Nigeria. Prof. Amosun’s research interests cut across Social Studies and Civic Education\, Environmental Education\, Climate Change Education\, Geography Education\, Internet Crime Prevention\, and Curriculum and Instruction. He has made tremendous impact in promoting geography education within and outside the University community through scholarly work with local and international benefits. To his credits are several local and international journal articles\, chapters in books and books. Professor Amosun is currently the Director\, Centre for General Studies in the University of Ibadan. He was the immediate past Head\, Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education\, University of Ibadan. He has supervised tens of undergraduate and Postgraduate students. He has acted as external examiners within and outside Nigeria. He has mentored many students who are now occupying strategic places and position in academia both within and outside Nigeria. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://ncge.org/event/context-input-and-implementation-challenges-on-learning-outcomes-in-geography/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Winnebago CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T144500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T151500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T194050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T223004Z UID:10000354-1760798700-1760800500@ncge.org SUMMARY:How Do We Define Regions? DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn this presentation\, I demonstrate a mini-lecture and in-class activity I use in my undergraduate World Regional Geography course to introduce students to the concept of a region. On an outline map of U.S. states\, they draw the boundaries of “the Southwest” and list physical and/or human characteristics that define the region. They compare their results with those of classmates in a follow-up discussion and learn that the boundaries and characteristics of perceptual regions can vary. This lesson becomes the foundation for asking what characteristics the textbook authors used to draw the boundaries of each world region that we study throughout the course. It challenges students to think about “Why?” rather than just accepting world regional boundaries. The lesson is a thought-provoking way to begin the semester. I have also used it in a high school world geography classroom with similar success \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | World Geography | Engaging\, Strategies \nConference Room\nLewis \nMeet the Presenter\nDr. Susan Hume is a Professor in the Department of Geography & GIS at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She previously taught 9th grade World Geography and 12th Economics and has been an APHG Reader. Susan served on the NCGE Board of Directors as VP for Research from 2012-2014\, President in 2015\, and Past President in 2016. URL:https://ncge.org/event/how-can-students-apply-their-geographic-knowledge-to-current-events/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Lewis CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T144500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T151500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T194542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T024005Z UID:10000355-1760798700-1760800500@ncge.org SUMMARY:Count Me In! Using Labs to Teach Population Geography DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn this session\, we will discuss how to use laboratory assignments to teach population geography. Population geography connects diverse topics including sustainability\, economics\, politics\, and culture. Using labs to teach this topic allows students to use real world data to deepen their understanding of population geography concepts. In this session\, we will begin with an overview of teaching population geography\, connecting it to geography and social studies standards. In the second part\, examples of labs will be introduced\, including the topics of international censuses\, population policy campaigns\, age specific fertility rates\, and migration patterns. While the session is geared toward the college classroom\, the content is easily adaptable to middle and high school grades. Lab assignments will be shared with attendees. \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Inquiry | Population Geography\, Labs \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenter\nGillian Acheson is a professor in the Department of Geography & GIS at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She teaches a variety of courses including World Regions\, Human Geography\, Population Geography\, Spatial Thinking & Behavior\, Geography of Food\, and Geography and Social Justice. Her research interests are in geography education and the cultural landscape with publications ranging from map reading and comprehension to representation of women in introductory geography textbooks to the cultural landscape of cemeteries. She is a past recipient of NCGE’s Higher Education Distinguished Teaching award. URL:https://ncge.org/event/count-me-in-using-labs-to-teach-population-geography/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Clark CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T144500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T151500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T195824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T195824Z UID:10000356-1760798700-1760800500@ncge.org SUMMARY:The Student Atlas of Nebraska – Ten Years in Practice DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe creation of a dedicated student atlas for use in Nebraska elementary grade classrooms will be discussed. This teaching tool began with an initial 2016 limited edition and came to fruition with subsequent revised publications in 2017 and 2022. Mirroring efforts in recent years by several state geography organizations\, the process of starting an atlas project and continuing it through revised editions will be presented. From the beginning\, necessary consideration must be given to atlas format\, funding\, research\, deadlines\, and roll out. Focus groups involving elementary school teachers can identify state- specific subjects for emphasis. Buy-in from educators can be achieved via creation of ancillary materials (e.g.\, informational website\, teacher’s guide\, and lesson plans) to complement atlas use. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Atlas\, Mapping \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenter\n Dr. Randy Bertolas is professor of geography at Wayne State College in the rolling hills of northeast Nebraska. He has taught at WSC for 30 years and chaired the Department of History\, Politics\, and Geography for the past 17 of those years. From 2004-18 he served as coordinator of the Geographic Educators of Nebraska and in 2011-12 was president of Gamma Theta Upsilon\, the international honor society in geography. URL:https://ncge.org/event/the-student-atlas-of-nebraska-ten-years-in-practice/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Nebraska CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T144500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T151500 DTSTAMP:20260404T041612 CREATED:20250711T200322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T200322Z UID:10000357-1760798700-1760800500@ncge.org SUMMARY:Exploring the Complex Geography of the Balkans DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis lecture will present the findings of two geographers who recently conducted field research in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in preparation for leading professional development in the region. The presentation will provide a foundation for deeper exploration and future engagement with the Balkans\, a region shaped by a rich and complex history of intersectional geography that remains largely unfamiliar to many U.S. educators. Belgrade and Novi Sad are the home of the Church of Saint Sava and Petrovaradin Fortress\, sometimes called Gibraltar on the Danube. Each community provides insight as to the role of religion\, politics\, trade\, and commerce\, both today and in the past. An important region during both World Wars\, the rise of nationalism served as a catalyst to the breakup\, or Balkanization\, of Yugoslavia in 1991. Prior\, Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics\, aimed at projecting a positive image of the region after the death of President Josip Broz Tito who had led the Communist Party \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Government and Civics | Balkans\, Exploration\, Professional Development \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenter\nDr. Michael Allen is an Associate Professor of Geography at Towson University. He previously served as a co-coordinator of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and Geography Program Director at Old Dominion University. For more than a decade\, Dr. Allen has worked with formal and informal K-16 educators to promote geographic understanding and climate literacy. Since 2019\, Michael has coordinated the Chesapeake Bay Climate Institute\, a multi-day experiential professional development program that uses the Chesapeake Bay watershed as a place of learning\, culminating with a field experience on Tangier Island. In 2023\, Allen worked at the University of Novi Sad\, Serbia as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar\, improving cross-cultural climate literacy. Exploring the Balkans\, Allen reflects on his experience and highlights future professional development opportunities to explore both the human and environmental landscapes of the region. His local and international experience integrates cultural competence\, geospatial technology\, scientific understanding\, and critical thinking into pedagogical approaches. A physical scientist\, Michael has extensive experience working across academic disciplines to bridge mutual understanding between social and natural sciences. URL:https://ncge.org/event/exploring-the-complex-geography-of-the-balkans/ LOCATION:Conference Room: Iowa CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR