2 questions

[lavinemch]

1) We're studying geography and explorers this year. I would like to get input from members as to how they handled these areas. It is overwhelming when you think about all that needs to be covered. This will be for 7th grade.

2) My son's science choice this year will require alot of research and some writing and presentations. Can I use these experiences are part of Language Arts, too? It seems a shame to do all this for science and then have separate LA assignments.

[Dianna]

1) We're studying geography and explorers this year. I would like to get input from members as to how they handled these areas. It is overwhelming when you think about all that needs to be covered. This will be for 7th grade.

Jean Fritz has written some books that would fall into this area. Are you familiar with her books for children? For any social studies topic, I tend to use lots of children's literature, documentaries, and field trips.

2) My son's science choice this year will require alot of research and some writing and presentations. Can I use these experiences are part of Language Arts, too? It seems a shame to do all this for science and then have separate LA assignments.

Absolutely count the research, reports, and presentations as language arts. I wouldn't even hesitate -- when you can incorporate two (or more) subjects like this, both areas are enhanced even more.

I hope this helps!

Dianna

[mary helen]

I enjoy a unit study approach to geography. I cover two counties of each continent, 2 I just cover the continent. We design our own program using library books. They make a booklet of information. We play games, eat foods and listen to native music of where we are studing.
Road map reading would be benificial also.