The

Geography of
South
America
IDT 498 Project Artifact
Heather Abbott
Post University
Table of Contents
Part One: The Countries of South America
Part Two: The Physical Characteristics of South America
Part Three: The Human Characteristics of South America
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this lesson, students will be able to:
• Identify the countries of South America
• Name physical characteristics of South America
• Describe human characteristics of South America.
Introduction
It’s time we begin learning about South
America!
South America is the fourth largest continent
on Earth. It spans 6,878,000 square miles of the
Western Hemisphere.

Let’s move on and begin exploring its countries.

 8 7
9 6
The Countries of South America 10

11
1. Argentina 8. Guyana
12 4
2. Uruguay 9. Venezuela
3. Paraguay 10. Colombia 5
3
4. Brazil 11. Ecuador
13
5. Bolivia 12. Peru 1
2
6. French Guiana 13. Chile
7. Suriname
Click on the links to explore the countries of South America.
 Argentina Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Buenos Aires

Total Area:
• 1,073,500 sq. mi

Population:
• 43,847,430 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Uruguay Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Montevideo

Total Area:
• 68,037 sq. mi

Population:
• 3,444,006 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Paraguay Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Asuncion

Total Area:
• 157,048 sq. mi

Population:
• 7,053,384 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Brazil Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Brasilia

Total Area:
• 3,287,956 sq. mi

Population:
• 209,129,000 People
The Largest Country in South America

Source: Wikipedia
 French Guiana Back To
The List
Next
Country

Regional Capital:
• Cayenne

Total Area:
• 32,253 sq. mi

Population:
• 281,612 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Suriname Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Paramaribo

Total Area:
• 163,821 sq. mi

Population:
• 558,368 People
The Smallest Country in South America

Source: Wikipedia
 Guyana Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Georgetown

Total Area:
• 83,000 sq. mi

Population:
• 773,303 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Venezuela Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Caracas

Total Area:
• 353,841 sq. mi

Population:
• 31,568,179 People

Source: Wikipedia
Colombia Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Bogota

Total Area:
• 440,831 sq. mi

Population:
• 49,755,971 People
 Ecuador Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Quito

Total Area:
• 109,484 sq. mi

Population:
• 16,385,068 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Peru Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Lima

Total Area:
• 1,285,216 sq. mi

Population:
• 32,168,697 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Bolivia Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Sucre

Total Area:
• 1,098,581 sq. mi

Population:
• 11,217,864 People

Source: Wikipedia
 Chile Back To
The List
Next
Country

Capital:
• Santiago

Total Area:
• 291,930 sq. mi

Population:
• 17,574,003 People

Source: Wikipedia
Assessment: The Countries of South America
Learning To access this assignment, please click on the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTRw3dVcD-
Objective: h42OFdNl4KdI_Hgrh8SFiBCrCGTGskG2Arfr_Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
Identify the
countries of
South America. Instructions:
Today in class, we started exploring the countries of South America. For
homework this week, please answer the following questions while using
your best writing skills. This assignment will be due on Monday. Please
reference this assignment's grading rubric (found on the next slide) for
grading details.
Rubric: The Countries of South America
Incomplete Needs Improvement Good Excellent
Skill (0 Points) (1-5 Points) (6-9 Points) (10 Points)

The assignment was not turned in. Assignment contains more than Assignment contains one to three All of the short answer questions
Accuracy three incorrect answers and/or incorrect answers or labels. were answered accurately. The
labels. countries and captitals of South
America were labeled without
mistakes.
Comments:

The assignment was not turned in. Questions were not answered in
Writing complete sentences; Multiple
misspellings; Missing accurate
punctuation and grammar.
Comments:
Questions were answered in Questions were answered in
complete sentences; Very few complete sentences. No
misspellings; Very few punctuation misspellings. No punctuation of
and grammar errors. grammatical errors.

The assignment was not turned in. The assignment was turned in at (N/A) The assignment was turned in on
Timeliness least one day late. time.

Comments:
The Physical Characteristics of South America
In this section, we’ll discuss South
America’s:
• Biomes
• Major Bodies of Water
• Other Major Physical Landmarks
The Biomes of South America
South America contains:
• Oceans
• Wetlands
• Temperate Forests
• Tropical Forests
• Mountains
• Grasslands
• Deserts
 Major Bodies of Water
Major bodies of water in South
America include:
• The Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
• The Amazon River
• Lake Titicaca
• Angel Falls
Neighboring Oceans
Caribbean Sea South America is surrounded by:
• The Pacific Ocean
• The Atlantic Ocean
• The Caribbean Sea
Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean
 The Amazon
River
• Largest River in South America
• Runs through Guyana, Ecuador,
Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, and
Peru
• 4000 Miles Long

Source: (Science Kids, n.d.)

 Lake Titicaca
• The largest lake in South America,
and one of the highest in the
World.
• Legend has it that the first Inca,
Manco Capac, emerged from the
lake and founded the Inca Empire.

Source: (Travel for Kids, n.d.)

 Angel Falls
• Highest waterfall in the World.
• Located in Venezuela
• 3,212 feet tall

Source: (Facts for Kids, 2016)

 Natural Landmarks
South America is a beautiful
continent. In the next few slides,
we are going to take a look at:
• The Andes Mountains
• The Amazon Rainforest
• Patagonia
• The Galapagos Islands
• The Atacama Desert
 Andes Mountains
• Longest mountain chain in the World.
• Contains the highest mountains in the
Americas.

Source: (Britannica Kids, n.d.)

 Amazon Rainforest
• The largest tropical rainforest in the world.
• More than half the Amazon rainforest is in
Brazil, but it also stretches to Peru,
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,
Bolivia, Suriname, and French Guinea
• It’s home to 10% of the World’s known
species

Source: (Science Kids, n.d.)

 Amazon Rainforest
Click on the link below to
watch a video on the
Amazon Rainforest:

https://www.youtube.co
m/watch?v=c-kNjBT_-94

Source: (Center for International Forestry Research, 2013)

 Patagonia
• A 260,000 square mile region
found in Argentina and Chile
• Famous for its mountains and
glaciers

Source: (Joiner, 2010)

 Galapagos Islands
• A group of 18 islands, located in the Pacific
Ocean
• Famous for having plants and animals found
no where else on the planet.
• The Galapagos are part of Ecuador

Source: (Science for Kids, n.d.)

 Atacama Desert
• One of the driest places on Earth
• Located in Chile and Peru

Source: (Kiddle, n.d.)

Assessment: The Physical Characteristics of South America
Learning Instructions:
Objective: After being assigned to a group, work together with your classmates and
choose a South American body of water or a physical landmark. In Microsoft
Name the PowerPoint, create a slide show that answers the following:
physical
characteristics of 1. Where is this physical landmark located?
South America. 2. What biomes fall within this landmark?
3. What does this physical landmark look like?
4. What are three interesting facts about this physical landmark?
5. Include at least three pictures.
Use library resources to find the necessary information and make sure you use
your best writing skills. When you are finished with your slideshow, your group
will give a brief presentation to the rest of the class.
 Rubric: The Physical Characteristics of South America
Incomplete Needs Improvement Good Excellent
Skill (0 Points) (1-5 Points) (6-9 Points) (10 Points)

The assignment was not turned in. Three or fewer requirements are Four requirements are met. All five requirements are met. (The
met. (Requirements: location, biome (Requirements: location, biome or presentation identifies the location
or biomes, appearance, at least biomes, appearance, at least three of the physical landmark; identifies
Content and three facts, at least three pictures) facts, at least three pictures) the biomes associated to the
landmark; describes the landmark in
Presentation detail; includes at least three
interesting facts about the landmark;
includes at least three pictures)
Comments:
The assignment was not turned in. Questions were not answered in Questions were answered in Questions were answered in
complete sentences; Multiple complete sentences; Very few complete sentences. No
Writing misspellings; Missing accurate misspellings; Very few punctuation misspellings. No punctuation of
punctuation and grammar. and grammar errors. grammatical errors.
Comments:
The students refused to work in a The students did not share work The group shared work equally. The The group shared work equally. The
group. equally. The group did not group communicated effectively. group communicated effectively.
Teamwork communicated effectively. Group members did not take turns Group members took turns
presenting the slideshow presenting the slideshow.

Comments:
Human Characteristics
Now, we’re going to move onto
some human characteristics of
South America. Let’s focus our
attention to the continent’s:
• History
• Languages
• Foods
• Exports
 History
• Human history in South America
dates back to 9000BC
• The earliest civilizations were
found in Peru
• In the 15th century, South
America was colonized by Spain,
Portugal, England, France and
Holland

Source: Kids World Travel Guide

 Languages
• Portuguese
• Spanish
• Dutch (Suriname)
• English (Guyana)
• French (French Guiana)
• Many Indigenous Languages

Source: Wikipedia
 Languages (cont.)
Let’s say learn how to say “Hello”.
• English: Hello Olá

• Spanish: Hola
• Portuguese: Olá
• French: Bonjour
• Dutch: Hallo

Want to learn how to say more? Check out

Google Translate:
https://translate.google.com/

Source: Wikipedia
 Famous Foods
Some famous South American foods
include:
• Arepas
• Ceviche
• Pao do Queijo
 Music
Popular music genres in South
America include:
• Cumbia
• Samba
• Tango

Click this link to listen to some

Samba music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
htMcP9dDHtE&t=51s
 Biggest Exports
There are many goods that come from South
America, such as:
• Farming
• Soy Beans, Beef, Coffee, Cacao, Sugar
• Forestry
• Lumber
• Mining
• Crude Oil, Iron Ore, Natural Gas

Source: (Worlds Top Exports, 2018)

Assessment: The Human Characteristics of South America
Learning Instructions:
Objective: For this assignment, you will write a short paper that describes the human
characteristics of South America. It must include at least three sentences
Describe the related to each of the following topics:
human 1. South America’s history
characteristics of
2. South American Languages
South America.
3. Famous South American Foods
4. South American Music
5. South American Exports

Have fun and be creative! Use library resources to complete this assignment,
and please use your best writing skills. Grading details can be found on the
grading rubric.
Rubric: The Human Characteristics of South America
Incomplete Needs Improvement Good Excellent
Skill (0 Points) (1-5 Points) (6-9 Points) (10 Points)

The assignment was not turned in. Two or fewer sentences are written
Content for each of the following topics:
South American History, South
American Languages, South
American Foods, South American
Music, South American Exports;
Topics are missing.
At least two sentences were written
for each of the following topics:
South American History, South
American Languages, South
American Foods, South American
Music, South American Exports; No
topics are missing.
At least three sentences were
written for each of the following
topics: South American History,
South American Languages, South
American Foods, South American
Music, South American Exports; No
topics are missing.

Comments:
The assignment was not turned in. Multiple misspellings; Missing Very few misspellings; Very few No misspellings. No punctuation of
Writing accurate punctuation and grammar. punctuation and grammar errors. grammatical errors.

Comments:
The assignment was not turned in. The assignment was turned in at (N/A) The assignment was turned in on
Timeliness least one day late. time.

Comments:
 Summary
I hope that you have had some fun learning about South America. In
this lesson, we reviewed the continent’s countries, as well has its
physical and human characteristics. What did you find most
interesting?

When you teacher gives you the okay, move onto the next slide to take
the this lesson’s exam. Also, please remember to take the student
survey when you are done!
Summative Assessment: Lesson Exam
Learning We have reached the end of our lesson on the geography of
Objectives: South America. Now, you should be ready to take the final
Identify the
countries of
exam. When your teacher tells you to do so, click on the
South America. following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwWyj2lU8e7
Name the Ul6KuaCKW_Pa6s_kDAWLagNxjWD4E6UiuEd8A/viewform?us
physical
characteristics of
p=sf_link
South America.

Describe the
Grading details can be found on the rubric.
human
characteristics of
South America.
Good Luck!
Level 1 Assessment: Student Survey
After finishing the Geography of South America lesson, please
complete the following survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnfwyWUzDXsEfmoX_nv
Fwr_HXGo1ZnNtMtNr3snJa6v585Qw/viewform?usp=sf_link
 References
Britannica Kids. (n.d.). Andes. Retrieved from https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Andes/346080

Center for International Forestry Research. (2013, November 4). Lessons from the Amazon[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-kNjBT_-94

Facts for Kids. (2016, May 8). Angel Falls Facts for Kids | World's highest waterfall. Retrieved from http://factsforkids.net/angel-falls-facts-kids-highest-waterfall/

Joiner, J. (2010, November 26). Six interesting facts about Patagonia. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/good-nature-travel/posts/six-interesting-facts-about-patagonia

Kiddle. (n.d.). Atacama Desert Facts for Kids. Retrieved from https://kids.kiddle.co/Atacama_Desert

Kids World Travel Guide. (n.d.). South America Facts for Kids | Geography | Attractions | People. Retrieved from https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/south-america-facts.html

Science for Kids. (n.d.). Galapagos Islands facts. Retrieved from http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/galapagos-islands.html

Science Kids. (n.d.). Amazon rainforest facts for kids. Retrieved from http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/amazonrainforest.html

Science Kids. (n.d.). Amazon river facts for kids - interesting facts about the amazon river. Retrieved from http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/amazonriver.html

Travel for Kids. (n.d.). Travel for kids Lake Titicaca, Peru. Retrieved from https://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/Peru/laketiticaca.htm

Wikipedia. (2018, June 30). Languages of south america. Retrieved July 24, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_South_America

Worlds Top Exports. (2018, May 25). Top South American export countries. Retrieved from http://www.worldstopexports.com/top-south-american-export-countries/