Regions of The United States Course Module

Created by Kimberly Powell

Sunday, October 16, 11

Participants:

This course module is created for 4th grade students in Michigan. This module connects to the Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum for 4th Grade.

Sunday, October 16, 11

Big Ideas: Connections to Michigan GLCE

Understand how regions are created from common physical and human characteristics. 4 - G2.0.1 Describe ways in which the United States can be divided into different regions (e.g., political regions, economic regions, landform regions, vegetation regions). Notes: 4 - G2.0.2 Compare human and physical characteristics of a region to which Michigan belongs (e.g., Great Lakes, Midwest) with those of another region in the United States. -Michigan Citizenship Curriculum

Sunday, October 16, 11

Prior Knowledge Required Before Using this Course Module:

Basic Understanding of questions geographers use while studying the United States -(Where is it? What is it like? How is it connected to other places?) Basic understanding of the use of cardinal and intermediate directions to describe the relative location of the United States. Basic understanding that different maps can tell us a variety of information ( elevation, climate, patterns of population density of US) Understanding that a region is a place that shares common characteristics with other places.

Sunday, October 16, 11

Where will the Learning take place?

This course module will be completed in the computer lab and at home. Supplemental activities for enrichment and understanding will take place in the classroom. Extension activities- the use of *Mystery Skype will be integrated throughout the year.

Sunday, October 16, 11

What is Mystery Skype?

Mystery Skype is a video chat between two classrooms over Skype. Each classroom will give 10 clues about their location. Students will use mapping tools and technology to solve the mystery location.

Sunday, October 16, 11

ISTE Standards
1c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. 2c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. 3c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats. 4b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources. 5 a. Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

Sunday, October 16, 11