Geography of the United States Mr. Lugo

Today’s objectives: by the end of class, students will be able to: 1.Locate the boundaries of the United States 2. Identify significant American geographic features such as rivers and mountains. 3. Identify and describe the five themes of geography and the five regions. 4. Explain the importance of knowing geography when studying the history of the United States.

Do Now: On your blank map of the United States, please find the following items: 1. Appalachian Mountains 2. Rocky Mountains 3. Mississippi River 4. Gulf Of Mexico 5. Great Plains 6. The Great Lakes 7. Ohio River 8. Atlantic Ocean 9. Pacific Ocean 10. A peninsula 11. Colorado 12. Utah 13. Wyoming.

Appalachian Mountains Answers to your list Great Lakes Wyoming Utah Great Plains Rocky Mountains Colorado Ohio River Appalachian Mountains Mississippi River Atlantic Ocean Pacific Ocean Peninsula Gulf of Mexico

Five themes of geography 1. Location: Where things are located. A location can be absolute (for example, latitude and longitude, or a street address) or relative (for example, explained by identifying landmarks, direction, or distance between places) 2.Place: Characteristics that define a place and explains what makes it different from other places. These differences can take many forms including physical or cultural differences

Five themes of geography 3. Human Environment Interaction: This theme explains how humans and the environment interact with each other. Humans adapt and change the environment while depending on it. 4. Region: Geographers divide the earth into regions making it easier to study. Regions are defined in many ways including area, vegetation, political divisions, etc. 5. Movement: People, items, and ideas (mass communication) move and help shape the world.

The Regions of the United States The United States can be broken into 5 major regions. 1. Northeast Region 2. Midwest Region 3. Southeast Region 4. Southwest Region 5. West Region

Northeast Region

Midwest Region

Southeast Region

Southwest Region

West Region

So….. What does all this talk of geography mean for you? 1. Knowing your geography when studying the history of the United States will better prepare you for the Regents examination 2. Knowing the geography of the United States will allow you to better understand why certain events in history occurred the way that they did. Now….. How does having knowledge of geography help people in today’s society?

Careers that require knowledge of geography Police Fireman Professional Athlete Postal Worker Airline Pilot What other professions require having a working knowledge of geography? Your task: Select two professions from the above list and one additional profession not listed above. For each profession please: Describe why geography is important in this profession Explain in detail specific examples of why geography is important in each of these professions.

Student practice/ application 1. Complete supplemental handout on geography. 2. Complete Exit Ticket Question. Reminders: 1. Current Events due tomorrow. 2. Question of the Day tonight!