Students brainstorm names of cities in the Coastal Plains region. Then they describe the physical characteristics of the region. Next they interpret a political map and infer why the Coastal Plains is the most populous region in Texas. Finally they write a diary entry as an eyewitness account of a hurricane.
Students view a map of the four regions of Texas and read an introduction explaining that Texas is divided into the Mountains and Basins, Great Plains, North Central Plains, and Coastal Plains based on physical geography. They review the lesson objectives, then respond to a word cloud prompt by naming a city they think is in the Coastal Plains region.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience, highlighting that students will explore the Coastal Plains region and its characteristics. Clarify the four major Texas regions and, if needed, support students in locating major Texas cities by asking guiding questions (for example, about the largest city in Texas or beach vacation destinations) before moving on.
Students read explanatory text describing the size, location, climate, population, economic activities, and natural resources of the Coastal Plains, including major cities and ports. They complete a graphic organizer by listing information about Coastal Plains cities, climate, and natural resources. Then they read about the Coastal Plains subregions (Piney Woods, Gulf Coast Plain, South Texas Plains, Post Oak Belt, Blackland Prairie) and respond to a prompt explaining why the Coastal Plains is divided into so many subregions.
Teacher MovesClarify that different sources may divide the Coastal Plains into subregions in slightly different ways. Support students as they complete the organizer by prompting them to pull details from the text. When students explain why there are many subregions, guide them toward recognizing the region’s large size and diversity in geography, climate, plants, animals, and resources, and then transition the class to the next scene.
Students read an explanation of political maps and how they show boundaries and features such as counties, cities, and major water bodies. They learn what a county is and how county and city governments provide different services. Using a political map of Texas counties, they locate the Coastal Plains areas and find Harris County and the city of Houston. They then respond to a prompt explaining why they think the Coastal Plains is the most populous region in Texas.
Teacher MovesExplain the purpose of political maps and the role of counties as political and administrative divisions. Ensure students can identify the Coastal Plains counties and locate Houston on the map. When students discuss why the region is most populous, steer them to consider factors such as favorable farming climate and rainfall, major rivers, and access to the Gulf Coast for ports and industry, and help students refine answers that focus only on the region’s size.
Students review the difference between primary and secondary sources, focusing on eyewitness accounts as primary sources. They examine an image and caption about flooding in Port Arthur during Hurricane Harvey and read background text about hurricanes and their impact on the Texas Gulf Coast. Using this information and, if desired, an eyewitness account such as Firsthand Accounts of Harvey's Wrath in Texas, they write a diary entry from the perspective of someone who experienced a hurricane. After posting, they read classmates’ diary entries and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesTeach or review the concepts of primary and secondary sources, using hurricanes as a context to compare eyewitness accounts with secondary reports in terms of emotion, factual detail, and potential bias. Provide background on hurricanes along the Gulf Coast and support students as they plan and write diary entries, encouraging use of vivid details and accurate information. Invite students who have personally experienced a hurricane to share their stories if they are comfortable, and facilitate respectful peer feedback on the diary entries.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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