Class Geography Project : 3 Steps

This is a great hands-on project for students to further their understanding of geography. The students are given a particular portion of the map to own in the project, creating individual interest. This helps the student to broaden their geographical knowledge and bond with a new part of the world. Tracing and painting help the students to memorize the shapes and borders of the countries. The finished product can be proudly admired on the classroom wall for the remainder of the year as a colorful reminder of what they have learned. This project is suitable for any student in late elementary through junior high.

Supplies

Large MDF board

Primer

Base color paint

Latex paint for individual countries

Paint roller and tray

Paintbrushes, fine tfor students

Printed pages of continents or countries (one for each student)

Step 1:

Large MDF board, 1/4" thick

Primer

Base color paint

Latex paint for individual countries

Paint roller and tray

Paintbrushes, fine-tipped

Printed pages of continents or countries (one for each student)

Step 2: Prime and Paint

Get all supplies ready and the board set up before class. The board will need to be primed and painted and allowed to dry for several days before the class project.

On the day of the project, set up a projector so that a black and white photo of the world is positioned on the board. Assign students to the countries that they will be in charge of tracing and painting. Give the children time to locate their country on the board. Allow a few students to begin tracing their country. When they think they are finished, turn off the projector to make sure all lines are drawn in completely and are visible. Double-check work with a globe and identify bodies of water. While students are waiting their turn, they can be researching the country or continent that they were assigned. After tracing, the painting can begin. Make sure to provide small, quality paint brushes and encourage staying in the lines. Most students take this very seriously and want to do their best, but the reminder is always helpful. If a mistake is made and caught within an hour or drying, it can be removed by scrubbing with a damp rag.