Unit 1: The Land We Call Home
Embedded Files
Colorado Story Chapter: 1 and Lesson 1 in Chapter 7
ReadyGen Alignment: Module 1A
Skill Alignment: Understanding text features: specifically maps, grids, images, and illustrations.
Unit Overview: How do the human and physical characteristics found in the regions of Colorado influence each other?
In this unit, students will explore the geography of Colorado, focusing on the physical and human characteristics that shape its regions. Through the use of maps and various geographic tools, students will analyze how Colorado's physical features impact its development. They will also examine settlement patterns and investigate the ways in which the natural environment influences human systems. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the cultural diversity present in Colorado today. By the end of this unit, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the geography of Colorado, including its physical and human characteristics, settlement patterns, cultural diversity, and the reciprocal relationship between human activities and the environment. They will have developed skills in map interpretation, geographic analysis, and critical thinking, enabling them to appreciate and engage with the dynamic nature of Colorado's geographical landscape.
Prepared Graduates:
Apply geographic representations and perspectives to analyze human movement, spatial patterns, systems, and the connections and relationships among them.
Examine the characteristics of places and regions, and the changing nature among geographic and human interactions.
Grade Level Expectations(s):
2. Geography
Use geographic tools to research and answer questions about Colorado geography. (2.1)
Examine the relationship between the physical environment and its effect on human activity. (2.2)
The highlighted evidence outcomes are the priority for all students, serving as the essential concepts and skills. It is recommended that the remaining evidence outcomes listed be addressed as time allows, representing the full breadth of the curriculum.
Students Can (Evidence Outcomes):
Answer questions about Colorado regions using maps and other geographic tools. (2.1.a)
Use geographic grids, including latitude and longitude, to locate places on and answer questions about maps and images of Colorado. (2.1.b)
Create and investigate geographic questions about Colorado in relation to other places. (2.1.c)
Describe similarities and differences between the physical geography of Colorado and its neighboring states. (2.1.e)
Analyze how people use geographic factors in creating settlements and have adapted to and modified the local physical environment. (2.2.c)
Describe how places in Colorado are connected by movement of goods, services, and technology. (2.2.d)
Colorado Essential and Nature of Skills
Articulate the most effective tools to access information about the geography of Colorado (Media Literacy).
Geographic thinkers use tools to compare and contrast geographic locations.
Geographic thinkers use geographic tools to answer questions about the state and region to make informed choices. For example: A family reads a weather map to research road conditions to inform their decision to go to the mountains in the winter.
Geographic thinkers use geographic tools to collect and analyze data regarding an area where people live.
Geographic thinkers evaluate how physical features affect the development of a sense of place.
Geographic thinkers consider geographic factors when making settlement decisions. For example: Colorado Springs has a dry climate that is favorable for computer companies, and ski resorts developed in the Rocky Mountains.
Geographic thinkers can describe how environmental and cultural characteristics influence population distribution in specific places or regions in Colorado.
Geographic thinkers explain how cultural and environmental characteristics affect the distribution and movement of people, goods, and ideas.
Inquiry Questions
Which geographic tools are best to locate information about a place?
How are the regions of Colorado defined by geography?
How does the physical location of Colorado affect its relationship with other regions of the United States and the world?
What physical characteristics led various cultural groups to select the places they did for settlement in Colorado?
How does the physical environment affect human activity?
How does human activity affect the environment?
Disciplinary, Informational, and Media Literacies
Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Academic Vocabulary and Language Expectations
continent, geography, grid, latitude, longitude, symbol, aquifer, climate, elevation, human feature, irrigate, landform, natural feature, region, adapt, communication, conserve, environment, fertile, natural resource, transportation, culture, diverse, ethnic group, refugee, unity
Possible Assessments:
Chapter 1 from Colorado Story
Chapter Assessment
Writing Activities
DBQ Item Set
Lessons 1-3 Review
Chapter 7 from Colorado Story
Lesson 1 Review
Instructional Resources & Notes:
Chapter 1 from Colorado Story lessons 1-3
Chapter 7 from Colorado Story lesson 1
Go the the Source Activity from Colorado Story
Lesson Suggestions from Colorado Story
Supplemental Resources
Video Resources
Colorado Experiences: PBS Videos on Colorado
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