4-H Geography Program

Geography is the study of the physical, cultural, political, historical, economical, and biological aspect of earth. Geography is a very visual and fun subject that bridges an array of educational topics. Although geography is an important school subject that reinforces many other school subjects, geography does not get much funding or class time in our schools.

As a result many youth lack geographic literacy, which restrict their understanding of world events and the connections these world events have on their own lives.

4-H geography program aims to make geography:

1) A hands on visual fun learning activity through “the world map project.”

2) A competitive learning process through “4-H Geobee.”

3) A demonstration and illustrated talk activity through the “country world fair” program.

4) As a means for which youth can explore their 4-H project area studies (animal science, civic & leadership development, environmental education, family & consumer science, healthy lifestyles, plant sciences, and science & technology) with an international focus.

Our geography program is geared for educators, parents, and community center youth activity leaders. All our programs are free, and our 4-H youth development office is here to assist you in developing your geography program.

4-H World Map Project-Hands on Mural Activity

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4-H is known for it’s learning by doing philosophy, and fun hands on educational activities. The 4-H World Map Project (4-H WMP) is the fun hands on portion of the 4-H geography program. At the end of the project your school, after school program or community youth center will have a wall sized world map mural done by the youth. The activity itself and the actual mural which should be located in a highly visible location will encourage students to expand their geography interest and knowledge. As mentioned, the actual map painting activity is the hands on part of the project; however the project can encompass lesson plans on learning about geographic areas, history, world agriculture, world nutrition, world news, and culture. The 4-H WMP can be utilized as a tool to teach youth leadership and social responsibility activities by connecting the geography and 4-H WMP to global service learning activities; such as looking up Peace Corps Projects (PeaceCorps.gov) to fund through fundraising activities. The 4-H WMP can be used as a means for which students can prepare for a geography bee or the annual 4-H GeoBee. Also 4-H members can develop a “record book” on the 4-H World Map Project and submit the record book for awards (for record book instructions please refer to: “4-H Project Books & Record Book Training”

How to start your own 4-H World Map Project:

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Download the step by step 4-H World Map Project . The lesson plan will walk you through all the steps, and provide you with all the educational resources needed. Before you start the project please contact the 4-H office at 305-592-8044 or email alexdiaz@ufl.edu so that we can provide you with guidance and assistance. Make sure to take pictures of the project so that we can showcase your endeavors in the 4-H newsletter or website.

We would also advice you to download the 4-H Geography activity sheets which can be used as additional educational activities with your students.  The entire 4-H Geography activity sheets can be downloaded from the bellow download section.

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Downloads 

4-H World Map Project : Contains step by step educational lesson plans and instructions on doing a large scale world map mural.

4-H Geography Activity Sheets: These activity sheets can to be done in a competitive fashion in which students compete in a group or individually on how quickly and accurately the information presented. However, the sheets can also be intended as an educational tool for youth to learn about geography.

Side by side comparison of countries, activity sheet : This activity sheet allows students to compare   two counties side by side utilizing reference materials. Students will be asked to draw a map and flag of two countries, and to fill in the blank of demographic questions.

Country report, activity sheet : This activity sheet allows youth to report on a country by answering    demographic questions, drawing out the flag of the country, and by writing a brief description of the country.

World new report, activity sheet : This activity sheet allows youth to report on a world news article, the students will be asked: who, when, where, what, why. The Students will have to draw out a map and flag of the country, as well as look up two relevant country facts that relates to the article.

Online resource guide on Geography : Contains online resources in which students can use as study guides for geography bees, and geography assignments. The online resource guide on Geography also is a great guide for educators.

Help Develop the Geography lesson plans: 4-H would like your input in developing an innovative fun and educational lesson plans; parents, educators, youth, and youth community workers take the time to answer the survey. Geography is a great subject that emcompasses many topics; give us your opinion on what topics you would like to see in our lesson plans.