Objective:

Students will use printed maps and manipulatives to explore California’s geographic regions and how physical geography affects human activities. They will apply the coordinate grid system to locate key places. Additionally, the lesson will include discussions on how modern computing technologies, such as GPS, mobile devices, and GIS, have influenced cultural practices, from how people travel to how cities are planned.

Materials Needed:

• Printed maps of California with latitude and longitude grids

• Pre-determined coordinates of California landmarks

• Manipulatives (e.g., clay, paper) to model landforms

• Chart paper for group presentations

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Introduce latitude and longitude as a way to locate places on Earth, and explain the importance of these geographic tools before modern technology. 

  • Discuss how technological innovations like GPS and GIS have transformed navigation and geographic analysis, allowing for precise real-time data on locations, distances, and routes. 

  • Show students examples of how these technologies are used in everyday life (e.g., smartphone maps, location services).

• Map Exploration and Region Building:

  • Students will use printed maps and manipulatives to explore California’s geography and locate regions based on provided coordinates. 

  • They will plot places like mountain ranges, rivers, and valleys and build physical models to represent these areas. 

  • As they do so, they will discuss how modern technologies, such as satellite imagery and mobile mapping apps, have made these explorations more accessible and how they shape cultural activities like hiking, travel, and city planning.

• Creating Physical Models:

  • Students will use clay or paper to create 3D models of California’s regions, labeling the geographic features they locate using coordinates. 

  • Discuss how cultural practices have evolved with these technologies, such as how tourism has increased in natural areas due to GPS-enabled maps and how cities have become more efficiently designed based on geographic data.

• Group Discussion and Presentation:

  • Each group will present their models, explaining how they used the coordinate grid system to locate features and how geographic features influence human activities. 

  • As part of their presentation, students will discuss how tools like GPS and online maps have affected cultural practices, from modern navigation to environmental conservation efforts.

• Reflection on Technology's Cultural Impact:

  • Lead a discussion on how computing technologies like GPS, satellite imaging, and mobile devices influence how we interact with geography and how these tools help us plan travel routes, explore nature, and even respond to emergencies. 

  • Discuss how cultural practices around exploration, trade, and urban planning have shifted with the rise of these technologies.

Equity and Access:

Provide simplified maps and predetermined regions for students who need extra guidance. Make manipulatives available for all students, ensuring an accessible hands-on experience.

Real-World Application:

Discuss how GPS and GIS technologies are used in real-world scenarios, such as navigating national parks, tracking weather patterns, or even organizing relief efforts during natural disasters.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify how geographic features are used to solve problems, such as urban planning.

• Developing and Using Abstractions: Students utilize manipulatives to represent earth features in California.

• Communicating About Computing: Students discuss the impacts of technology on navigation.

Standard(s):

• CA HSS 4.1.1

• CA HSS 4.1.3

• CA CS 3-5.IC.20

Objective:

Students will use Google Earth or a GIS platform to explore the physical and human geography of California. They will locate places using latitude and longitude coordinates and examine the state’s regions, identifying how physical features like rivers, mountains, and ocean proximity influence human activity. Students will create their own digital map of a region of California. The lesson will also integrate discussions on how mapping technologies, such as GPS and GIS, have changed how people navigate and interact with geographic data.

Materials Needed:

• Tablets or computers with access to Google Earth or a GIS tool

• Pre-determined latitude and longitude coordinates for key locations in California

• Chart paper for group presentations

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Begin by introducing the concepts of latitude and longitude and explain how the coordinate grid system helps pinpoint locations on Earth. 

  • Show examples of California's geographic regions and discuss how physical geography affects human settlement. 

  • Introduce how GPS (Global Positioning System) and other mapping technologies have revolutionized navigation and geographic understanding in modern times, allowing us to view detailed maps, plan routes, and analyze geographic features in ways that were not possible before.

• Exploring California Using Coordinates:

  • In pairs, students will use Google Earth or a GIS tool to locate various places in California based on provided latitude and longitude coordinates. 

  • They will analyze how mapping technologies like GIS help people interact with geographic data for purposes such as city planning, agriculture, and tourism. 

  • Discuss the importance of technologies like GPS in everyday life, from driving to outdoor exploration.

• Creating a Digital Map:

  • Students will create a digital map of California, marking key places they discovered. 

  • Encourage them to think about how mapping technologies have influenced cultural practices, such as how people plan trips, monitor climate change, or respond to natural disasters. 

  • They will add notes about how geography impacts human life and how computing technologies allow people to interact with these geographic features in real time.

• Testing and Refining the Map:

  • Students will refine their digital maps for accuracy, verifying their coordinates and making sure that all geographic features are appropriately labeled. 

  • Emphasize the role of mapping technologies in helping people make real-world decisions based on geographic data.

• Presentation and Discussion:

  • Each pair will present their digital map and explain how GPS technology helped them accurately locate and analyze geographic features. 

  • They will also discuss the cultural impact of mapping technologies and how modern tools, such as GPS and online maps, have changed how people navigate and interact with their environment.

Equity and Access:

Provide pre-made templates with basic map outlines and key locations for students who need additional guidance. Pair students with varying tech skills for collaborative work.

Real-World Application:

Discuss how technologies like GPS and GIS are used in real-world applications, such as disaster response, transportation, and environmental conservation. Highlight how these tools influence cultural practices, such as urban planning, outdoor recreation, and environmental monitoring.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students use GIS software to create digital maps.

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify locations using coordinates and explore how computing technologies aid navigation and data analysis.

• Communicating About Computing: Students discuss the impacts of technology on navigation.

Standard(s):

• CA HSS 4.1.1

• CA HSS 4.1.3

• CA CS 3-5.IC.20