In this unit students expand on the foundational knowledge of geography by exploring the geographic themes of location, place, region and human/environment interaction. Emphasis is placed on observing the environment around them using the school playground. The unit begins with students exploring the concepts of maps and aerial perspective with the book Me on the Map or a similar book. Students create a map of their own classroom. Students are also introduced to globes and learn how map makers distinguish between land and water. The concept of absolute and relative location is introduced as students learn about absolute location using their own address and relative location as they tour the school. Students then explore the geographic theme of place as they learn to distinguish between natural (physical), characteristics and human characteristics. Using a school map, students identify regions in their school and understand that a region is a group of similar places. Finally, students are introduced to the geographic theme of human/environment interaction. Using the book Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel, or a similar book, students learn that humans modify or change their environment. In a integrated lesson, students explore how people adapt to their, environment by making seasonal changes in their clothing, homes, and activities.
Stage One - Desired Results
How does where we live affect how we live?
absolute locationadaptaddressaerial perspectivebirds eye viewbodies of waterdirectionglobehuman/environment interactionhuman characteristicsland masseslocationmapmodifypersonal directionsphysical characteristicsplaceregionrelative locationseasonweather
Stage Two - Assessment Evidence
Stage Three - Learning Plan
