| Title: |
Enhancing Middle School Learning about Geography and Topographic Maps Using Hands-On Play and Geospatial Technologies |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Mathews, Adam J. (ORCID 0000-0002-5577-4308); DeChano-Cook, Lisa M.; Bloom, Cynthia |
| Source: |
Journal of Geography. 2023 122(5):115-125. |
| Availability: |
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
11 |
| Publication Date: |
2023 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Middle School Students; Geography Instruction; Teaching Methods; Toys; Concept Formation; Maps; Comparative Analysis; Scores; Cooperative Learning; Student Improvement; Class Activities; Cognitive Mapping; Freehand Drawing; Geographic Information Systems; Public Schools |
| Geographic Terms: |
Michigan |
| DOI: |
10.1080/00221341.2023.2226156 |
| ISSN: |
0022-1341; 1752-6868 |
| Abstract: |
The objective of this research was to determine if and to what extent students' learning of geographic concepts can be improved through incorporation of hands-on play with Play-Doh® and LEGO® and geospatial technologies, specifically drones. The project team conducted six months of biweekly, collaborative instruction at Comstock Middle School in Michigan incorporating in-class activities such as drawing mental maps, creating contour lines of model landscapes in water boxes, constructing 3D landscapes from 2D topographic maps, building and operating small drones, and more. Compared pre- and post-tests reveal a 14% increase in overall scores, a statistically significant improvement in student performance. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2023 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1401959 |
| Database: |
ERIC |