The 8th Grade Social Studies at North Tahoe School is in desperate need of new atlases for students to practice and apply geography skills to area content. This grant would purchase 2 sets of atlases, each containing 30 student copies and access to online versions and student activity books. The sets include Nystrom Desk Atlas Pack and Nystrom Atlas of United States History Pack.
"Accepting the ubiquity and utility of digital maps, particularly among Generation Z undergraduate students, we argue that the comprehensive maps to be found in printed atlases can help to build geographical literacy, and function as relevant aids to in-class assessment methods." (Hill & Winn, 2025). Current research supports the use of printed atlases in the classroom to help build well rounded learning opportunities for students in the digital world. The world atlas allows students to build critical thinking and real-world skills that are applicable to all content areas, such as attention to details, comparing and contrasting, building spatial awareness and research skills. As 8th grade social studies focuses on U.S. History, the U.S. History atlas would be used in combination with content standards to draw conclusions from map data and build context within the content we are learning in class. Content standards addressed:
HSS.8.3 Students understand the foundation of the American political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it.
HSS.8.3.6. Describe the basic law-making process and how the Constitution provides numerous opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process and to monitor and influence government (e.g., function of elections, political parties, interest groups).
Currently, students use antiquated desk atlases during weekly Maps Monday activities, where they apply domestic and international geography knowledge through targeted questions. This routine promotes rich table discussions, whole-class conversations, and the development of geographic and information literacy skills.
With updated desk atlases and US History atlases aligned to grade-level content, students will be able to compare and contrast accurate, current information and deepen their understanding of geographic concepts. Access to updated resources will strengthen instruction and improve students’ ability to contextualize learning with reliable data.
Atlases are used weekly in class in order to practice and apply a multitude of geography skills including, but not limited to reading and interpreting different types of maps, using latitude and longitude coordinates, identifying countries, capitals, states, major cities, and understanding physical features. Atlases are used to differentiate student learning and allow for learning opportunities outside of technology. The technology versions of both atlases can be used for Independent Studies and Sports Contracts.
This book can be shared between grades 6-8 Social Studies Classes or other content areas depending on needs.