First unit of study:
United states geography
We are going to divide the U.S into 8 regions plus Hawaii and Alaska, as is described in our Core Knowledge Social Studies textbook. Each region exhibits a distinct landscape and climate, as well as a distinct history and culture.
Individually, students, will learn all 50 states, capitals and abbreviations. You will study them by region and we will build on them each week. The regions are as follows:
· New England (6)– Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island
· Mid-Atlantic States(6) – Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia
· Southern States (10)– Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas
· Great Lakes States (5)– Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana
· Midwestern States (7)– Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Missouri
· Southwestern States (5)– Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada
· Mountain States (5)– Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Colorado
· Pacific States – (5) Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Alaska
We will study latitude, longitude and other basic map reading skills. You will also learn about different types of maps and what they are used for.
Some interesting and fun websites relating to researching the 50 states:
http://www.50states.com/fileindx.htm
http://www.50states.com/city/regions.htm
www.theus50.com
http://www.learner.org/interactives/historymap/fifty.html
http://kids.usa.gov/learn-about-the-states/
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/
http://www.planetware.com/national-information/usa-tourist-offices-national-holidays-us.htm
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/?source=NavTravHome http://www.nps.gov/history/history/children/index.htm
http://www.50states.com/fileindx.htm
http://www.50states.com/city/regions.htm
www.theus50.com
http://www.learner.org/interactives/historymap/fifty.html
http://kids.usa.gov/learn-about-the-states/
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/
http://www.planetware.com/national-information/usa-tourist-offices-national-holidays-us.htm
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/?source=NavTravHome http://www.nps.gov/history/history/children/index.htm