Geography project brings Europe to students

COLLINWOOD, TENN. - For the past two weeks, elementary students and middle school students in Collinwood have been on a field trip to Europe - without leaving southern Tennessee.

"It's really been fun, and we've learned so much about different places in Europe," said Brianna Tidwell, 12, a seventh-grade student.

Tidwell and other students in grades fifth through eighth have been involved in a national project geared at learning more about the world and promoting geography.

"This group has really been great," said Sherri Collie, seventh-grade geography teacher and organizer of the project. "We started about two weeks ago and they have really worked hard and taken an interest in what's going on."

Collie said Nov. 15-21 is Geography Awareness Week, and all of the work that has been done is a part of this program to promote geography.

This year's theme is "Get lost in mapping: Find your place in the world."

Collie said students have used this week to take a close look at the culture, people and makeup of European countries.

One of the assignments for the project was for each grade to make postcards of various countries, Collie said.

"They got information for assigned countries and then they had to draw pictures and put different information about their particular countries," Collie said. "It's really been an eye-opening experience for them."

She said students have made place mat settings that display different attractions in Europe as well as worked a lot on mapping skills.

Tidwell said she liked studying about the Eiffel Tower.

"That was my favorite. I'd like to go see it in person one day," she said.

Collie said the project required a lot of hands-on activities and experiments.

"I believe the kids learn more by getting involved, being hands-on, than just sitting, writing and reading all day," she said. "We try to incorporate a lot of hands-on activities with the project to make it stick with them.

"My goal is for them to learn why geography is important, learn about other countries, the people of those countries, and have fun while they do it. I want the students to look forward to this project."

Today, students will have a chance to show off what they learned and created as a part of Geo-Day.

Throughout the day in the middle school gym, the public will have a chance to see what the students have done during the past two weeks.

"We'll have different games and activities going on - all with a European theme," Collie said.

She said visitors can enjoy scones with tea, as well as a game of cricket and a European fashion show.

"Everything we've done will be on display," Collie said.

"The public will get a chance to visit Europe through the crafts, activities and demonstrations just like the students did."

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.