In 2015, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported that 75 percent of U.S. eighth-graders did not have a solid foundation in geography. According to U.S. News and World Report, geography is not a required subject in middle and high school. As a result, many kids (and adults) don't have a solid grasp of U.S or world geography.
Think you have what it takes to pass a geography bee? Try our quiz! (It's really hard!)
National Geographic created Geography Awareness Week (November 12-18, 2017) to excite kids and adults about geography. What better way to celebrate this important week and fill the gaps our kids may have on the topic with some super fun geography-based games, toys and activities to make learning geography fun?
Here are some great options:
Puzzle Globe
Spin your way into Geography Week with this Puzzle Globe, which highlights landmarks and animals. Each puzzle piece (continent) fits into one hole on the globe to make it easy for little ones to place. All seven continents are represented (six continent puzzle pieces plus stationary Antarctica). Globe measures 8" in diameter; largest piece (Asia) measures 5¾"L. Includes: 6 Continent puzzle pieces, 6 Continent labels, Sheet of blank label stickers.
This fun, interactive puzzle map will help little learners learn state names, landmarks, plants, animals and more! Each of the 44 pieces matches an outline to help children put the correct piece in the correct spot. Great for working on fine motor skills. Measures 19"L x 13"H when complete.
Bring the whole world to any room in the house with this huge, vinyl floor mat. Colorful and sturdy, the wipe-clean mat is large enough for children to stand or sit on, and can be hung as a decoration when not in use. All continents are color-coded and labeled, and all oceans are labeled. Set includes 24 flag markers in four colors and 21 "clue" cards containing multiple facts about natural landmarks, agriculture, climate, and more. Activity Guide included.
This talking 12" globe uses audio and visual cues, light and sound effects, and music to help younger children learn geography. It includes easy-to-turn knob controls designed for little hands and features a quiz game. Requires 4 C batteries (not included) or AC Adapter (available separately).
Young children learn U.S. or world geography as they create a colorful, illustrated map. The USA Foam Map features 54 interlocking pieces with all 50 states, capitals, landmarks, wildlife and more. With the World Foam Map, you've got the whole world in your hands with this giant, fun-to-assemble foam puzzle. Tour continents and countries all around the world from Australia to Zimbabwe. Both the USA and World Foam Maps are sold separately. Water-resistant foam wipes clean; measures 3'L x 2'H
Oh no! All of the states have gotten themselves completely scrambled and lost! Florida is stuck in a blizzard up north! Maine has been stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for days! Do you have the good 'ol American know-how to sort them all out and get them all home? Pass five state cards out to each player and then place the scramble cards and the rest of the state cards face down in two piles on the table. It's time to start sorting! Memorizing the locations and characters of all fifty states can be tough. With the Scrambled States of America Game, it's not just easy, it's FUN!
