Geographic Characteristics 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Geographic Characteristics Each place has distinctive characteristics that distinguishes it from other places. Geographic characteristics are divided into two categories: physical characteristics and human characteristics. Invitation to inquiry Open minds Stimulate curiosity How do we determine the human and physical characteristics of a nation? Watch the video Geography Project - Physical and Human Environment. (first 2:30) How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

Watch the Video Life in the Amazon 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next 2. Latin America What types of things would we need to measure to determine a nation’s geographic characteristics? Watch the Video Life in the Amazon As a table discuss: How would you describe life in the Amazon? How is their geography different from ours? Build background knowledge Connect to content Discover interesting ideas How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

3. Where can I find statistics about nations? 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next 3. Where can I find statistics about nations? Gather information on the geography of your country. Web site – CIA Factbook Database –Culturegrams Books – Look for a book on your topic in Destiny Encyclopedias are great for general information – Look in the Reference Section. Gather important information Go broad (search) Go deep (read) Record the information you find on this chart. How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

4. How will I present my information? 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next 4. How will I present my information? Use the information from your note taking sheet to: Create a postcard to mail to a friend. Describe the country you “visited”. Identify 4 human characteristics Identify 4 physical characteristics Draw or clip art a picture Include a paragraph that answers the question: How do the physical characteristics of your nation in Latin America affect the human characteristics? Reflect on learning Go beyond facts to make meaning Create to communicate How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

5. How will I share my Postcard? 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next 5. How will I share my Postcard? Latin American Mailbox: This will be your opportunity to educate your classmates and individuals in your school community about the geography of your Latin American nation. As you view your classmate’s postcards, record 5 aspects of geography for each country on a graphic organizer. Which nation seems to be most like the nation you researched? Why? Which nation seems to be most different from the nation you researched? Why? Learn from each other Share your learning Tell your story How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

6. How well did I accomplish my goals? 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next 6. How well did I accomplish my goals? Take time to think about the research process you just completed. What was easy about this assignment? What was hard about this assignment? What did you learn about yourself as a researcher? Evaluate the achievement of learning goals Reflect on content Reflect on process Follow these guidelines to help you to prepare your reflection. Created by Phyllis Fullem BCPS based on Guided Inquiry Design by Carol C. Kuhlthau, Leslie K. Maniotes, and Ann K. Caspari .