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Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:52 pm
by Carrie
Ladies,

It's so exciting to see the sneak peeks mounting up as the final decisions are in the works for our newest guide. :D What a journey it is to get the various pieces of the guide to come together! It is exciting to be close to finishing the selections. What a joy it is for me to get to this stage! :D

Tonight's sneak peek is what the title of the new guide is all about! So, we've finally come to the spines of the new World Geography guide. :D We have spent a long time on this particular area, as geography is such an important area to study impacting every part of history, science, and the spread of the Gospel. :D So, as I share the choices for this area, please keep in mind that the World Religions and Cultures course I outlined last week will be taught alongside the study of World Geography. Together these two courses will provide a fuller picture of our world. 8) Here is a link to that sneak peek, just in case you missed it! Link: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13235

As we looked at resources for teaching the geography of the world, I knew we wanted living, narrative resources. :D I also wanted to use a chronological approach to geography that was based on the history of exploration and discovery, because geography has - and continues to play - a huge role in history. When I found Ellen's approach in Mapping the World Through Art, which used the chronological history of mapmaking at its core, I knew we'd found one of the spines of our program. :D Synge's Book of Discovery was our next find, and it truly matches and fleshes out Ellen's text in a way that makes the two resources seem that they were written specifically for one another! :D

When we added The Archeology Book, we were able to fill in some of the history of various ancient cultures from a Biblical perspective (which is such a needed and often overlooked perspective when studying ancient cultures)! :D We also added the Seven Wonders of the World book to give students exposure to five different groupings of various wonders of the world. These magnificent wonders will readily help students identify various geographic locations around the globe, as they are stunning markers of various cultures and communities. :D

Our last goal was to add a visual feast of people and places around the world to help students picture life around our globe. We deeply desired to add DVD's to the program to allow students to visit places that would otherwise be inaccessible to them during their study of geography. :wink: However, the difficulty with adding a DVD component of geography all around the world was both in its cost and in the references to evolution that often accompany such film footage.

We finally settled on a 6 DVD set of Must See Places of the World due to its stunning visuals, its footage of places all around the world, its watchable segments, and its variety in approaches to the study of geography. This set truly brings the places students are reading about to life! I will admit that evolutionary content and references to evolution are included at times, and we will give warnings in the guide in reference to this. However, the choice was either to forego such a series (and leave students without such photography simply to avoid any evolutionary references) or to utilize the wonderful film footage of places students may never see, while still giving warnings as needed for content.

We did look for comparable Christian DVD's, but there is simply nothing available that similarly covers the range of world geography/history as this particular series. As I watched the segments in the series, I know I couldn't help but be in awe of how amazing our Creator is! To me, the videos bring the creativity and power of our God to us in living color! So with this in mind, as well as keeping in the mind the high school age of our target audience, we decided to go ahead and schedule this series in coordination with our study of geography. :D

Below is a listing of each resource I've mentioned above with the publisher's description:
Mapping the World Through Art
Structure of curriculum: This curriculum is in 3 parts:
1) Part 1 contains 30 short history lessons. Each lesson is one double-sided page. The lessons start with the beginnings of cartography in ancient Greece, and end with the official discovery of Antarctica in the 1800s. Link to Table of Contents: http://www.ellenjmchenry.com/downloads/ ... ntents.pdf

2) Part 2 contains the drawing lessons. The drawing lessons are based on the themes of the history lessons.Each drawing lesson has step-by-step pictures that guide the student as they draw an area of the world from scratch (starting with nothing but a blank piece of paper). This method of learning is absolutely ideal for kinetic learners, but I have found it extremely effective for all types of learners. The drawing lessons progress in such a way that later drawings incorporate earlier ones. For example, in one of the first lessons you learn to draw the Nile River. Later, when you draw Africa, you already know how to draw the Nile. The drawing lessons tend to stay away from political boundaries, although some could not be avoided (France and Spain, for example).

3) Part 3 contains extra activities and worksheets that go with the history lessons and/or the drawing lessons. Activities include extra worksheets for practicing what was learned in the drawing lessons, board games, crafts such as making simple navigational instruments, or art projects (about maps) using paint or colored pencils. There are also supplemental videos suggested, all of which can be accessed for free via the Internet. The videos are mostly documentaries about the navigators who sailed around the world, or brief video visits to the places the students have drawn. Link to very large file of history readings, drawing lessons, and activities for first 3 chapters: http://www.ellenjmchenry.com/downloads/ ... rs1t03.pdf

SPECIAL ADDED FEATURE: As a supplement to the printed drawing lessons, Ellen has recorded (in her basement workshop) two DVDs that contain videos of each drawing lesson. If your student has trouble following step-by-step pictures, he/she can watch the video of the lessons to get the general idea of how to do the drawing. Have the printed versions of the lessons near at hand so you can refer to them for sharper images of sketch lines and labels.

Book of Discovery by Synge
A fascinating account of the world's famous explorers, including the early travelers in ancient times, the discovery of the New World, explorations in Africa and Australia, and the expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Many of the explorers tell part of their story in their own words. Amply illustrated with reproductions of early maps and charts, as well as old woodcuts, drawings, paintings, and miniatures. :D

Emphasis is placed on the explorers' 'record of splendid endurance, of hardships bravely borne, of silent toil, of courage and resolution unequalled in the annals of mankind, of self-sacrifice unrivalled and faithful lives laid ungrudgingly down.' Ages 12-18; 527 pages
Link to see inside: http://www.yesterdaysclassics.com/previ ... review.pdf

The Archeology Book (winner of 2013 Practical Homeschooling Award)
The Archaeology Book takes you on an exciting exploration of history and ancient cultures. You'll learn both the techniques of the archaeologist and the accounts of some of the richest discoveries of the Middle East that demonstrate the accuracy and historicity of the Bible. :D

In The Archaeology Book you will unearth:
*How archaeologists know what life was like in the past
*Why broken pottery can tell more than gold or treasure can
*Some of the difficulties in dating ancient artifacts
*How the brilliance of ancient cultures demonstrates God's creation
*History of ancient cultures, including the Hittites, Babylonians, and Egyptians
*The early development of the alphabet and its impact on discovery
*The numerous archaeological finds that confirm biblical history
*Why the Dead Sea scrolls are considered such a vital breakthrough

Filled with vivid full-color photos, detailed drawings, and maps, you will have access to some of the greatest biblical mysteries ever uncovered. With the enhanced educational format of this book,it allows the ease of teaching the fundamentals of archaeology through complex insights to a variety of ages. Link to see inside: http://www.newleafpublishinggroup.com/c ... y-book.pdf

The Seven Wonders of the World
Ron Tagliapietra’s The Seven Wonders of the World describes the original seven ancient Wonders of the World and examines other examples in the categories "The Seven Technological Wonders," "The Seven Archaeological Wonders," "The Seven Architectural Wonders," and "The Seven Natural Wonders." :D

Why are the pyramids so intriguing? Why is Stonehenge so mysterious? Where are the Iguaza Falls and why did they make the list? How many natural wonders are in the United States? Where was King Ludwig Konig from and what architectural wonder did he build? Part biography, part mystery, part adventure, this volume will capture imaginations from page one.
Link to see inside: http://www.bjupress.com/product/120329

Must See Places of the World - 6 DVD Set (840 min.)
From historic landmarks to off-beaten path discoveries, you would need several lifetimes to see all the magnificent places and natural wonders included in this lavish box set. Here is your passport to the world's most memorable destinations as captured by Reader's Digest's team of the world's best travel filmmakers. Each adventure-packed program captures the visual magnificence of each destination, explores its history, and shares its stories. Now you are ready for the journeys of a lifetime that you can take anytime! 6 discs totaling 840 min. :D

Disc 1: Must-See Places: Magnificent Planet/Marvels of Mankind - The world's most seasoned travel editors selected this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary of the world's most spectacular places. Your awe-inspiring journey includes the Sahara Desert, Victoria Falls, the Grand Canyon, Banff National Park, the Amazon Rainforest, the Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal, and Petra in Jordan.

Disc 2: Must-See Places: Wildlife Treasures - This awe-inspiring program captures the planet's most wondrous creatures in their natural habitats, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Giant Panda, and the dazzlingly diverse marine creatures that inhabit Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Disc 3: Journey's of a Lifetime - This three-part program embarks on the global odyssey of your dreams. Experience the world's most spectacular places and wondrous sights, each at the ideal time of year. Your itinerary includes Kenya's wild savannah, the Great Wall of China, the lost city of Petra, the Grand Canyon, Jerusalem on Easter morning, and New England in autumn.

Disc 4: Australia the Beautiful - Thrill to the rare, remote, and exotic wonders of Australia! From misty forests to canyons that conceal secrets from the age of dinosaurs, this three-part program captures all of Australia's dazzling wildlife and glorious landscapes few visitors are privileged to see.

Disc 5: Mysteries of the Ancient World - How were the pyramids constructed? What is the truth behind King Arthur and Camelot? What was the mysterious tribe of 4,000-year-old mummies discovered in the Taklamakan desert? These and other fascinating mysteries are explored in this captivating three-part program that takes a fresh look at some of history's oldest and most baffling mysteries.

Disc 6: Scenic Cruises of the World - Set sail on a dream cruise around the world's most dramatic coastlines to more than twenty countries, islands, and other dramatically varied locations. This three-part series makes unforgettable stops at Nova Scotia, the Mayan ruins of Guatemala, the Panama Canal, Big Sur, and Alaska, and much more.

We pray you will be as excited about this guide as we are! It has been awhile in the planning, and we will have many months and hours left yet before completion. We are thrilled to share it with you! :D

Blessings,
Carrie

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:28 pm
by Mom2Monkeys
Just amazing, Carrie!!! I am so excited to see this (and my oldest is just in Rev2Rev :D ) I loooooove your choices!

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:55 am
by davisfam7
Whoohoo! I've been waiting for this sneak peak and I love the choices!!! I think I am going to be doing this guide right alongside my kids!! Thanks so much Carrie! Praying for strength and wellness for you and your family as you complete this. Thanks again for blessing us all!

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:37 am
by mskogen
Each sneak peek is more exciting than the last! So thankful for HOD and the Austin family. Sure wish my oldest was starting this guide when it comes out...but we have a few years. Patience :wink:

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:02 am
by LynnH
Carrie I love this line up. I just recently finished "Book of Discovery" and I loved the living book feel of it. I was worried about how Noah would do with it though since I sometimes had trouble visualizing the events in the book. Matching it with Mapping the World Through Art sounds like the perfect combination. Being able to draw the maps of the areas he is reading about will be such a great way to improve understanding. I may have to re-read it and do the mapping myself :D . I also love the sounds of the other resources. We have also found that trying to find DVD's that show the beautiful places in our world without having evolutionary content is pretty impossible. I love that this guide will come after he has done the evolution resource in MTMM's science. That will make it even easier for him to watch with a discerning eye.

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:31 am
by Toni
Wow is all I can say. I am simply blown away by the wonderful resources that you select and how you dove tail them together. God has truly blessed you in your work and I am blessed to be on the receiving end of this through using the curriculum. I only wish I had started with it five years ago! :D

Toni
DD 10 Grade 5
DD 5 Grade K
Starting HOD in the fall

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:33 am
by davisfam7
Carrie,
A side note on the DVD's. We have also found the same issues in the past with trying to find exciting and beautiful videos that do not have evolutionary content. I started training my kids a long time ago to "find the evolution" in whatever videos we were watching. They play this game with everything they watch. It is usually a race to see who can find it first. This has lead to them being able to pick it out even in it's subtlest forms. This means two great things: 1. They are really listening to the material, and 2. it sparks great discussion and we can stop the video and discuss the TRUTH based on Scripture. I feel that Highschoolers especially should be able to have these exposures so that they can be prepared to deal with these issues out in the world as they grow into adulthood. This also prepares them to have ready intelligent answers. I feel they are worth having in a well rounded Geography study!!

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 8:42 am
by water2wine
Can not wait!!!! It sounds amazing and I know it will be. Can't wait to use it. I think I may need to do this program myself. :D

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:00 am
by raindrops
You post a lot of these, Carrie: :D

I have to laugh because I looked just like that while reading your post. Huuuuge grin.

Your selections look fantastic, thank you so very much for all your hard work and the love and care you put into the guides... and our children. *I* can hardly wait to see these books/ DVD's, and do them with my children. Just amazing!

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 11:17 am
by blessedmama
Great job, Carrie! You are truly gifted!

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:37 pm
by annaz
I am jazzed! I really, really, really , really wanted to use Mapping Geography through Art.
:mrgreen:

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:02 pm
by Tiffini
Mapping through Art looks brilliant! There is a new kind of excitement now in seeing these Sneak Peeks since I will be using this Guide next year instead of in two years - and for two years in a row and four times total! :D I love what you have put together here and can't wait to get my hands on all of it!

Re: Sneak Peek #9: New World Geography Guide

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:43 am
by Carrie
Ladies,

Hooray! I'm so glad to see you're excited about these choices! :D We are too! :D

We pray that the mix of resources will give students a good overview of World Geography and World Religions and Cultures that will be of help to them as we head into World History and American History the following years. :D What a terrific time to cover the geography, religions, and cultures of the world as a foundation for future studies! It makes so much sense to study geography at a time when students are mature enough to gain a better grasp and a fuller picture of these places and can actually apply that knowledge to the study of the history of the world to come. I love seeing the layers of the HOD programs coming together to build a fuller picture of God's amazing plan for creation! :D

Blessings,
Carrie