Professionally Speaking Article: Tools of the Trade (Part 3)

Tools of the Trade

Think Outside the Map

Take your geography lessons to the next level with these tools for deeper learning and a new spin on core concepts. Students will leave their classroom behind and become explorers of distant continents and their own backyards.

BY CAELI MAZARA

1. Stack the Countries
   $3.99 — Visit Apple Store or Google Play

   This app offers three modes of play, a mini-journey around the world, and flash cards that give a snapshot of a nation. Puzzle-style mode asks players to fit countries into a blank continent, and geography trivia rewards correct answers with a country outline players "stack" to reach a finish line.

   Grades 3–6

2. National Geographic Education: Maps
   Free

   A rich resource for any classroom, this site offers a free map-making platform and downloadable maps. Access lesson plans like "Mapping World Heritage" where students explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and "Geography of a Pencil," which traces the route from tree to trade to desktop.

   Grades K–12

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