One of my favorite parts of each unit of study is exploring the geography. I have always been fascinated by maps, geographic features like mountains, rivers, and a their proximity to other features. On October 9th the students will start the Rome unit by examining the Italian peninsula. Many students know Italy is in Europe, but some struggle with identifying it on a map. I believe that Italy is THE most identifiable nation on the map. When we start the unit I always tell students to look for the country that looks a woman's high-heel boot. Within seconds hands fly in the air.
As we begin to explore the geography of Italy we will have students come up to the Smart-board and see if they can identify the various features associated with the Italian peninsula ( by the sea, surrounded by water on 3 sides, Mediterranean Sea, etc); then discuss the benefits associated with living in a country that is a peninsula. It is great opportunity for students to engage the class and each other while exploring topics in geography. This is a conversation that allows students to discuss geography and is a great lead in to how Rome evolved from a humble city located on seven hills to the Grandeur of the Roman Empire.
If you would like to test your geographic savvy follow this link and label the Map of Italy
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