United States: Geographic Passport


United States: Geographic Passport
Students are introduced to the physical geography of the United States. They go on an Internet scavenger hunt to identify physical features of the country. Then they research one of the five regions of the United States, including the climate, population, and natural resources. Next, they use maps and consider the connection between population density and land. Finally, they explore and explain the population density of their own state.

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.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for United States: Geographic Passport:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Engage


Overview

In this experience, students are introduced to the physical geography of the United States. They go on an Internet scavenger hunt to identify physical features of the country. Then they research one of the five regions of the United States, including the climate, population, and natural resources. Next, they use maps and consider the connection between population density and land. Finally, they explore and explain the population density of their own state.

In scenes 2 and 3, students will work in small groups. In scene 3, they will be assigned one of five U.S. regions to investigate, so you should divide the class into a minimum of five small groups.

This is a robust experience and could be divided into two classroom sessions. Several of the ideas in this experience are adapted from this lesson plan. You may refer to it for additional ideas.

Objectives:

  • Identify major physical features, climate zones, and natural resources of the United States.
  • Trace population patterns in the United States and explain how they relate to climate, natural resources, and landmarks.


Depending on where you live in the United States, you might think of the country as mountainous, flat, hilly, desert, inland, coastal, hot and dry, or cold and wet. The United States has a wide range of physical features, which you will explore in this experience.

Objectives:

  • Identify major physical features, climate zones, and natural resources of the United States.
  • Trace population patterns in the United States and explain how they relate to climate, natural resources, and landmarks.


a path or a river between mountains

The Grand Canyon, Arizona



Use the following table to record physical features you hear mentioned as you watch the video.



Note that you can sort the table by student by tapping the space above the student profile images.


What parts of the United States have you seen? Which parts that you have not visited would you like to visit?

Post your answer

Discuss students’ responses.


Divide students into their small groups for the next two scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in The United States, Canada, and Mexico Unit.
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