Geography Unit

Geography Unit Plan

Lesson #1:
Introduce Geography and 5 themes

Objectives: Students will:
• Identify what they know, want to know, and want to learn about geography.
• Complete a graphic organizer detailing the 5 themes of geography.

Procedure:
• Write “Geography” on the board. As a class complete a KWL chart on the board. (5 minutes)
• Ask students if they know what the 5 themes are.
• Distribute the graphic organizer.
• Review/explain each theme. Don’t do examples for a few of the last ones and ask students to complete them on their own.
o This will act as a review sheet perfect for the test. KEEP IT!


Lesson #2
5 Themes

Objectives: Students will:
• Recall the 5 themes of geography
• Create a poster of a specified theme
• Present their finished product to the class

Procedures:
• Ask students to remember and name (with description and examples) as many 5 themes as they can remember.
• Display poster. Explain this is a good way to remind themselves of the 5 themes as well.
• Assign students to a group. Create 5 groups.
• Each group will be responsible for a poster to be hung in the classroom. They need to find pictures representing their given theme. Remember to include all aspects. For example, Place should include both human and physical characteristics. *Pictures and labels should be large enough so we can see them!
• At end of class period ask each group to stand and share their posters.


Lesson #3
Map skills

Objectives: Students will:
• Identify and define- title, legend, compass rose, scale, equator, latitude and longitude.
• Create a flipbook for the terms above.
• Complete a map skills activity sheet.


Procedure:
• Discuss maps and the elements of a good map-title, legend, compass, scale, date, etc.
• Using a map explain terms to students- Legend, scale, Compass Rose (north, south, east, west), Equator, Latitude, Longitude. *Point out the title, date, etc.
• As the terms are described students will record the term and description into their foldable.
• After the description give pairs of students a map and activity sheet.


Lesson #4
Maps vs. Globes

Objectives: Students will:
• Identify, define and record the terms- Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, and Prime Meridian.
• Discuss-Latitude and Longitude
• Explain and discuss- Distortion: size, shape, distance

Lesson #5
What is a region?

Objectives: Students will:
• Describe how regions are defined
• Identify regions in a grocery store.

Procedures:
1. Define region with students.
2. Students record the definition in their flip book.
3. Discuss with students how grocery stores are broken up into regions based on the characteristics of the items.
4. Ask students to brainstorm regions in a grocery store.
5. In pairs ask students to complete the grocery store layout and answer questions about the layout.