1. Europe and Russia: Physical Geography
Section 1: Land and Water
Size, Location, and Population
Eurasia is the world’s largest landmass and is made up of Europe and Asia. Europe is the second smallest continent, and most of its 47 countries are the size of an average state in the United States. Russia is twice the size of the United States and is the largest country in the world. While Europe has a higher-than-average population density, Russia’s population density is much lower.
Notes: After showing the Discovery School video, ask, “What is the main reason for Russia’s low population density?” (Large parts of the country have a harsh, cold climate.)
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2. Europe and Russia: Physical Geography
Section 1: Land and Water
Major Landforms
The continent of Europe, which forms a peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean, is composed of four major land regions. The Northwestern Highlands are made up of worn-down mountains as well as abundant forests used to produce timber. Covering western Russia and more than half of Europe, the North European Plains have fertile farmland and large cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Central Uplands are located in southern Europe where the land is made up of rocky mountains and plateaus. The Alpine Mountain System is home to small-scale farmers who make a living in the valleys of the Alps. The Ural Mountains, located in Russia, divide Europe and Asia. East of the Urals is Siberia, a region with an extremely harsh climate that has plains, active volcanoes, and mountains.
Notes: After showing the Discovery School video, ask, “What is the main reason for Russia’s low population density?” (Large parts of the country have a harsh, cold climate.)
MapMaster: Europe: Land and Regions
Discovery School Video: The Geography of Europe and Russia
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3. Europe and Russia: Physical Geography
Section 1: Land and Water
Waterways of Europe and Russia
Three of Europe’s major rivers include the Rhine, the Danube, and the Volga. Traveling from Switzerland to the North Sea, the Rhine is fed by melting glaciers and is connected to remote areas by canals and tributaries. The Danube flows through nine countries and is Europe’s second-longest river. The longest river in Europe is the Volga, located in western Russia, which freezes and is not navigable during the winter months. Russia is also home to the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal, which contains one fifth of the Earth’s fresh water.
Notes: After showing the Discovery School video, ask, “What is the main reason for Russia’s low population density?” (Large parts of the country have a harsh, cold climate.)
Section Reading Support Transparency
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4. Europe and Russia: Physical Geography: Section 1
Section Reading Support Transparency
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6. Regions
Landforms
Bodies of Water
Europe
Russia