geography

US Geography:

We will be using a variety of different approaches to learn about the layout and landforms of the United States and portions of our bordering countries. The National Parks project and the each-one-teach-one about the regional environments and Native America adaptations should have provided information about specifics, and the map that you'll be making next should give you big-picture information.

Improving A US Map

  1. Get the 11x17 map from me. It shows some basic geography and state lines.

  2. Label and highlight oceans, lakes, rivers, and other water areas you deem important

  3. Label and shade mountain ranges

  4. Label and shade environments (or biomes or climate areas)

  5. Label the states and some major cities

  6. Label some parts of our bordering countries.

  7. Point to and describe 3 things of personal interest and educational value.

  8. Grading sheet is here. Make sure you have all of the components done well.

Making a Globe:

  1. Buy a big ball that has a smooth plain exterior, or as few markings as possible.

  2. Decide upon and mark the two poles, and mark them (north pole, south pole)

  3. Mark the equator and label it "equator"

  4. Mark the prime meridian and anti meridian through the poles, perpendicular to the equator

  5. On that meridian, mark ticks at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 degrees in north and south directions

  6. Mark the parallels at 30 and 60 degrees in the north and south hemispheres

  7. Along the equator mark the ticks for 10 through 170 degrees in both west and east directions

  8. Now that the grid is done, draw in each of the continents as precisely as you can... this is hard to do and requires much patience.