Students locate the Panhandle on an outline map of Texas. Then they describe the physical characteristics of the Great Plains, focusing on the landforms. Next they interpret a population density map to describe the population of the Great Plains region. Finally they research a fact about two animals of the Texas Great Plains: bison and prairie dogs.
Students read an introduction to the four physical regions of Texas and the focus on the Great Plains, then review the lesson objectives. Using an outline map of Texas, they mark where they think the Panhandle is located and prepare to explain their reasoning based on the state’s shape.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience by explaining that students will study the Great Plains region and its physical and human characteristics. Clarify key vocabulary (tornado, irrigation, erode/erosion, population density, habitat). Invite volunteers to explain where they placed the Panhandle and why, then use the borders of Texas to show how the Panhandle forms a “handle” on the state’s general pan shape. Briefly explain the difference between natural and political borders and note that students will revisit Texas’s changing borders in later units.
Students read detailed background text describing the Texas Great Plains and its subregions (High Plains, Edwards Plateau, Llano Basin), including climate, natural resources, and major landforms (plains, plateaus, escarpments, canyons, basins). They complete a graphic organizer by recording information about the subregions, climate, natural resources, and major landforms of the Great Plains. Then they complete a drag-and-drop activity matching landform terms to their definitions.
Teacher MovesHighlight how the Great Plains extend from Canada into Texas and point out the three Texas subregions, using the satellite image resource as needed to visualize the Edwards Plateau and surrounding areas. Emphasize the semi-arid, windy climate, the region’s place in “Tornado Alley,” and the role of irrigation, ranching, oil, and natural gas. Guide students as they fill in the graphic organizer, prompting them to use evidence from the text. Review student responses to the drag-and-drop activity, clarifying any confusing landform terms (plains, plateaus, escarpments, basins, canyons) and reinforcing correct use of geographic vocabulary.
Students read an explanation of how the Great Plains were settled later than southern and eastern Texas and examine a population density map of Texas, using the legend to interpret the colors. They then post a written description of the population density of the Great Plains region on a class wall.
Teacher MovesModel how to read the population density map, drawing attention to the legend and color coding. Prompt students to compare the Great Plains to eastern and southern Texas in terms of how many people live there. After students post their descriptions, guide a discussion that emphasizes that the Great Plains are less densely populated and help students identify Amarillo and Lubbock as the major cities in the region.
Students read about American bison and prairie dogs as characteristic animals of the Texas Great Plains, including how bison were nearly hunted to extinction and how human activity has reduced prairie dog habitat. They then research online and contribute one fact about American bison and one fact about prairie dogs to a shared class table titled “Animals of the Great Plains Region.”
Teacher MovesIntroduce bison and prairie dogs as examples of how animals adapt to the Great Plains environment and how human actions affect wildlife. Review or model effective and safe online search strategies before students begin researching. Monitor students’ research and entries in the shared table, prompting them to choose accurate, relevant facts. Conclude with a class discussion that synthesizes student findings and connects animal habitats and population changes to the physical and human geography of the Great Plains.
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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