The Sassafras Science series zips you around the world to learn about science. And many of you have turned all those stops into a basic study of geography.

We did learn about mapping on our geology leg, which is chronicled in volume 5. Even so, we wanted to share with you all three ways you can add a bit of geography to your adventure right now!

Let’s get started . . .

What Is Geography?

Before we dig into the tips, I want to take a moment to explain what it means to study geography.

The Royal Geography Society says the following:

“Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.” (Read the rest)

In other words, geography is a look at the natural and social features of an area.

In geography, students learn about:

• The physical features of an area, such as mountains, rivers, and more;
• The social features of an area, such as the population, languages, and more;
• How to read and create maps.

So now that we understand what geography is, how can you add it to your Sassafras Science journey?

How To Add Geography To Your Sassafras Science Adventures

Just by reading the books, your students are learning a tiny bit of geography, especially if you are keeping your own SCIDAT logbook as we include a few maps in the journals.

However, by adding one or more of these three ideas – your geography learning will ramp up to the next level!

#1 – Track the journey on a map.

You will need:

• A large wall-sized map
• A handful of pins
• String (optional)

As you read through the novel, have the students look up and put a pin in every new location on the wall-sized map. It’s that simple.

If you want to add a string to show how the twins zip from place to place, just like the map in Uncle Cecil’s lab, you can certainly do so. You can see what this looks like in tip #3 of these review tips.

If you don't want to put a whole bunch of holes in your map, simple use a markable map and put a star on each of the stops along the journey. You can use different colors for each leg so that you can see how much globe-trotting we do throughout our science-learning journey!

#2 – Create a physical map.

You will need:

• A set of blank maps (If you don't have a set, check out this black line map book.)
• A world atlas (We like this one from DK.)

As you read through the novel, print out a map for each new location. Then, set aside a day to look up the physical features of that country in the atlas.

Have the students add the physical features, such as mountain ranges, rivers, and bordering countries or bodies of water, onto the country map. If you want, you can have the students also add the capital city for the country.

#3 – Make a country fact sheet.

You will need:

• A country fact sheet (Download a FREE Sassafras Country Fact Sheet)
• A world atlas (We like this one from DK.)

As you read through the novel, print out a country fact sheet for each new location. Then, set aside a day to learn about the social features of the area in the Atlas.

Have the students add the social features, such as the population, languages spoken, the flag, and the type of government, of the area to the country fact sheet. If there are any other major landmarks (i.e. tourist destinations) that the area is known for, have the students mark those as well.

Wrapping It Up

I trust that gives you a few ideas for how you can add geography to your Sassafras Science Adventure. Here is a handy chart of where our adventures lead us to help you plan your geographical additions!