Connected PlacesGEOGRAPHY PROJECT

Your field guide

Make a discovery
worth sharing.

Choose a path, make a plan, and create an evidence-based project that helps others see a place in a new way.

6weeks to explore
1big geographic question
∞possible discoveries

The assignment

Investigate a connection between people, places, and change.

Your project should answer the driving question with accurate research, geographic evidence, a clear point of view, and a format that teaches your audience something meaningful.

Choose a place, region, route, or geographic issue.

It may be local or global, historic or current—as long as your inquiry connects to the theme Connected Places: Geography, Culture & Change.

Choose your route

Project possibilities

These formats are starting points, not limits. Students may propose another format when it meets the project requirements.

01

Story map or atlas

Map a journey, explain a region, compare places, or trace how an issue moves across space.

Best for visual organizers
02

Geographic data investigation

Use graphs, tables, and maps to reveal a pattern in climate, population, resources, hazards, or migration.

Best for pattern finders
03

Culture & daily life exhibit

Curate artifacts, visuals, captions, and a map to show how geography influences cultural life.

Best for storytellers
04

Landform, biome, or watershed model

Build a labeled model that explains how a physical system works and affects people.

Best for makers
05

Travel, migration, or trade route guide

Create a researched guide that follows people, goods, ideas, or a route through several places.

Best for planners
06

Oral history or place interview

Interview a community member and connect their story to maps, context, and respectful interpretation.

Best for listeners
07

Photo essay or mini-documentary

Use original or credited media with narration and captions to tell a geographic story.

Best for media creators
08

Community challenge proposal

Research a place-based issue and propose an evidence-informed response for a real audience.

Best for problem solvers
09

Food, water, or resource journey

Trace how a resource reaches people and the geographic, cultural, and environmental choices along the way.

Best for systems thinkers
10

Compare & connect exhibit

Compare two places through a focused lens such as climate, housing, celebrations, or access to water.

Best for questioners

Choose wisely

A strong topic is
interesting, focused,
and researchable.

Before you commit, ask:

  1. 1What am I genuinely curious to understand?
  2. 2Can I find trustworthy maps, sources, data, or people to learn from?
  3. 3Is my question narrow enough to investigate in six weeks?
  4. 4Which project format will help my audience understand my idea best?
  5. 5What geographic concepts will I be able to explain?

Teacher conference: Bring two possible topics and one question for each. We will help you turn curiosity into a workable plan.

Plan the journey

Six-week timeline

Use each checkpoint to stay on track. Your teacher will customize dates and provide feedback along the way.

WEEK 1

Wonder & choose

Brainstorm, research possibilities, select a topic, and draft a driving question.

Checkpoint: topic proposal
WEEK 2

Research

Collect sources, notes, maps, interviews, and data. Practice citation habits.

Checkpoint: research plan & sources
WEEK 3

Make meaning

Sort evidence, identify patterns, and decide what your audience needs to understand.

Checkpoint: claim & evidence organizer
WEEK 4

Create

Build a first version. Include maps, visuals, labels, and an explanation of your evidence.

Checkpoint: first draft or prototype
WEEK 5

Revise & rehearse

Use feedback to strengthen accuracy, organization, design, and presentation.

Checkpoint: peer feedback & revision plan
WEEK 6

Share

Finish your product, practice explaining it, and prepare to welcome visitors at the fair.

Checkpoint: final project & reflection

What success looks like

Every project tells an accurate, engaging geographic story.

Use this checklist as you work. Your teacher may add grade-level requirements or a rubric.

Research & evidence

  • Use at least three trustworthy sources.
  • Include a map, data display, or other geographic evidence.
  • Credit words, images, data, and ideas that are not your own.

Writing & content

  • State a focused question and a clear takeaway.
  • Use accurate geography vocabulary in your own words.
  • Write readable titles, labels, captions, and a source list.

Design & presentation

  • Organize information so visitors can follow it.
  • Make visuals purposeful, legible, and respectful.
  • Prepare a 1–2 minute explanation plus time for questions.

Reflection & citizenship

  • Explain how your thinking changed.
  • Consider multiple perspectives and avoid stereotypes.
  • Describe one connection to our community or world.

For families

Encourage the process. Let the student own the product.

Family support matters most when it builds confidence, routines, and conversation—not when it takes over the work.

01

Ask open questions

“What are you noticing?” “What evidence supports that?” “What would you like to learn next?”

02

Make time & space

Set aside short work sessions, gather simple materials, and help your student meet checkpoints.

03

Be a practice audience

Listen to the explanation, ask one curious question, and celebrate revision and persistence.

04

Share lived experience

Tell stories about places, travel, work, food, family traditions, or changes you have observed.