VIRGINIA
IN THE WORLD:
The Geography of Commerce
Lessons and Suggested Activities for Middle School
Introduction
The
map, "Virginia in the World: The Geography of Commerce"
illustrates the economic connections that Virginia has with every country
of the world through its export trade. The maps and graphics use a variety
of symbols and colors to depict trade with the world: graduated arrows to
illustrate the value and export flow to regions and countries; and color-coded
bar graphs for types of exports (with destination). A pie chart suggests the
importance of visitors to Virginia by the percentage of total from major countries.
The map
and the data represented by the various symbols provide numerous opportunities
for map interpretation.
Virginia
Standard(s) Of Learning
- 6.7
- The student will
describe the economic, social, and political transformation of the United
States since World War II, with emphasis on
- the consumer
economy and increasing global markets
- 7.10
- The student will
interpret maps, tables, diagrams, charts, political cartoons, and basic
indicators of economic performance (gross domestic product, consumer price
index, productivity, index of leading economic indicators, etc) for understanding
economic and political issues.
-
C/T8.2
-
The
student will communicate through networks and telecommunications
- Use local
and worldwide network communication systems
Goal:
To understand
the importance of international exports for the economy of Virginia.
Objectives:
- the student will
understand the use of map symbols to depict direction of flow, value of
trade, etc.
- The student will
use local and network communications systems
- The student will
use search strategies to retrieve relevant electronic information from
sources such as electronic almanacs, indexes and catalogs
- The student will
interpret and analyze information from the graphics map
Materials
needed:
Procedures:
- Acquaint students
with terms needed for map interpretation.
- Assign students
to cooperative groups to complete the enclosed lesson plans.
- Xerox the inset
maps from "Virginia in the World: The Geography of Commerce" and make
a class set or transparencies of each map/graph/chart for students to
use when completing the Guided Practice and
Scavenger Hunt activities.
- Complete guided
practice activities in cooperative groups with each group having access
to the map for a set length of time or post multiple copies of the map
around the classroom for each group to use.
- Ask groups to
share their responses to the Guided Practice activity. Review any key
terms or concepts about which each group may need further instruction.
Evaluation:
Distribute
copies of the Assessment activity, "Virginia in the World: the Geography of
Commerce" Scavenger Hunt. Allow students ample time to complete the activity
in cooperative groups.
Lessons
developed by:
- Annie Evans,
John Rolfe Middle School, Henrico County Schools
- Cynthia Lank,
Westwood Middle School, Danville City Schools
- Betty Marker,
Simpson Middle School, Loudoun County Schools
- Martha Smith,
Cave Spring Junior High School, Roanoke County Schools
