Regions of the United States: The Midwest
I can describe the Midwest in terms of the 5 themes of Geography.
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General
Students will learn about the Midwest within the framework of the Five Themes of Geography. Activities that invite student discussion as well as web links and video help to build a solid understanding of the characteristics of this region.
Learning objective
Students will be able to describe the Midwest in terms of the 5 themes of Geography.
Introduction
Students will participate in an activity sharing what they know about the Midwest. When given three states, students are asked to sketch what they know about the state and share it with the class. By doing this, they will discover the knowledge their classmates have about the Midwest.
Instruction
As each theme is discussed, students will relate it to the Midwest. The theme of Location discusses the two areas of the region: The Plains and the Great Lakes. A video on the topic of the Great Lakes reveals how the students can remember the lakes with the word HOMES. Reading an excerpt from the poem ‘Heartland” students are asked questions that lead to further understanding life on the plains. Students have the opportunity to learn the states and capitals of the region as well as the location of the states within the region. Using memory tricks and examining the shapes of states are a part of these activities. Students are challenged to pick correct state and capital pairs during a quiz on the states and capitals. Information about the early pioneers is highlighted in the discussion of Human-Environment interaction. The theme of Movement focuses on Detroit and its status as “The Motor City.” Studying the concept of region, the lesson reflects on the importance of the Mississippi River to this area.
Quiz
Students respond to ten multiple-choice and true/false questions.
Closing
Students will participate in a team competition using a memory game of the states and capitals. Two rounds allow for a fast-paced activity and the option to rotate teams.
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Gynzy is an online teaching platform for interactive whiteboards and displays in schools.
With a focus on elementary education, Gynzy’s Whiteboard, digital tools, and activities make it easy for teachers to save time building lessons, increase student engagement, and make classroom management more efficient.