One of the most important tools in any classroom would be globes. Ideally, there should be at the minimum, one per class. They're excellent to use for interactive and hands-on learning and topics like geography. Students can have a lot of fun playing games and participating in activities while learning about the different landmasses and oceans of the world with the help of a globe.
Here are a few games and activities that you can conduct using a globe.
Around the World
This game can be modified to be simple or complicated, depending on the age and level of the class. Spin and move the globe randomly and place your finger on it. Read the area when your finger landed and have your students name the places near it. You can also mix it up by asking them for any significant landmarks, known cities or states, and even the language of the area. Another idea is to ask them to imagine what they would pack and bring there if they would have the chance to visit the place. Customs and culture are also good topics to talk about.
Find It
The game has very simple instruction. You just need to name a location and the class needs to find it. Turn it into a race to make it more interesting. Divide the class into teams, give them each a globe and a list of countries or cities to look for, and who ever finds all the places the fastest wins. Challenge your students by choosing areas that are not very familiar. Use post-it makers so they don't have to write or pin the globe and avoid damaging it.
World Coordinates
World globes come with latitudes and longitudes. This activity is a great way for then student to learn how to find places using coordinates and how to get the coordinates of certain places. Before you do this activity, make sure the students have a clear idea and knowledge about latitudes and longitudes and that the map's meridian and details are very clear. This is just a variation of the "find it" game, but it's more challenging.
Alphabet Game
Younger kids can also enjoy some activities and games with a globe. Staring with the letter A, have them suggest or name a place for every letter (for example, A for Arizona) and then let them locate the area. To modify this for older students, pick the place yourself, have them locate it and then ask follow-up questions about the area. You can also have them ask you questions as clues to figure out where the place is and then locate it.
These are just a few examples of interactive games and activities that you can do with a globe. You can get a simple, inflatable globe in most educational supply stores. But if you really want to purchase one of those big, wooden or metal ones, some specialty stores do carry them, but it's better if you get them online. You'll have a wider selection and the prices are considerably cheaper.
