I have a confession, I really like post-apocalyptic fiction. Â Last year I wanted to take some of this enjoyment and create some tension and fun in the classroom.
I decided to make my favourite resource of all time, a geographical scheme of work based on the concept of a disease spreading around the world, through Europe and into the UK. I wanted to add a sense of excitement and tension through challenges that led to learning and the practice of key geographical skills.
I spent a number of hours last summer creating the perfect project and thoroughly enjoyed teaching it. Unfortunately my students at the time didn’t quite get my enthusiasm and eagerness, oh well.
Within this scheme of work is a booklet, as students work through the activities they have challenges to complete in order to find their way to safety.
They start with 12 hours (6 lessons), each mistake they make in the work costs them 1 day. Their challenge is to make it to the end with as many ‘days’ left as possible.
Ideally students work in groups to complete the challenges, sharing the workload and supporting one another through the tasks. Each mission is essentially a lesson depending on the ability of your students.
Missions look something like this…
Mission Objective 1 – Map Infected Cities across the World Mission Objective 2 – Decode the message, find the identified locations Mission Objective 3 – create a map to show the spread of the disease in the UK Mission Objective 4 – Locate supplies and feed directions to the team on foot Mission Objective 5 – Locate and Find Survivors Mission Objective 6 – Locate to Safety
There’s plenty of room for extension for your more able students with Missions to Extend at the end and possibility for differentiation throughout.
In addition each mission has success criteria and resources for self/peer assessment.
So I guess here’s the part you’re waiting for… the resources.
Yes… they’re coming.
You can find them here for free, all I ask is that you do not edit and share.
Feedback is welcomed!!!
Hope you can make use of it.
