United States History to 1877

Geography

USI.2

The student will use maps, globes, photographs, pictures, and tables to

a) locate the seven continents;
b) locate and describe the location of the geographic regions of North America: Coastal Plain, Appalachian Mountains, Canadian Shield, Interior Lowlands, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Basin and Range, and Coastal Range;
c) locate and identify the water features important to the early history of the United States: Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Missouri River, Ohio River, Columbia River, Colorado River, Rio Grande, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Provide each student with an outline map of the world, colored pencils, and a desk atlas. For outline maps of the world, see http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/fun/map.asp.
Divide students into groups. Have students cut large maps found at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/atlas/index.html into pieces and glue onto a piece of blue construction paper (12x18 works best). Add ocean names in black marker.
Have students label on their maps the seven continents, the eight geographic regions of North America the major oceans, gulfs, lakes, and rivers of North America, including the: Pacific, Atlantic, Mississippi, and Gulf of Mexico.
After students have completed their maps, have them answer the following questions:
- What are some distinguishing physical, geographical features of the four hemispheres?
- How do these features reflect the climate and the way individuals live in these hemispheres?
Have students use the information from these maps later to develop a game of geographical pursuit.
Use the following Web site to review the shapes of the continents: http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/geography/label/labelcontinents.
Have students participate in a game of geography trivial pursuit. First, divide students into pairs or small groups. Then have each pair or group use various resources to write a specific number of questions for the game. To avoid duplication of questions, assign each pair or group a geographic region on which to focus. Have the students write their questions on index cards -- the question on one side, and the answer on the other. Check the students' questions for accuracy and content and have them correct their questions as needed. The students are now ready to play the game.
Collect the questions, divide the students into teams, and play the game as a whole class. Assign points to teams for correct answers. (Alternatively, have students play in smaller groups. This option requires the duplication of index cards.) Students may design and make game boards or bring game boards and pieces to class in order to play.

WEB SITES

http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine/
Variety of world and United States maps from National Geographic

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geospy
Interactive maps from National Geographic

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/
Collection of maps, activities, and quizzes, including information on continents, oceans, regions of North America, and latitude/longitude

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