Unit 1 -- Introduction to topographic features; Georgia

Upper Elementary Social Studies

Unit 1:  Introduction to Topographic Features; Georgia

Time:  2 weeks

Materials:

1.  class notebook

2.  wipe-off U.S. maps

3.  Georgia road maps

4.  Georgia state park brochures

Activities

1.  Using previous experiential knowledge, students will make educated guesses about what different types of topographic features and ecosystems are present in Georgia.

2.  Class will create a map of Georgia showing examples of these various topographic features and ecosystems.

3.  Students will form hypotheses about the various cultures of indigenous peoples living in different areas of Georgia based on the natural resources available in each area.

4.  Students will prepare refreshments using products grown in Georgia.

5.  Students will examine different maps and identify the best map for a given purpose; e.g., finding directions to the Dekalb Farmers Market or Indian Springs State Park.

6.  Students will visit the Dekalb Farmers Market and observe the diverse population of individuals who now call Georgia home. 

7.  As an example of a forest ecosystem in Georgia, students will visit Indian Springs State Park and participate in programs describing the history of the park and exploring the natural resources available there.

8.  Students will begin to create individual U.S. maps by showing Georgia and indicating places of personal interest in Georgia.

Objectives:

1.  Students will identify various types of topographic features and ecosystems within Georgia:  wetlands, coastal regions, islands, plains, piedmont, lakes, rivers, canyons, mountains.   Learning evaluated through class discussions and class project.

2.  Students will locate Georgia on a map of the United States and Atlanta on a map of Georgia.  Learning evaluated by individual demonstration.

3.  Students will name 3 agricultural crops grown in Georgia and indicate on a map the major farming areas of Georgia.  Learning evaluated on quiz.

4.  Students will name 2 differences between the Creek and Cherokee Indians and indicate on a map where these groups lived in Georgia.  Learning evaluated on quiz.

5.  Students will choose appropriate maps for various tasks, e.g., a street map for traveling within the city and a state map for traveling a further distance outside the city.  Learning evaluated through class discussion.

6.  Students will spell correctly and identify definitions of five vocabulary words:  border (distinguish from boarder), capital (distinguish from capitol), piedmont, Chattahoochee, Okefenokee.  Learning evaluated on quiz.