Using Google Earth: Physical Features Lynnae Peterson EDTC 635 October 2014

Introduction  Grade: Third  Subject: Geography  Duration of Lesson: Four Weeks (1 double period per week)  Introduction to physical features  Physical Feature Research  Introduction to Google Earth  Physical Features Project (Google Earth)

Objectives  Students will be able to:  Define the term physical feature  Identify different types of physical features in the United States and provide examples of each  Locate different features in the United States using Google Earth

Standards  Geography Standard 4: Understand the physical and human characteristics of a place. G.4.2.A. Describe and compare the physical characteristics of places at a variety of scales, local to global, as exemplified by being able to: Describe and compare the climatic conditions at different places in the United States (e.g., deserts, mountains, rainy regions of the Pacific Northwest). Describe and compare the vegetation in different places in the world (e.g., deserts, mountains, rain forests, plains). Describe and compare the physical environments and landforms of different places in the world (e.g., mountains, islands, valleys or canyons, mesas).

Prerequisites to Final Project  Prior to this lesson:  Students have learned the definition of a “physical features” as well as the two categories of physical features (landforms and bodies of water)  Students did a web search to define the different types of physical features (Ex. Ocean, lake, mountain range, desert, etc.)  Students did a web search to find two-three examples of the different types of physical features (Ex. Deserts- Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, Painted Desert)  Students have a basic knowledge of Google Earth:  Searching for specific places using the search bar  Creating a placemark  Labeling and adding text to each placemark

Physical Features- Final Project  Students will use their research to create a map of pinned physical features in the United States.  Students will search for an example of each type of physical feature. Types of Physical Features  River  Ocean  Lake  Plateau  Desert  Basin  Mountain Range  Plain  Canyon

Physical Features- Final Project con’t…  Students must label each point and write the physical feature that each point represents.  Example: Appalachian Mountains Student would write “Physical Feature: Mountain Range”

Student Example

Students must label each place and list the physical feature under the notes portion for each place mark.

Assessment  Students will be assessed in a variety of ways throughout the unit.  The assessment for the Google Earth project will be in the form of a rubric.  Includes all required physical features  Each pin includes label and description of physical feature  Information is accurate

Resources  states-power-point  Clip Art Images 

Extensions  Students may find physical features all over the world.  Students may add important/ interesting facts pertaining to each specific example.  Students may find more than one of each physical feature.