Solve the Mystery
Dear Geography Teachers,
"I wish I could make the learning real for my students. I can give them readings, maps, and globes, but they just aren't connecting." How many times have you said that or thought that? If you are anything like me, constantly striving to gives students the most authentic learning experience possible, probably quite a few.
You have probably found the Tour the States video by now, which your students love, and have played it so many times that your students memorized all of the state capitals. You have probably tried to keep the learning fun with task cards, videos, slideshows, pictures, and the like. All of these activities are productive and beneficial, but none solve the mystery - How can I make geography authentic and REAL? The solution to this mystery is actually a mystery in itself. "Mystery Skype" or "Mystery Hangout" is when two classes video call each other from unknown locations and use analytical thinking and background knowledge to figure out the location of the other class. It requires collaboration and active engagement in which students put their geography, climate, and economy knowledge to the test.
Before the video call, a teacher matches up with another teacher and agrees to the process. Then, each class prepares individually. Preparation includes thinking about questions to ask the other class and deciding on jobs so that the process runs smoothly. Then, the classes video call each other and ask questions like, "Do you border the Pacific Ocean?" or "Do you get snowy winters?" to narrow in on where the class could be. Meanwhile, students are using Google, Google Maps, paper maps, etc. to analyze the questions and answers to determine the mystery location. Once the mystery is solved, the extension opportunities allow for even deeper learning. Students can go on Google Earth and explore the class's area, then ask further questions about their geography, climate, and economy based on what they see like, "What types of agriculture do you have?" or "What stores are in your area?" After the call, I like to wrap up with a reflection that asks students to reflect on both what they learned as well as the actual experience. Some questions could be, "What would you do differently for the next Mystery Hangout?" and "Compare and contrast where you live to the mystery location."
Primary sources are stronger than secondary sources because the source is involved. By doing a mystery video call, students are able to interact with a primary source while also being a primary source. Your students will be more engaged in geography than ever before and think in ways they never have. All you have to do is hit "call" and watch the hands-on learning unfold before your eyes.
Sincerely,
A Tech-Loving Geography Teacher
