Covers maps, and physical and cultural geography of the United States.
Geography of the United States unit contains 9 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Geography of the United States Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Using Maps
Students first name tools they use to navigate. Then they survey seven major types of maps, such as political, physical, topographic, and thematic. Next they study applications of satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and propose layers for a neighborhood map. Finally, students evaluate the function of the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and their impact on society.
Northeast United States
Students brainstorm names of cities in the Northeast region. Then they learn about the physical geography of the Northeast region: climate, landforms, resources, and landmarks. Next they learn about the human geography and explain the relationship between the region’s fastest growing careers and its geography. Finally, they prepare a written report about one of the region’s states.
Southeast United States
Students locate the Southeast states on a U.S. map. Then they learn about the physical geography of the region, focusing on the climate, wetlands, and hurricanes. Next they learn about the human geography and explain the relationship between the spread of central air conditioning and the rise in the region’s population. Finally, they prepare a poster about one of the region’s states.
Midwest United States
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.
Southwest United States
Students brainstorm place names that have Spanish origins. Then they learn about the physical geography of the Southwest, focusing on climate, land use, energy production, and hurricanes. Next they learn about the human geography and examine the tall tale of Pecos Bill. Finally, they prepare a travel brochure for one state in the region.
Western United States
Students brainstorm associations with the name “American West.” Then they learn about the physical geography of the Western United States, focusing on the landforms and their climates. Next they examine the human geography of the region. Finally, they prepare an oral report about one state in the region.
Human Geography of the United States
Students fill in an outline map of the United States, identifying geographic regions, a river, a mountain range, and their hometown. Then they learn about the five largest cities in the country and make a generalization about what their locations have in common. Next they analyze a population density map of the United States. Finally, they define the term economic region based on the regions they have learned about.
Environmental Challenges
Students choose one young hero for the planet to describe. Then they read about an environmental challenge and analyze the causes and effects. Next they research an environmental problem, focusing on causes, effects, and possible solutions. Then they brainstorm possible solutions and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of their three best ideas. Finally they propose a solution and evaluate it.
