Choosing a Topic for Your Geography Project
Once you have committed to being participants in your local Geography Fair, your student will need to choose a topic.
- Choose a country
- Choose a state (such as Indiana, Texas, or Alaska)
- Choose a region (the Northeastern United States, the Southwest United States, etc.)
- Choose a city
- Choose a theme
If your student wants to choose a theme, help her narrow her focus. One of my son’s chose Dinosaur Digs Around the World. Another year he chose Popular Pets Around the World. These themes were popular with the crowds that visited the fair.
Here are some other topics I’ve seen students choose:
- The Great Lakes
- Animals of Madagascar
- The Rainforests of the World
- The Nile River
- The Sahara Desert
- Polar Regions of the World
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Research Topics for Your Geography Project
The next part of the project is research.
It can be overwhelming at first, so here are some ideas to get you started. Don’t feel like you have to include everything in your presentation. You want your student to enjoy the learning and not to get exhausted with the project.
Overview of the Country, State, Region, or City
Show the location of the country using maps (you can photocopy pictures or make your own map; you could even make a salt dough map if you want a 3-D design). List the country’s physical characteristics including climate and landforms. Pictures (mountains, rivers, etc.) are appropriate. Show the country’s flag (sew one if you are ambitious) and other national symbols.
Population of the Country, State, Region, or City
Show the total population and interesting facts like population of ethnic groups and changes over time in the population. Charts and graphs are perfect for this kind of research.
Culture of the Country, State, Region, or City
Explain cultural characteristics of the country such as language, food, religion, entertainment, clothing, games, popular sports, holidays, etc.
If possible, you could add some real clothes or a cooking project to your display.
You could teach the people who visit your display a simple game. Culture is usually the most enjoyable part of learning about another country, so have fun with one! Even your littlest learners can be involved.
History of the Country, State, Region, or City
An older student may want to tell when and how was the country formed. List significant events in the country’s history by making a timeline.
Economy of the Country, State, Region, or City
What kind of work is common? What are the main products produced? What products are exported? What products are imported? How do people live? Where do they live? What are the cities like? What are the rural areas like? How have geographical features affected the economy?
Your student could also display currency or pictures of currency as part of his display.
Additional Geography Fair Research Topics
Find other interesting facts about the country:
- In what ways is this country unique?
- In what ways is it like other countries?
- What plants and animals are unique to the country?
- What famous people (artists, authors, etc.) were born in there?
- What is the weather like?
More Information for Geography Fairs
Check out my Geography Fairs Page for posts on:
- How to Start a Geography Fair
- 60+ Geography Project Ideas
- Behind the Scenes: Geography Fair Projects in the works!
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