학술논문

Enhancing Middle School Learning about Geography and Topographic Maps Using Hands-On Play and Geospatial Technologies
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Author
Mathews, Adam J. (ORCID 0000-0002-5577-4308); DeChano-Cook, Lisa M.Bloom, Cynthia
Source
Journal of Geography. 2023 122(5):115-125.
Subject
Michigan
Language
English
ISSN
0022-1341
1752-6868
Abstract
The objective of this research was to determine if and to what extent students' learning of geographic concepts can be improved through incorporation of hands-on play with Play-Doh® and LEGO® and geospatial technologies, specifically drones. The project team conducted six months of biweekly, collaborative instruction at Comstock Middle School in Michigan incorporating in-class activities such as drawing mental maps, creating contour lines of model landscapes in water boxes, constructing 3D landscapes from 2D topographic maps, building and operating small drones, and more. Compared pre- and post-tests reveal a 14% increase in overall scores, a statistically significant improvement in student performance.