Intermediate & Senior Geography Lesson Plan: Exploring U.S. and Canadian Geography
Welcome to an exciting geography lesson adventure! In this lesson plan for high school students, geography students will take part in a fun and interactive activity scavenger hunt experience.
Using engaging geography lesson plans, interactive activities, and digital resources, students will develop geographic skills, enhance map knowledge, and gain a deeper understanding of North Americas regions. Google Earth, and collaborative problem-solving, students will embark on a virtual journey across the United States, exploring significant geographical features, regional geography, and their implications on various aspects of life.
This engaging educational resource not only improves Canadian and US high school students' understanding of basic and advanced geography, but also encourages them to think critically, apply map skills, and work together as a team. Get ready to discover North America in a whole new way!
Grade: 9 - 12
Subject: Geography
Objective:
- Students will identify and describe major geographical features of the United States.
- Students will describe the cultural, political, and economic dynamics that shape American society.
- Students will utilize digital tools and geographic skills to engage with geographical information.
- Students will collaborate in teams to solve geographical challenges and learning activities.
Materials:
- Smartphones or tablets with the Goosechase app installed
- Access to the internet
- Maps of the United States and Canada (digital or paper)
- List of scavenger hunt clues (prepared in advance)
- Optional worksheets, printables, or student resources for reference
Preparation:
- Create a Goosechase Experience using the lesson plan template.
- Create Missions that reflect the skills you have taught previously in your geography curriculum.
- Mission ideas could include:
- Finding information on geographic regions, climate, or natural resources
- Performing tasks that relate to the geographical features of each state
- Encouraging exploration of geographical terms, map skills, or landmarks
- Identifying facts about U.S. states and regional differences
Run your interactive lesson during one class period or multiple periods. Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the geographic skills and proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
Prepare hints or teacher resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the Goosechase Experience individually.
App set-up & digital instruction
Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.
Ensure all students understand how to use the app safely and responsibly.
Geography Lesson Plans Outline:
Introduction to research guides
Briefly discuss the topics you have already taught. Highlight the importance of geography, the use of maps, major U.S. geographical features, and how these features have influenced historical events and cultural developments.
Introduce the Goosechase scavenger hunt and provide teacher resources to support educational instruction. Go over the rules and expectations for the experience, including safety guidelines and respect for school property.
Demonstrate how to use the Goosechase app and any digital learning tools used in the lesson.
Goosechase scavenger hunt
Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of evidence and analysis in their responses.
Monitor team progress and assist as necessary. If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions. This helps students engage in learning activities, develop map skills, and apply geographical vocabulary effectively.
Debrief and reflection
Teams present their findings and explain how they solved the clues. Discuss any interesting facts or challenges encountered during the hunt.
Have students reflect on what they learned about U.S. geography, climate, and regional geography. Discuss how teamwork contributed to their geographic education and learning experience.
Optional Post-Experience Activities:
Homework assignment
Students can create a digital or physical map highlighting the geographical features they learned about.
Presentations
Students research how geography influences current events in different U.S. regions.
Written reflection
Ask students to reflect on what they learned through this geography lesson and how it deepened their understanding of regional and cultural geography.
Assessment
Evaluate teams based on their completion of the scavenger hunt missions.
Assess individually based on their personal reflection on the importance of geography, maps, and geographical information in understanding cultural and historical contexts.
Ready Made Experience Templates to Try
Crater Lake National Park Expedition Challenge
Show us what you know about the Crater Lake National Park, virtually or in real person! Part of our National Parks Expedition Challenge Series.
Mammoth Cave National Park Expedition Challenge
Learn as much as you can about Mammoth Cave National Park through this Goosechase. Part of the #NationalParksExpeditionChallenge Series
Big Bend National Park - Texas, USA
A fun and informative experience for students to learn about the Big Bend National Park!
Want a copy of this lesson plan to use with your class?
FAQs
What is the geography lesson plan?
A geography lesson plan is a structured guide that outlines the objectives, activities, and materials needed to teach a specific geography topic. It helps teachers organize lessons, maps, and digital resources to engage students effectively.
How do you write a geography lesson plan?
Start by defining clear learning objectives, selecting relevant maps, worksheets, and activities, and planning step-by-step instructions. Incorporate digital tools, interactive exercises, and geographic skills to keep students engaged.
Are there enough resources?
Yes! Modern geography lesson plans include teacher resources, templates, worksheets, and digital tools to support every stage of the lesson. You can also use the Goosechase app (get started here) to create interactive geography activities for students in both the U.S. and Canada.
What is Goosechase EDU?
Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!
