BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//National Council for Geographic Education - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:National Council for Geographic Education
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:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T094500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250710T160353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T160353Z
UID:10000325-1760778000-1760780700@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Teaching About Taiwan: Crossroads of Culture and Empire
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis session will provide participants with practical\, engaging activities about Taiwan for the geography classroom. Taiwan is an island that mixes unique indigenous cultures with Chinese\, Japanese\, European\, and American influences; it provides an interesting and topical area of study for human and physical geography students. The participants on this panel spent two weeks in the summer of 2025 on a study tour of Taiwan\, and are eager to share the curriculum they developed with other teachers. The session will conclude with a discussion of Taiwan’s present and near future. \nSession Focus\nAPHG | Curriculum and Instruction | Taiwan and East Asia \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenters\n \nAlex Northrup teaches AP Human Geography\, AP Environmental Science\, AP World History: Modern and more at Foxcroft School\, an all-girls high school in Middleburg\, Virginia\, where he is the Director of the Innovation Lab. He is a table leader for the AP Human Geography reading and an instructor for Chesapeake Bay Climate Institute. He recently returned from a study tour in Taiwan sponsored by the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. \n  \nDawn Schmidt teaches in Tempe\, Arizona at Corona del Sol High School. This is year 28 for her and she has been in the same district for her entire career.  Schmidt is currently teaching at the same school she attended for high school. This year she is teaching World Geography and Honors World Geography to 9th graders\, AP Human Geography\, an elective for 10th-12th graders\, and Honors United States History to 11th graders.  \nSchmidt is a former board member of the Arizona Council for Social Studies for six years\, and currently\, a Teacher Consultant for the Arizona Geographic Alliance as well as a member of NCGE. She was awarded the NCGE K-12 Distinguished Teaching Award in 2021\, the Isidore Starr Outstanding Social Studies Teacher by ACSS in 2016\, and the Flinn Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award in 2013 and 2008.  Schmidt had the opportunity to participate in educational study tours in Japan\, Tajikistan\, Honduras\, Germany\, and the United Arab Emirates. She currently serves as a co-liaison for the Rio Salado College dual enrollment program at her school.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/teaching-about-taiwan-crossroads-of-culture-and-empire/
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:20251018T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T094500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250710T154150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T203821Z
UID:10000324-1760778000-1760780700@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Chicago Today: Effects of Redlining and Urban Renewal
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nCities change their structural space and are a part of globalization\, but how does this affect residents across a city? This two-part session discusses the challenges of urban growth\, both in the past and present by centering on our third largest city\, Chicago. The first part focuses on the effects of redlining in Chicago and showcases a student research project. This project requires students to conduct preliminary research using the HOLC maps from University of Richmond’s Mapping Inequality website. From there\, students explore seven major effects of redlining that affect residents today. The effects include displacement\, education\, health\, and the wealth gap. The second part discusses the major changes occurring in Chicago’s central business district as a means to revitalize the urban core. With many downtowns struggling with occupancy since the height of Covid\, the City of Chicago voted to develop the LaSalle Street Reimagined Initiative. Maps\, videos\, and information are used to demonstrate \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Redlining\, Urban Renewal\, Urban Land Use \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenter\nJeanne Shin-Cooper has been a public high school educator for twenty years. Over the course of her career\, she has taught multiple disciplines in the social sciences in addition to work within the field of EL. She is currently a consultant and exam reader for AP Human Geography and a part of the Test Development Committee. She received her Masters in Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University and her Masters in Geography through the EDGE Program at University of Oregon. She has served on the Educator Advisory Committee for Harvard’s Religion and Public Life in conjunction with teaching College World Religions Dual Credit. For the past two years\, she was invited as a keynote speaker for Harvard University’s Global Studies Outreach Workshop and she is overjoyed to return to the wonderful community of NCGE.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/chicago-today-effects-of-redlining-and-urban-renewal/
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:20251018T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250710T153257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T153257Z
UID:10000323-1760774400-1760777100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Climate Change Through Play
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn this session\, participants will explore one of the consequences of climate change\, that of sea-level rise. Attendees will participate in a lesson which uses blocks to model the topography of various coastlines\, and then document the effects of various levels of sea-level rise around the world. Participants will brainstorm possible solutions coastal communities might take in the face of possible sea-level rise. At the end of the session\, participants will receive a lesson plan for conducting this activity in their classroom. \nSession Focus \nSecondary/High School | STEM | Climate-Change\, Mapping\, Analysis \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenters\nCynthia Bloom and Lisa De-Chano Cook\, PhD
URL:https://ncge.org/event/exploring-climate-change-through-play/
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:20251018T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250710T152735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251005T163317Z
UID:10000322-1760774400-1760777100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Publishing in NCGE Journals
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe editors of the two NCGE journals – the Geography Teacher and the Journal of Geography – invite you to learn about the publication process for the journals and how you can become a successful author. Take half an hour to learn about preparing and submitting manuscripts\, completing the publishing process as an author\, and supporting the discipline as a reviewer. Attendees will be able to ask questions and solicit publication advice for the rest of the session. \nSession Focus \nAll Grade Levels | Publishing | Journal of Geography\, Geography Teacher \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenters\n Dr. Injeong Jo is a Professor and Coordinator of the Online MAGeo in Geographic Education Program at Texas State University’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Her research focuses on spatial thinking education\, the use of geospatial technologies for teaching and learning\, and teacher education. She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Geography. \n \nDr. Gregory Chug\, is widely recognized for his contributions to geography\, with expertise in geographic information science\, cartographic design\, and educational strategies. He served as Department Chair and Professor at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and as a Program Director for Geography and Regional Science at the National Science Foundation. In addition to numerous scholarly publications\, he is the author of two middle school geography textbooks\, MyWorldInteractive and Contemporary World Cultures. As the editor of The Geography Teacher\, Dr. Chu brings extensive experience and visionary leadership to advance the journal’s role as a vital resource for educators and scholars. \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  \nDr. Mary D. Curtis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake in the College of Education where she coordinates the Social Studies teacher preparation program. Dr. Curtis is a geography educator with over 20 years of experience and service from local to international levels. She currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Association of American Geographers Geography Education Specialty Group and as Associate Editor for the Journal of Geography. \nJody Smothers-Marcello has a long record of endeavors in geography education including serving as president of\nNCGE in 2002\, editing The Geography Teacher for two terms\, co-chairing the AP Human\nGeography Development Committee\, and serving on the social studies-history standards\ncommittee for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). While teaching\nin the Sitka School District in Alaska\, she was recognized with multiple state and national\nawards for her innovative teaching. She has also written a wide array of curricula and\npresented at numerous national professional development venues. Jody currently serves as an\nassociate editor for the Journal of Geography.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/publishing-in-ncge-journals-2/
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:20251018T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250710T152311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T152311Z
UID:10000321-1760774400-1760777100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Spiraling to help students interpret random internet “facts”
DESCRIPTION:Summary\n“Students can find facts on the internet; we should focus on teaching skills.” This observation is common\, but it is also naive and dangerous. If students lack a framework of accurate and well-connected facts for comparison\, it is hard to teach a skill of evaluating new facts for accuracy or relevance. The key word in that sentence is framework. A remembered fact might contradict a new observation or internet page\, but the key test is how each new fact fits with accepted knowledge. A discussion like this might seem abstract\, but it has gained new urgency as the internet makes all kinds of “facts” both easier to access and more memorable. One plausible response is to create spiral curricula — to build knowledge frameworks by deliberately revisiting core topics in different grades\, building a foundation of basic skills and facts in early grades and then refining and extending in later grades. A short presentation\, handouts\, and a website provide examples that deal with topics as varied as climate change \nNCGE 2025 Conference Session Proposal 50 Abstract continued:: \, pre-Columbian trade\, and redlining. Participants in small groups then use templates to build learning progressions for topics of personal interest. \nSession Focus \nAll Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Activities\, Curriculum\, Learning progressions \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenter\nPhil Gersmehl is in the third generation of “Teacher Gersmehls.” He earned a BA in Education from Concordia Teachers College\, Illinois\, and a PhD in Geography from the University of Georgia\, then taught at Concordia for five years before moving to the University of Minnesota. There\, he helped develop several distance-learning courses and large-enrollment classes (300+ students). These included a new general-education course on the Language of Maps\, which led to an Annenberg Public-TV project and a course manual that is now distributed by the National Council for Geographic Education. In 1990\, the Association of American Geographers asked Phil to serve as Director of ARGUS (Activities and Readings in the Geography of the United States)\, ARGWorld (Activities and Resources in the Geography of the World)\, and the Teaching Geography Project. During 12 years of funded projects\, Phil authored a number of interactive computer simulations and made presentations in summer institutes and other teacher workshops in 34 states\, Canada\, Japan\, Korea\, and Russia. A third edition of his book\, Teaching Geography\, was published by Guilford Press in 2014. Recently\, he has been working with teams of Michigan teachers to develop and test lessons and online resources to meet the new social-studies standards in that state.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/spiraling-to-help-students-interpret-random-internet-facts/
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:20251018T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T202503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T141916Z
UID:10000319-1760774400-1760777100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Mapping Majdanek: A Topographic Inquiry into the Bystanders of the  Holocaust
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nUsing geo-literacy skills\, students can engage in learning about the Holocaust in new ways. How we map the Holocaust can both answer and raise important\nquestions. Knowles (2024) identified five challenges of mapping the Holocaust. Among the challenges\, Holocaust maps tend to represent the actions of the perpetrators\, perpetuate outdated narratives of the Holocaust\, and ignore the complexity of the Holocaust. In this presentation\, participants will engage with a lesson using the proximity of the Majdanek killing center to the town of Lublin as a case study. In this lesson\, addressing inaction of bystanders explores the question: Could the residents of Lublin have witnessed the perpetration of genocide at Majdanek? The lesson unfolds in three phases. First\, students interrogate historical maps of Lublin and maps from USHMM of Majdanek. Second\, students then create their own topographical map of the Lublin area using GIS tools. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | World/International | Holocaust\, Inquiry\, Geo-literacy \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenters\nBethany 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! \n  \nJeff 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.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/mapping-majdanek-a-topographic-inquiry-into-the-bystanders-of-the-holocaust/
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:20251018T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251018T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T200659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T200659Z
UID:10000318-1760774400-1760777100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Field Mapping: Engaging Students by Collecting Data using Street Surveys
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nField 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\ndetail 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Mapping and Engagement \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenters\nCelest Reynolds \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/field-mapping-engaging-students-by-collecting-data-using-street-surveys/
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;VALUE=DATE:20251018
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251019
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20251005T170819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251005T171914Z
UID:10000387-1760745600-1760831999@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Esri Bring Your Own Device Lab & Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, October 18\, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM\nEach lab is 45-minutes long with a 15-minute break between sessions. Esri Representatives will use training accounts on the T3G ArcGIS Online org \nFull Lab Schedule\n8:00 – Introduction to National Geographic MapMaker\nLearn about MapMaker data and tools in this entry level session. Teachers will explore the no login experience – using existing content\, creating\, and sharing!\nwith Charlie Fitzpatrick \n9:00 – Physical geography activities for the classroom\nDiscover Earth science activities and resources from Esri.Topics include a wide range of instructional topics taught throughout the year\nWith Charlie Fitzpatrick \n10:00 – Introduction to StoryMaps for Teachers\nExplore storymaps from authoritative authors around the world. Learn about common teaching techniques with storymaps and create your own basic storymap.\nwith Tom Baker \n11:00 – Creating StoryMaps – intermediate techniques\nCreate 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.\nwith Tom Baker \n1:00 – APHG resources from National Geographic Learning\nExplore the new storymap-based resources for studying human geography from National Geographic Learning.\nwith Anita Palmer \n2:00 – Utilizing National Geographic Learning resources: World Cultures\nDiscover storymaps based content supporting world cultures curriculum from National Geographic Learning.\nwith Anita Palmer \n3:00 – Map Viewer – Basic map making\nLearn to create basic point and polygon maps with your own data. Incorporate data from the LIving Atlas of the World and share your map.\nwith Joseph Kerski \n4:00 – Designing projects with Survey123\nLearn how to design\, create\, and share Survey123 applications to support student collection and projects.\nwith Joseph Kerski \nConference Room\nBanquet Level – Missouri Conference Room \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/esri-bring-your-own-device-lab-workshop/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Missouri\, Omaha\, 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;VALUE=DATE:20251018
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251019
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250921T194833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250921T200000Z
UID:10000384-1760745600-1760831999@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Poster Session: Geographic Thinking in Interdisciplinary Research: Examining Conceptualization\, Experience\, and Communication
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nGeographic 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. \nThis 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | STEM | Geographic Thinking \nConference Room\nBanquet Level – Mezzanine Area \nMeet The Presenter\nMy 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. \nAs 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. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/poster-session-geographic-thinking-in-interdisciplinary-research-examining-conceptualization-experience-and-communication/
LOCATION:Banquet Level –  Mezannine Area
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251018
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251019
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250921T194249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250921T194249Z
UID:10000383-1760745600-1760831999@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Poster Session: Drones in Geography Classrooms: Advantages and Challenges
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nDrones 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\ngeography students on scientifically sound and ethical use of drones has never been greater. As university geography departments develop drone\ncourses 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. \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Technology | Drones | Geography Education \nConference Room\nBanquet Level – Mezzanine Area \nThe Presenter\nAdam Mathews \nGrayson Morgan \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/poster-session-drones-in-geography-classrooms-advantages-and-challenges/
LOCATION:Banquet Level –  Mezannine Area
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251018
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251019
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250921T193751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T191056Z
UID:10000382-1760745600-1760831999@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Poster Session: Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels |Primary Sources | Grant Funding | Library of Congress \nConference Room\nBanquet Level – Mezzanine Area \nThe Presenter\nJoseph 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. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/poster-session-teaching-with-primary-sources-midwest-region/
LOCATION:Banquet Level –  Mezannine Area
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Conference_2025_Session.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251018
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251019
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250921T193404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T031333Z
UID:10000381-1760745600-1760831999@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Poster Session: Minnesota State University and the Founding of NCGE
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe 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.\nWhile 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.\nOne 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 \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels |History | curriculum | Inquiry \nConference Room\nBanquet Level – Mezzanine Area \nThe Presenters\nDr. 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. \nKaitlyn 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. \n  \nJoseph 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.\n\n\nNoah 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. \n\nKaty Pearson
URL:https://ncge.org/event/poster-session-minnesota-state-university-and-the-founding-of-ncge/
LOCATION:Banquet Level –  Mezannine Area
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:20251017T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20251005T164431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T213309Z
UID:10000386-1760717700-1760720400@ncge.org
SUMMARY:The Journey Begins: Building a State Atlas for Iowa
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nState 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. \nDuring 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | State Atlas | Promote Geography through Partnerships | Shared Knowledge | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenters\n\nThomas Larsen\, Assistant Professor of Geography\, University of Northern Iowa\n\nAmy 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. \nRachel 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.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/the-journey-begins-building-a-state-atlas-for-iowa/
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:20251017T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250821T181313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T181313Z
UID:10000372-1760717700-1760720400@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 Grade Levels| Curriculum and Instruction| Technology \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenter\nSamantha Serrano
URL:https://ncge.org/event/beyond-the-hype-critical-ai-literacy-for-geography-and-social-studies-educators/
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:20251017T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T190722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T190722Z
UID:10000317-1760717700-1760720400@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Globalizing the ‘Yellow Peril’ and Anti-Asian Racism with Human Rights  Education
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis 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. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | World/International | Human rights education\, Anti-Asian racism\, Global perspectives \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenters\nSean Corrigan  \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/globalizing-the-yellow-peril-and-anti-asian-racism-with-human-rights-education/
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:20251017T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T171500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T182900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250717T152905Z
UID:10000312-1760714100-1760721300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Beltrami on Expedition: Exploring Minnesota in 1823 in search of the  Headwaters of the Mississippi River
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThroughout 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | U.S. History | Cartography\,  Exploration\, Headwaters \nConference Room\nLewis \nMeet the Presenters\nDr. 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. \nShe 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. \nAlong 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. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/beltrami-on-expedition-exploring-minnesota-in-1823-in-search-of-the-headwaters-of-the-mississippi-river/
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:20251017T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T171500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T182011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250927T143315Z
UID:10000311-1760714100-1760721300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Art\, Dance\, Theatre\, Oh My! Using Arts-Methodologies in the Geography  Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nCome 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Curriculum and Instruction | Art\, Literacy\, Engagement \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenters\nJessica 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. \n  \n  \nBethany 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!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/art-dance-theatre-oh-my-using-arts-methodologies-in-the-geography-classroom/
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:20251017T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T171500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250708T141438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251012T182503Z
UID:10000304-1760714100-1760721300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Teaching Holocaust Geographies
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis 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. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | World History | Holocaust | Multidisciplinary \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenters\nMichael Mewborne  \nJeff 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.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/teaching-holocaust-geographies/
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:20251017T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T161500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20251011T212751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251011T212751Z
UID:10000388-1760714100-1760717700@ncge.org
SUMMARY:AAG - A Workshop on the Geography Pipeline from High School to  College
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe 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. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Higher Education | Geography Majors \nConference Room\nBanquet Level – Winnebago \nMeet the Organizers\n\nBill Moseley\,\nGreg Hill\nSamantha Serrano
URL:https://ncge.org/event/aag-a-workshop-on-the-geography-pipeline-from-high-school-to-college/
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:20251017T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T190038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T190038Z
UID:10000316-1760714100-1760716800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Empowering Geo-Inquiry: How the Science of Reading Can Strengthen  Secondary Student Participation
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn 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\ncritically 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. \nTogether 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. \nEach 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Inquiry | Geo-Literacy\, Geo-Inquiry \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenters\nKendra 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.  \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/empowering-geo-inquiry-how-the-science-of-reading-can-strengthen-secondary-student-participation/
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:20251017T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T185406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T185406Z
UID:10000315-1760714100-1760716800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Mundane Magnificence: Artifacts\, Food\, and Everyday Objects in Geography!
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nMundane 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. \nDuring 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Inquiry | Engaging\, Strategies\, Resources \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenters\nNathan 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. \n 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. \nCo-Presenter\, Amy Walker
URL:https://ncge.org/event/mundane-magnificence-artifacts-food-and-everyday-objects-in-geography/
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:20251017T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T184127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250927T152441Z
UID:10000313-1760714100-1760716800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Why Are There So Few Black Farmers in America? A Look At The History Of  Racism In Rural Land Use
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nParticipants 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. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/ High School | U.S. History/Human Geography | Diversity in agriculture \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenters\nLeah 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. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/why-are-there-so-few-black-farmers-in-america-a-look-at-the-history-of-racism-in-rural-land-use/
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:20251017T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T181225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251012T190341Z
UID:10000310-1760706000-1760713200@ncge.org
SUMMARY:If You Give a Teen a Nuke...Geographic Scenario Gameplay in the Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nInspired 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\nintegration. 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! \nIn order to get the full benefits from this workshop\, your personal laptop is required. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Global Issues| World/International \nConference Room\nFlannigan \nMeet the Presenters\nHello! 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! 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/if-you-give-a-teen-a-nuke-geographic-scenario-gameplay-in-the-classroom/
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:20251017T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T180023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T180023Z
UID:10000308-1760706000-1760713200@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Inquiry into Pre-War Jewish Life as a Study in Cultural Geography
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis 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. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels| Curriculum and Instruction| Holocaust\, Pedagogy\, Cultural \nConference Room\nNebraska \nMeet the Presenters\nJennifer Gross
URL:https://ncge.org/event/inquiry-into-pre-war-jewish-life-as-a-study-in-cultural-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:20251017T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T175442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T025750Z
UID:10000307-1760706000-1760713200@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Teaching the Middle East and Global Migration Through Graphic Novels
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis 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. \nThrough 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. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | World/International | Human Migration\, Geopolitical Borders\, Graphic Novels in Education \nConference Room\nClark \nMeet the Presenter\nDr. 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.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/teaching-the-middle-east-and-global-migration-through-graphic-novels/
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:20251017T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250709T174554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251005T163728Z
UID:10000306-1760706000-1760713200@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Nurturing Curiosity with Earth Observation Day Games
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nEarth 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. \nJoin 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. \nSession Focus\nMiddle School/Junior High| STEM | Earth Processes\, Satellite Imagery\, Critical Thinking \nConference Room\nWinnebago \nMeet the Presenters\nDr. Tracy DeLiberty and Amy Logan
URL:https://ncge.org/event/nurturing-curiosity-with-earth-observation-day-games-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:20251017T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250708T145001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T145950Z
UID:10000305-1760706000-1760713200@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Geography: The Key to Our Global System of Agriculture
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis 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. \nPresenters will share free\, standard-aligned lesson plans linked to the National Geography Standards\, Common Core\, and National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Agriculture\, APHG\, Population \nConference Room\nLewis \nMeet the Presenters\nBrooke 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.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/nurturing-curiosity-with-earth-observation-day-games/
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:20251017T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T134500
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250714T131727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T194528Z
UID:10000359-1760706000-1760708700@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Addressing Individual Needs to Learning: Blended Personalized Learning in  Secondary Geography Course
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nNinth-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. \nThe 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. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction  | Blended and Personalized Learning\, AP Human Geography\, Differentiated\nLearning \nConference Room\nIowa \nMeet the Presenter\nSojung Huh
URL:https://ncge.org/event/addressing-individual-needs-to-learning-blended-personalized-learning-in-secondary-geography-course/
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/New_York:20251001T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250902T224400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250909T222216Z
UID:10000375-1759345200-1759348800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:QGIS - An Online Mapping Option For All
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nQGIS is a free open-source mapping tool.  This webinar will dive into its key elements and how to apply it in a geography classroom. \nAudience Focus\nAll grade levels \nMeet the Presenter\nJen 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. \n\n\nAccess the Webinar\n#member only access | Join Webinar Here \nNot yet a member?  More info and Join today!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/qgis-an-online-mapping-option-for-all/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/QGIS_Webinar_2025_10_01.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T090029
CREATED:20250902T220543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T221403Z
UID:10000374-1758135600-1758139200@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Population: What charts\, Graphs\, and Diagrams can tell us!
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nIn 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. \nAudience Focus\nAll grade levels \nMeet the Presenter\nJonathan 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. \nAccess the Webinar\n#member only access | Join Webinar Here \nNot yet a member?  More info and Join today!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/population-what-charts-graphs-and-diagrams-can-tell-us/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Pouplation_Charts_Webinar_2025_09_16.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR