Regions of Texas: Great Plains


Texas Studies Texas Geography and Its Indigenous People Regions of Texas: Great Plains
Students locate the Panhandle on an outline map of Texas. Then they describe the physical characteristics of the Great Plains, focusing on the landforms. Next they interpret a population density map to describe the population of the Great Plains region. Finally they research a fact about two animals of the Texas Great Plains: bison and prairie dogs.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Regions of Texas: Great Plains:

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Overview

In this experience, students locate the Panhandle on an outline map of Texas. Then they describe the physical characteristics of the Great Plains, focusing on the landforms. Next they interpret a population density map to describe the population of the Great Plains region. Finally they research a fact about two animals of the Texas Great Plains: bison and prairie dogs.

Note that geographers divide the United States into ten natural regions, and four of them are found in Texas: the Mountains and Basins, the Great Plains, the North Central Plains, and Coastal Plains. The Teacher Pack contains a link to educational resources on the different regions.

Estimated duration: 30-40 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • tornado
  • irrigation
  • erode, erosion
  • population density
  • habitat

Objectives

  • Identify the physical characteristics of the Great Plains and its subregions.
  • Interpret a population density map.


Engage


Texas is divided into four regions—the Mountains and Basins, the Great Plains, the North Central Plains, and Coastal Plains. The regions are determined by the physical geography, such as landforms, climate, and vegetation. In this experience, you will learn about the Great Plains.

Objectives

  • Identify the physical characteristics of the Great Plains and its subregions.
  • Interpret a population density map.


Map showing the four regions of Texas

Map of the Four Regions of Texas


Look at the outline map of Texas shown below. In this lesson you will learn about an areas called the Texas Panhandle. Mark on the map where you think the Panhandle is and be prepared to explain your answer. Hint: Think about the shape of Texas.


Ask a few volunteers to explain their choices. Some students may predict that the Mountains and Basins region is called the Panhandle. If necessary, draw a circle around the Texas borders formed by rivers and the Gulf of Mexico. Show students that the northern extension looks like a handle for a general pan shape.

If students ask about the general shape of the state, explain that the southern, eastern, and part of the northern borders are set by natural boundaries: the Rio Grande, the Red River, the Sabine River, and the Gulf of Mexico. The straight lines of the western border and the Panhandle were artificially drawn by politicians following the end of the U.S.-Mexican War and the Compromise of 1850. Students will learn more about these events in a later unit. Throughout this course, point out the changing borders of the state.


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