Geography through experiential learning

School Web Desk

Gurugram, October 26

Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Gurugram, recently completed an expedition for its 4th graders. The expedition on ‘Maps- Exploration and Movement’ was designed to assist the students in understanding their expanding social and physical spaces and they went from near to far like they do while exploring most other concepts. Its objective was also to help students understand the reasons behind the journeys taken by people and the impact such journeys and movements have had in shaping the world around us. The students explored the various geographical features of the planet they inhabit and tried to comprehend their expanse. 

The expedition was divided into 3 parts each with distinct learning objectives:

• The first part was to do with understanding the various components of the map. This included seeing how a map is different from a picture of a place and then studying the various essential elements of a map like directions, symbols and legends and interpreting the scale on a map.
• The second part included using different kinds of maps to explore how the natural and cultural environments of people are related. In this part students learnt about the different types of maps as well as the variety of landforms on earth. They went into depth of how landforms and natural resources influence settlements and migration of people.
• The third part of the project focused on explaining how the movement of people, things and ideas shaped the world. Students used their map reading skills to understand the fascinating journeys of humankind that were filled with adventures, bravery, inventions and discoveries.

The expedition was another classic example of an expedition that so naturally brought multiple subject areas into its fold each adding and supporting to the learning from the other. The fundamentals of Geography like learning to read and create maps and the different kind of landforms were studied. The expedition explored the concept of migration and the reasons behind why people move and also how goods and ideas have travelled from early recorded history and continue to do so.

 Students also went in-depth into studying the diversity that exists in various states of India and the reasons that contribute to this diversity. They learnt to appreciate diversity and the rich cultural exchanges that come about because of it and started seeing it as something to be preserved and encouraged. The above-mentioned strands are a part of social sciences subject area that were taken up during the expedition.

 Students learnt about informative writing as part of this expedition and attempted several drafts of informative writing about different places and events. Math was integrated as ratio and proportion forms the basis of scaling and students picked it up with ease as they could relate to its practical application. Physics was used while making the compass as the concept of Earth’s magnetic field was delved into.  Elements of performing and visual arts were used for the culmination where crafts of India were showcased by students.

 “The experiential learning through these expeditions ensures that students learn through authentic, engaging, and hands-on experiences. These expeditions help students develop their cognitive and creative abilities and stimulate their minds as they explore unique and complex problems and try to find meaningful solutions to them. Experiential learning accelerates the development of vital skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and effective decision-making,” said Neena Kaul, Principal, Heritage Xperiential Learning Systems.