Mexico’s Natural Environment Maps in PowerPoint: (with enough of U.S. so you can find Michigan) --States within both Mexico and U.S. --Population Density in Mexico --Largest Cities in Mexico --Elevation --Precipitation

Maps of Mexico help students understand the physical characteristics of the region, and help meet the following content expectation:  6 – W1.2.2 Describe the importance of the natural environment in the development of agricultural settlements in different locations (e.g., available water for irrigation, adequate precipitation, and suitable growing season). Some Background: Regarding the past, the great ancient city of Mexico (Teotihuacan) was located near today’s Mexico City (the largest modern city in Mexico). We can use a set of maps to see where Mexico City is located (and to see that higher elevation combined with moderate rainfall is characteristic of its location.)

Look for relationships between topics: --Cities and precipitation --Cities and elevation Thinking Question: Mexico City (and Teotihuacan) is in a higher elevation and has moderate rainfall (important for corn agriculture in Mexico). Could higher elevation be an advantage?

Can you predict where Mexico’s largest ancient city (Teotihuacan) and largest modern city (Mexico City) are located?

Teotihuacan and Mexico City are located in the highest population density area.

Mexico City is located at the largest white circle.

Is Mexico City located in high or low elevation region?

Is Mexico City located in high, medium, or low preciitation region?