aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Geography
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Maps
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Discovering the World Through Maps

Objective

To engage students in understanding the importance of maps and their various types, while encouraging curiosity about the world around them.

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Hook: "Map Your Journey"

Materials Needed:

• A large blank map of the world (can be printed or drawn)
• Sticky notes in various colors
• Markers or pens
• A timer

Activity Steps:

1. Map Overview: Begin by displaying the large blank world map prominently in the classroom. Ensure that it is easily visible to all students.

2. Personal Adventure: Ask students to close their eyes and imagine that they are embarking on a journey to a place they have always wanted to visit. Encourage them to think about the first steps they would take, what they might pack, and how they would get there.

3. Sticky Note Adventure: After giving them a moment to visualize this journey, hand out sticky notes and markers. Instruct each student to write down the name of their dream destination and one reason why they’d like to go there.

4. Mapping the Dreams:

   • Once everyone has written their thoughts, invite students one at a time to come up to the map, place their sticky note at the location of their dream destination, and read their reason aloud.
   • Allow approximately 30 seconds for each student to share their destination.

5. Discussion: As students place their sticky notes on the map, engage the class in a discussion:

   • Questions to Consider:
     • What do you notice about where we’d all like to go?
     • Are there any continents or countries that appeared more frequently?
     • How do maps help us understand distances and locations?

6. Transition to Learning: Transition into the main part of the lesson by explaining the objective of the day’s lesson: to learn the different types of maps and how to read them. Highlight how maps are tools that can help us navigate our world, whether it’s planning a dream trip or understanding geographical features.

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Conclusion

This engaging activity not only introduces the concept of maps but also creates excitement and personal connection to the topic. By relating geography to their dreams and interests, students are more likely to engage with and retain the information presented in the lesson.