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The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.
Here are the teacher pack items for Midwest United States:
Overview In this experience, students make observations about a thematic map. Then they learn about the physical geography of the Midwest, focusing on climate, plains and bodies of water, and tornadoes. Next they learn about the human geography and explain the nickname “the Rust Belt.” Finally, they prepare a thematic map of the region. Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 4. Estimated duration: 30–40 minutes for the core content; one or more sessions for the thematic map, depending how much time you want to dedicate to teaching students about thematic maps in general, and then how much time you give groups to research and prepare their maps Vocabulary words: Objectives
The United States is often divided into geographic areas. In this experience, you will learn about the Midwestern region, which contains the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Objectives
Downtown Chicago Overlooking Lake Michigan
Look at the map shown below. What does it show? How is it different from other maps that you have used?
Post an observation you have about the map. If someone has already posted your observation, try to think of a different one.
Explain to students that the map is a thematic map. Instead of showing where places are located, it shows data about a theme. In this case, the map shows how many students age 3 and older each state has. Students may have made the following observations:
Before moving on, point out the location of the Midwest states on the map.
