Iwo Jima

After studying the battle of Iwo Jima together as a class we will get into groups of three and look more closely at the island using Google Maps. 

Follow these steps to get a picture of Iowa Jima Island: 

1) http://maps.google.com 

2) Search: Iwo Jima, Japan 

3) Zoom in and click on satellite 

Once your group has found the Island on Google Maps I would like the group to discuss the following;  geographic influences of the battle, where the troops were stationed, which beach was stormed. I also would like the students to discuss why this Island was so important to conquer along with challenges that occurred during the war and how they could have helped conquer those weaknesses based off of the map and information or technology we know today.

By having the students personally look up things on google maps and search out the land they have an opportunity to learn like they are there. They can see the terrain and points of interest on the island. They are taking a virtual tour of the Island without leaving the classroom. Students learn quite a bit from doing online research and this is one activity to help foster that interest in researching the island.

Picture found at: http://www.visitingdc.com/virginia/iwo-jima-picture.htm