Geographic Awareness Week
(GAW)
Theme: Making Spaces of Possibility
2025 Schedule of Events
November 17-21
Each year, over 100,000 plus world-wide citizens actively participate in Geography Awareness Week. Geography Awareness Week, aka GAW or GeoWeek, was established by Presidential proclamation over 37 years ago. This annual public awareness program, originally organized by National Geographic Education Programs (NGEP) and coordinated in the US by the American Association of Geographers (AAG), encourages citizens young and old to think and learn about the interconnectedness of our world.
This year we will explore ...
with events tied to the 5 themes of Geography.
Location - Place - Movement - Human Environment Interaction - Region
DAILY/SCHEDULED EVENTS
11/17 Monday
!!GAW!! - Oh the places you can go when you know where you are!
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
FHSU Campus, Memorial Union, 1st Floor, table by Starbucks
The Geosciences Club will be hosting a table in the Union. Stop by to find out what Geography Awareness Week is all about! Information will be provided on events throughout the week. And, find out more about how Geosciences knowledge will give you unlimited possibilities to explore the spaces around you.
PLUS Let your creative side free and participate in our Map Creation Contest.
Contest Time: Monday 11/17 11:00 am - Monday 11/24 noon.
Contest details will be available at our table or here (link will be activated Monday).
On-Line Challenge
Go Green!
We challenge you to wear green today.
AND share something with us on social media that you do in your everyday life that is an intentional action in sustainability. For example: using reusable grocery bags, using metal or bamboo straws, replacing high use lightbulbs with more energy efficient ones, recycling, using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, reducing light pollution by turning of un-needed lights at night, shopping local, ... there are so many things we look forward to seeing your ideas!
11/18 Tuesday
Toss It Tuesday - Do you know your Capitals?
We challenge you to check out the Capital Toss on-line game for state or country capitals by ABCya.
This is for ALL ages, get your game face on and check your capital knowledge.
Share your score with us on our facebook page. Note: some advanced aspects of this game require you to create a log in and paid subscription , if you want a generally free game check out the next game listed below.
OR
Travel Tuesday - Can you decifer where you are based on geolocation clues?
The Geoguessr game is a challenge game where you are virtually dropped somewhere in the world and you have to explore the area looking for geographic and cultural clues to your location.
We think this is a great way to explore the world, and put both your geographic knowledge and sleuthing skills to the test. Share your score and experience with us on our facebook page.
On-Line Challenge
Go Blue!
We challenge you to wear blue today.
AND share something with us on social media that you do in your everyday life that is an intentional action in water conservation or safety. We look forward to seeing your hero actions in protecting water resources!
11/19 Wednesday - GIS Day
Curious about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and want to know (or share) how the daily applications of GIS may be impacting you? GIS Day @GeoFHSU is part of a nationwide event to promote awareness of GIS and how we use this evolving tool to analyze the world.
Events include presentations, lunch, and other engaging activities.
***Click on the link above to view the full schedule of events.***
On-Line Challenge
Go Yellow!
We challenge you to wear yellow today.
AND share with us on social media the number of different maps you use (or see) on a daily basis. Extra points if you can report what projection each of the maps you interact (or see) uses.
11/20 Thursday
Friendsgiving: Foods Around the World
5:00-7:00 pm
Tomanek Hall 2nd Floor
We are hosting a Friendsgiving potluck supper for all who are inclined to explore the world and cultures around you. All are welcome to join us in celebrating a time of giving, sharing, and exploring through taste.
Meat will be provided; we ask that you bring a dish to share with others.
CHALLENGE: Bring a dish, or use seasonings, not common in KS. Extra points for food from around the world.
RSVP & Sign-up in the main Geosciences Office, Tomanek Hall 233 or via email to geosciences@fhsu.edu
On-Line Challenge
Go Red!
We challenge you to wear red today.
AND share with us on social media your favorite cultural or ethnic food holiday food (pick any holiday during the year).
11/21 Friday
Flags of the World Friday
2-part challenge
Part 1: Any time during the week take the on-line Contry Flags Quiz by World Geography Games. Share your score with us on our facebook page, or message us.
Part 2: Research flag symbols and meanings, then MAKE YOUR OWN PERSONAL FLAG for your space. You can draw, paint, craft, or digitally design your flag.
(Your space can be defined as: your house, your neighborhood, your work space, your play or fun space).
Share your flag creation and what it sybolizes to you via email to geosciences@fhsu.edu . Extra creative or unique submissions will be shared on our facebook page (with permission).
Note submissions that are: vulgar, negative, inappropriate for all ages, or incitive of violence or other negative actions - will not be acknowledged or considered.
On-Line Challenge
Go Rose/Pink!
We challenge you to wear rose/pink today.
AND share with us on social media something geography related that you are thankful for this year.
WEEK LONG Events, Contests, & Challenges
Map Creation Contest
Contest Time: Monday 11/17 11:00 am - Monday 11/24 noon.
Click here for Contest details
Other International Themed activities at FHSU
International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) Hosted by the International Student Services Office, International Education Week (IEW) coinsides with the celebration of geography awareness week and offers several other great events highlighting the wonderful and AWEmazing places and people in our world.
The FHSU International Student Services Office is hosting several exciting international themed activities that may also be of interest to you. Check out the FHSU International Programs & Events page for this year's activities.
GET INVOLVED
Check out the ArcGIS StoryMap of GAW hosted events to see if there is one near you.
Image source: American Association of Geographers, https://www.aag.org/geography-awareness-week-2024/
Further Readings and Additional Activities
Kansas Geographic Alliance Geography Awareness Week (GAW) website - This webpage offers news, reading, maps, lessons, and presentations aimed to help increase awareness of geography and help you celebrate this year's theme.
To find out more about National Geography Awareness Week and to find additional resources visit
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/programs/geography-awareness-week
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/celebrate-geography-awareness-week