Houghton-mifflin Social Studies a More Perfect Union

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 1, Lesson 1: The American Land (pp. 4-13)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Interconnectedness The geography of the United States varies greatly and has influenced events and patterns of American History.

Discuss with students the main geographical features of each region of the United States. Use the map on page 5, and a chart to organize the information.
Have students point out on the map on page 5 the mountainous regions of the United States which slowed or blocked European settlement.
Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Assign a specific geographic region from the map on page 5 to students organized in groups. Have each group list as many geographic, climate, and vegetation and wildlife features they can think of. Be sure students include something for each category.
Designate one side of the classroom as the East Coast, the other the West, and chose one wall to be north. Have each group from the assessment above make a sign indicating which region they are working with. Then have the groups arrange themselves throughout the room as the regions are arranged on the map. Be sure students understand which side of the room represents which compass direction.