The geography of the West is extremely diverse. With 4 major mountain ranges, 2 major deserts, a beautiful coastline, and even a rainforest, it is like no other region in the United States. Because of its geographic location, the West has experienced earthquakes and even volcano eruptions! Students will research the geography of the West and create an informative poster that includes geographical features, facts, and colorful illustrations.
You can find more travel poster templates to add to this assignment to give students a variety of choices for their poster!
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a poster highlighting the geographical features of the West.
Student Instructions:
Begin by introducing students to the concept of legends and stories related to the geography of the Western US. Explain that these stories often have cultural and historical significance, providing insights into the region's geography.
Have students select a specific legend or story related to a geographical feature or location in the Western US. This could be a Native American legend, a historical account, or a contemporary narrative. Provide a list of suggested stories or guide students to find their own. Instruct students to research their chosen story, providing information on the geographical feature it relates to, its historical context, and the cultural or environmental aspects it illustrates.
Teach students how to incorporate the selected story or legend into their geography lessons. This may involve creating multimedia presentations, maps, or posters that showcase the story alongside geographical information. Discuss how the story can help students better understand the geographical feature, climate, or cultural significance of the Western US region. Encourage students to draw connections between the story and the geography.
Have students present their projects to the class, explaining the chosen story, its relevance to the geography of the Western US, and the insights they gained from this integration. After presentations, facilitate a class discussion to explore the cultural, historical, and geographical lessons learned from the stories. Encourage students to ask questions and engage in critical thinking about the material.
The Western US is home to major mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades. These mountains significantly influence the region's geography by creating rain shadows and affecting precipitation patterns. They also provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna. The Rockies, for instance, separate the arid interior from the more temperate coastal areas, leading to a wide range of climates in the West.
The Western US is characterized by unique geological features. It includes active volcanoes like Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier in the Pacific Northwest. The San Andreas Fault and other fault lines increase the risk of earthquakes. These geological aspects result from the region's location along the boundary between tectonic plates, making it susceptible to natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Storyboards and worksheets can foster critical thinking by posing thought-provoking questions, encouraging students to compare and contrast geographical features, and analyze the implications of climate and topography. By requiring students to apply knowledge and think critically about the region's geography, these tools enhance their analytical skills and understanding.
Storyboards and worksheets can be adapted to suit various learning styles. Visual learners can benefit from detailed illustrations and maps, while auditory learners can explore audio components or discussion questions. For kinesthetic learners, interactive elements and hands-on activities can be incorporated. This adaptability ensures that students with different learning preferences can engage effectively with the material.