-use the card or automated catalog to locate reference resources related to a region of the United States

-locate and use picture books for enjoyment and information -derive information from a variety of resources such as textbook excerpts, picture books, encyclopedias, magazine articles, videos, and atlases.

-scan, skim or read carefully as appropriate

-take appropriate notes -make inferences and draw conclusions about an author's meaning from both nonfiction and fiction

-use graphic organizers to generate, organize, and focus information

-work together in groups of four to complete project requirements -read several picture books representing the regions and demonstrating the five thems of geography: location, place, movement, human environment interaction, and region.

-identify, draw and label specific geographical regions of the United States

-apply latitude and longitude to locate points in the United States on maps

-map major land and water features found in the United States -interpret information gathered from maps, graphs, and charts and make inferences about the United States

-identify the natural resources found in each region

-research the five themes of geography for each geographical region in the United States

-construct a collage depicting the five thems of geography for each geographical region of the United States

-become interested in the research process.

-understand the importance of information skills.

-experience increased confidence in research ability

-understand the value of information skills.

-achieve satisfaction in research accomplishments.

-This unit requires the library media specialist and classroom teacher to work cooperatively. The library media specialist will instruct students in the use of reference resources and searching techniques in the card or automated catalog system. Students will be taught how to locate resources from the library media center shelves. The library media specialist will select picture books representing each region in order to create a special collection. These books will be placed in plastic tubs labeled with the US regions.

-The classroom social studies teacher will familiarize students with the unit's content and the use of graphic organizers. The teacher will facilitate independent learning and cooperative group work.

-This month-long unit includes five projects which students complete during provided class time

 

Project #1

-Use the provided map of the US to label the following: states, land forms, and bodies of water. Identify each region with a different color. write a paragraph about each region discussing the absolute and relative location of the region.

 

Project #2 -Complete the "Regional Readings" matrix. Read all the picture books in each region's tub. Look for visual clues (in the illustrations) and word clues (in the text) to help identify characteristics of each region.

 

Project #3 -Use the textbook and reference materials in the library media center to complete the 'Regional Study Sheet' for each region.

 

Project#4 -Use an atlas to complete the 'Geothemes: World Atlas Activity Program' handout. Answer questions about location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions.

 

Project #5 -Create a poster-size collage of magazine pictures to show the five themes of geography for one region

-Students may write to several states for free literature to be used in state reports for displays.

-Students may compare regions of the US with provinces of Canada.

-Students may visit WWW sites sponsored by the various states and regions.