Young People Learn More about Geography
Contributed by Big Lake Library Advocates
“Your sneakers were made in Taiwan but mine look just like yours and the label says China!” And “Our grapes are now coming from Peru and yours from Mexico, not California. Winter does change our food sources”. Similar comments were expressed as participants in the Big Lake Library Advocates first Geography Awareness Week contest, held November 14th-18th, turned in their activity sheets.
National Geographic created Geography Awareness Week to raise awareness and excite people about geography as both a discipline and as a part of everyday life.
Each year more than 100,000 Americans actively participate in Geography Awareness Week. Established by presidential proclamation more than 25 years ago, this annual public awareness program encourages citizens young and old to think and learn about the significance of a place and how we affect and are affected by it. Each third week of November, students, families and community members focus on the importance of geography.
The contest sponsored by the Big Lake Library Advocates encouraged participants to check labels on clothing and foods, or discover where a vehicle was manufactured, then log the item and its source on the contestant’s activity sheet. Maps and a globe in the Library entrance were available to then locate the place of origin. Participants, through Geography Awareness Week, learned more about how our daily lives rely upon products from Alaska, states outside, and other countries worldwide as well as finding on maps where those places are located.
All participants’ names were entered for a drawing on November 19. Library Advocates President Kit Duke drew the winning name and awarded a beautiful world atlas to the winner, Rachel.
Next year the Library Advocates plan to extend the celebration of Geography Awareness Week’s contest to two weeks to give more time for participants to learn more about geography while adding items to their lists. Stay tuned for particulars!
The Big Lake Library Advocates is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports the Big Lake Library, encourages reading and lifelong learning, and offers educational and civic activities. The Geography Awareness contest was a way to connect our community to the world of information and ideas. Please join to enjoy and participate in fun and informative activities. Sign up at biglakeadvocates@gmail.com or view our website, http://bl-libraryadvocates.weebly.com