Teaching Geography Lessons with Bible Principles

Teaching Geography Lessons with Bible Principles

We have such an amazing opportunity set before us to open our children’s eyes to Bible Principles pertaining to Geography.  I know it sounds a bit abstract when I say that.  Because I’ve been there.  But listen, none of us have to walk this path alone.  If you don’t know how to go about teaching geography lessons with Bible Principles, keep reading.

Defining Geography

One of the first steps is to help our students learn the right and proper definition of geography.  Since modern dictionary definitions alter the true meanings of many words, we’ll refer to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

“Geography, n. [Geo Gr. the earth, and Graphy Gr. to write, to describe.]

1. Properly, a description of the earth or terrestrial globe, particularly of the divisions of its surface, natural and artificial, and of the position of the several countries, kingdoms, states, cities, etc. As a science, geography includes the doctrine or knowledge of the astronomical circles or divisions of the sphere, by which the relative position of places on the globe may be ascertained, and usually treatisies of geography contain some account of the inhabitants of the earth, of their government, manners, etc., and an account of the principal animals, plants, and minerals.

2. A book containing a description of the earth.”

What You’ll Need

In general, this is what you’ll need:

• A globe
• Maps
• Geography text book
• Geography Literature
• Paper
• Pencil (No. 2 and/or color pencils)
• A copy of Physical Geography by Arnold Guyot
• The topic of volcanoes and/or earthquakes

Volcano and Earthquake Curricula

Are you needing a curriculum on this topic? While there are many curricula out there that offer these topics, there are few that are worth your hard earned money. Therefore, I’m briefly introducing you to Northwest Treasures who offers amazing Bible-based curricula to choose from. And they teach from a young-earth, global flood perspective with a Biblical worldview.  So, happily check them out and consider what you’d like to teach from during this coming school year.

Why Bother With Going to the Bible

Ordinarily, parents teach from the curriculum or literature based on the topic. But how often do we take our children to God’s Word to learn about what He has to say about it?  While many of us have probably read in the Bible about instances involving volcanoes/earthquakes, have we paused to consider:

• Volcanoes aren’t the crucible of Creation
• Both volcanoes and earthquakes a result of the fall of mankind
• They have purpose
• God uses them both for different reasons
• They teach us about God
• Understanding how God uses them evokes more reverential awe of Him

Introducing the Leading Idea

As you’re getting your textbook or literature book out that addresses or mentions volcanoes/earthquakes, there are several Leading Ideas to choose from. For instance, you can start out with, “Today we’re learning about volcanoes. And do you know that we learn in the Bible about different ways God uses volcanoes throughout History (His Story)? Let’s learn about volcanoes and then see what we can discover about them in the Bible.”

God has used/will use earthquakes throughout history to show His:

• Presence
• Deliverance
• Wrath
• Power

And has used/will use earthquakes throughout history to:

• Announce Christ’s return
• Accompany prophetic events
• Reshape the earth’s surface

To be clear, each of these can be used for a daily lesson. In essence, you have seven different lessons right here. Of course, this isn’t all you’d offer in the lesson. But we’ll get to that in a moment.

Bible Principles That Accompany the Leading Ideas

There is a purpose for every aspect of God’s creation! Once you introduce the Leading Idea to your student, you can dig into God’s Word to learn what He has to say about it.

For instance, to include with your lesson on volcanoes from whatever curriculum you’re learning from, you can discuss:

God’s Presence:

• Can cause the earth to shake. If you think Psalm 114:7
• May trigger volcanoes.  Read: Nahum 1:5; Psalm 104:32; Exodus 20:18; Exodus 19:18; 1 Samuel 14:15

And there are many more Bible Principles on this topic. If you’re a Caterpillar member, you can downloadable a copy to print. But if you’re not already a Caterpillar Member, you can sign up for free by going here.

Relating From the Lesson 

Record What‘s Learned

• Do a drawing of or cut and paste a volcano on an 8.5 x 11 card stock paper. Label the anatomy of the volcano and file it in your notebook.
• Write some things you learned from your Bible study on volcanoes and file them in your notebook.
• Write a paragraph on what it was like to visit a volcano and more information you learned about Mt. St. Helens.
• Take photos during your visit to Mt. St. Helens and scrapbook them on a page in your notebook.

Additional Recommended Resources:DVD: Mount St. Helens: A Big Bang for Creation

DVD: Mount St. Helens: Explosive Evidence For Catastrophe by the Institute for Creation Research. From the back cover:

“On May 18, 19810, the volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens opened a new window of understanding about the geologic history of our planet. Join geologist Steve Austin as he reveals the fascinating results of his field investigations of Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake.

Explore with him:

• What happened in the 1980 eruption.

• The rapid formation of geologic structures such as strata, canyons, log deposits, etc.

• How Mount St. Helens has changed our view of the Grand Canyon and other land features.

• What this event says about the earth, the Flood, man, and God. “