Chapter 1 Notes By: Mrs. Smalls Our Land, Your History Chapter 1 Notes By: Mrs. Smalls

Lesson 1: The Land and Its Resources

Geography of the United States The geography of the United States includes many kinds of landforms and major bodies of water. Landforms such as mountains, canyons, valleys, and plains help to shape the U.S. Bodies of water include lakes, rivers, and oceans. Water covers 75% of the Earth.

The Nation's Resources A resource is something people use to produce goods and services. Examples of resources are Natural Renewable Non-Renewable Flow

Natural Resources Natural Resources are useful or necessary resources that are found in nature. There are three types of natural resources: renewable, non-renewable, or flow Examples: Gold or coal

Renewable Resources Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced. Example: Water or fisheries

Non-Renewable Resources Non-Renewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replaced once they are used. Example: Oil or gas

Flow Resources Flow resources are natural resources that can be used where and when it is found. Examples: Wind or sunlight

Capital Resources Capital Resources are resources that are made by people. Examples: tools, machines, and buildings

Human Resources Human resources are people combined with their skills and knowledge. Examples: students, teachers, and principals

Scarcity Scarcity means not having enough resources to provide all the things people want. Scarcity forces people to make choices and give up one thing you want for another. This is known as opportunity cost.

Economic Systems In order to make sure our country has enough resources for everyone, we have an economic system. An economic system is a set of rules that guides the use of resources and production of goods in a country. The U.S. allows private businesses to make decisions on how goods will be made and what will be made in an economic system.

Why all this matters? The resources and geography of the U.S. affect people’s lives every day. It is important to understand how the resources around you affect your everyday life.

Lesson Two: Regions of the U.S.

What is a Region? A region is an area that has one or more features in common. The United States can be divided into four regions: Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. Regions can be determined by climate, the goods produced, and areas where most people speak the same language or share the same customs.

Regions and the Economy The resources in a region help people decide which crops to grow and which goods to produce. When a region makes a lot of one product, it is called specialization. People in different regions trade with each other to get what they want. Trade is the buying and selling of goods. Trade allows consumers to buy a variety of goods.

Connected Regions All regions of the United States are interdependent. Interdependent means to depend, or rely, on each other.

Why it Matters? Understanding regions helps people see what places have in common and what makes them different. Being able to trade with regions provides people with a variety of goods.

Lesson 3: People and the Environment

How Land Affects People The land and its resources affect where and how people live. Example: New York People settle in places where they can make money and enjoy their environment. The environment is the surroundings in which people, plants, and animals live.

Changing the Environment Natural forces and human activities change the environment. Earthquakes and volcanoes changes the land quickly, whereas wind and rain changes the land slowly. Example: Mountains Human activities changes the land to benefit people. Example: Interstates

The Environment and Conservation The environment is made up of ecosystems. An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals, along with nonliving things such as soil, air, and water. The way we use natural resources affects the environment and its ecosystems. Conservation is the way we protect the use of natural resources.

The End!