Did you know that Americans' geography skills are some of the weakest in the developed world? A report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) found only about one-fourth of American students are proficient in geography. Twenty-one percent of fourth grade students, 27% of eighth graders and just 20% of 12th grade students performed at or above the proficient level on the 2010 geography assessment. For more information, visithttp://newsfeed.time.com/2011/07/21/where-is-america-only-one-quarter-of-u-s-students-are-proficient-in-geography/

That said: Absolute and relative location are two basic, important geography tools that all students must master. Why not teach students these vital skills in a fun, active way? This assignment will do just that!

This zip file contains the assignment in TWO formats: (1) PDF file and (2) Microsoft Word document.

Absolute location, of course, requires students to use latitude and longitude to give their answers. Relative location requires cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and intermediate directions (northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest). 

While there are many available assignments to teach these concepts to elementary school and middle school/junior high school students, here's one with a twist! 

Students will locate all 32 NFL football teams using absolute and relative location. 

This would be an effective assignment near the beginning of the school year, when students are transitioning into autumn and the NFL season opens its newest season. However, its strength will help reinforce skills later in the school year as well.

Included, please find the assignment with a chart for record-keeping, an answer key, and an idea for an extension assignment.

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