South Asia: Geographic Passport

World Cultures South and Southeast Asia South Asia: Geographic Passport
Students are introduced to the physical geography of South Asia. They read about and look at maps of the region. Then they create their own maps to depict several aspects of the region. Finally, they consider two specific regions in the area—Kashmir and Punjab.

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 South Asia: Geographic Passport:

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Overview:

In this experience, Students investigate the physical geography of South Asia using Exploration World to compare terrain, climate, rivers, cities, and population patterns. They examine how landforms and climate help shape where people live, then read about the region’s major physical features and population distribution. Finally, students explore Nepal and Mount Everest as a case study of how extreme geography can create both opportunities and challenges for people.

Objectives:

  • Analyze relationships among physical geography, climate, rivers, cities, and population distribution
  • Explain how physical geography can create both opportunities and challenges for people in a particular place


South Asia includes some of the world's highest mountains, broad river plains, high plateaus, long coastlines, and islands. Climate also varies greatly across the region, from cold mountain environments to hot, wet tropical areas and much drier places.

These physical differences matter because geography affects the environments in which people live. Mountains, rivers, flat land, rainfall, and access to water can influence farming, transportation, settlement, and the growth of cities.

Throughout this experience, you will use interactive maps to investigate these relationships rather than simply memorize a list of geographic features.

In this experience, you will examine the physical geography of South Asia, investigate patterns in where people live, and use Nepal and Mount Everest as a case study of how geography can create both opportunities and challenges.

Objectives:

  • Analyze relationships among physical geography, climate, rivers, cities, and population distribution
  • Explain how physical geography can create both opportunities and challenges for people in a particular place


Satellite image of the Indian subcontinent showing India and surrounding countries, with the Himalayas across the north, greener river plains in the north and east, and drier regions to the west.

South Asia


Which physical feature do you predict will have the greatest influence on where people live in South Asia?

Post your answer

After students respond, review several of the predictions without identifying one as correct.

Use the discussion to establish that students are making hypotheses they will test with geographic evidence. Students may identify mountains, rivers, plains, coastlines, rainfall, or climate. Explain that no single feature determines where people live, but physical features often help explain population patterns.

Possible follow-up questions include:

  • Why might rivers affect where people settle?
  • How could mountains affect settlement?
  • Why might flat land be useful?
  • How could rainfall affect where people live?
  • Could the same physical feature create both an opportunity and a challenge?
  • What kinds of maps would help us test these predictions?


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in South Asia Unit.
World Cultures South and Southeast Asia South Asia: Society and Culture
South Asia: Society and Culture
World Cultures South and Southeast Asia South Asia: Government and Economy
South Asia: Government and Economy
World Cultures South and Southeast Asia Religion and Its Influence: The Origins of Hinduism and Buddhism
Religion and Its Influence: The Origins of Hinduism and Buddhism
World Cultures South and Southeast Asia South Asia: History and Its Influence
South Asia: History and Its Influence
World Cultures South and Southeast Asia India: Population Challenges
India: Population Challenges
World Cultures South and Southeast Asia Unit Review
South Asia: Unit Review
World Cultures South and Southeast Asia South Asia: Geographic Passport
South Asia: Geographic Passport
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