The Geographer's Toolkit · Weeks 1-9

Geospatial Technology: GPS and Remote Sensing

Investigating the principles and applications of GPS and remote sensing (satellite imagery) in modern geography.

About This Topic

The study of Push and Pull Factors of Migration helps students understand the complex reasons why over 280 million people live outside their country of birth. By distinguishing between 'push' factors (like war or famine) and 'pull' factors (like job opportunities or religious freedom), students develop a nuanced view of human movement. This topic also introduces the critical distinction between voluntary migrants and refugees, a distinction that is central to modern global politics.

In a 7th grade context, this unit connects human geography to historical patterns of migration in the United States. It encourages students to look at the 'brain drain' and the cultural enrichment that follows migration. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation as they weigh the difficult choices families must make when deciding to move.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The Migration Decision

Assign students family profiles with specific challenges (e.g., a drought-stricken farm, a job offer in a distant city). Students must discuss as a 'family' whether the pull factors of a new location outweigh the push factors of their home.

⏱ 35 min·Small Groups

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Gallery Walk: Stories of Migration

Display short narratives or primary source excerpts from various historical and modern migrants. Students move through the 'gallery' to identify and categorize the specific push and pull factors mentioned in each story.

⏱ 40 min·Individual

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Think-Pair-Share: The Impact of 'Brain Drain'

Students reflect on what happens to a town if all its doctors and teachers move away. They share their thoughts with a partner and then brainstorm ways a country might 'pull' its citizens back home.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

All migrants move because they want to.

What to Teach Instead

Many people are forced to move due to conflict or disaster. Using 'Role Play' helps students empathize with the lack of choice faced by refugees compared to voluntary migrants.

Common Misconception

Migration only benefits the destination country.

What to Teach Instead

Migration often results in 'remittances' (money sent back home) and cultural exchange that benefits both sides. Peer discussion about local immigrant businesses can help illustrate these mutual benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a refugee and an immigrant?

An immigrant usually chooses to move for better opportunities (pull factors), while a refugee is forced to flee their home to escape danger like war or persecution (push factors).

What are the most common 'push' factors today?

Common push factors include lack of jobs, political instability, natural disasters, and the effects of climate change on agriculture.

How does migration change a country's culture?

Migration leads to cultural diffusion, where new foods, languages, music, and traditions blend with existing ones, often creating a more diverse and vibrant society.

How can active learning help students understand migration?

Active learning, such as 'Role Play' or 'Gallery Walks,' moves migration from a statistic to a human story. By putting students in the position of decision-makers or having them analyze real narratives, they begin to understand the high stakes and emotional weight of migration. This empathy-driven approach helps them better grasp the complexities of global policy and human rights.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU