Exploros | Medieval Europe: Geography and Environment

Medieval Europe: Geography and Environment

Students begin with a brief review of what they know about major geographical features of Europe. Then, they work in small groups to research specific types of European geographical features, such as mountains, waterways, and climate. Next, they read about the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age, two marked climatic changes that had major effects on European history. Finally, they learn about medieval European life and its connection to geography.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students begin with a brief review of what they know about major geographical features of Europe. Then, they work in small groups to research specific types of European geographical features, such as mountains, waterways, and climate. Next, they read about the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age, two marked climatic changes that had major effects on European history. Finally, they learn about medieval European life and its connection to geography.

Students will work together in small groups in scene 2.

Objectives

Locate and describe the physical geography of medieval Europe.
Identify the ways that geography influenced medieval European civilization.

Europe is one of the smallest continents, but it has a rich history. In this experience, you’ll learn how its geography and history are connected.

Objectives

Locate and describe the physical geography of medieval Europe.
Identify the ways that geography influenced medieval European civilization.

Location of Europe

See how much you know about Europe. (Don’t worry, this isn’t a quiz!) Look at the physical map of contemporary Europe below.

Using the map and your finger, see if you can locate:

France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Russia
Rhine and Danube Rivers
Mountain range that separates France and Italy
Mountain range that separates France and Spain
Which of the following countries is an island: Germany, Russia, Ireland, or Norway

Do you know more about European geography now than when you started this experience? You’ll learn more during the scenes that follow.

Write one or more things that you knew about European geography and one or more things that you just learned.

Briefly discuss the results of students’ table as a prelude to learning more about Europe’s geography in this experience.

Divide students into their small groups for the next scene. Assign each group one of the following geographical traits of Europe: waterways, mountains and lowlands, and climate. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.