In this Activity, students will explore the geographic regions of the USA, particularly in California. Students will also learn about desert regions and identify the 10 western states where wild mustangs still reside today. Lastly, students will learn essential map reading skills, i.e., using old fashion paper maps, Google maps, and a compass. Finally, students will create a presentation of where they would like to travel in the USA (with directions) and share it with their peers.
Contents in order of use:
1. Activity 1 Pre-assessment
2. Activity 1 Getting oriented
3. Activity 1 Information Resources
4. Activity 1 Teacher Parent Information to Help Facilitate Accurate Knowledge Building
5. Activity 1 Post-assessment
6. Activity 1 Rating
Subject domains:
- English Language Arts (creating a presentation) using any mode of their choice: PowerPoint, Google slideshow, Canva poster, etc., and sharing it with their teacher, parent, and peers.
- Speaking and Listening (engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions), i.e., one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led with diverse partners; building on others' ideas; and expressing their own clearly.
- Social Studies (geography) identifying the following: 10 Western states where wild horses and burros live; desert regions in 10 Western states; geographical landmarks in California, such as the Sierra Nevada Mountain range; and learning the functionality of a compass by playing a fun game!
Skills:
- Communication skills with peers; sharing information; collaborating thoughts, ideas, insights, perspectives, etc.
- Map reading skills (USA and California); identifying 10 Western states with wild horses and burros; identifying 10 Western states with desert regions; identifying the Sierra Nevada Mountain range; and learning the functionality of a compass by playing a fun game!
- Presentation skills: creative design, speaking, listening, and constructive feedback.