Note: The lesson "Picture North America" was originally developed by John Pauli, a teacher consultant with the Geographic Alliance in Nevada. Dr. Keeler modified the lesson plan (see the modified lesson plan here) and then changed the lesson to focus more on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This lesson is available at: http://tah-exploration.blogspot.com/2008/06/picture-north-america-on-trail-with.html Grade Level: 5-10 [When using only the pictures and placards, this lesson may be used in younger grades.] Time: 50 minutes Overview: Using pictures, atlases, place card descriptors and latitude and longitude cards, students work collaboratively to match the items. The result is a completed table listing relative and absolute locations. Students also note geographic regions and mark the locations of the pictures on a map using stickers. Connection to National Geography Standards: The World in Spatial Terms (1) How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information. (3) How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth's surface. Places and Regions (4) The physical and human characteristics of places. (5) That people create regions to interpret Earth's complexity. Physical Systems (8) The characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems on Earth's surface. Materials: “Picture North America” notes (See below) Sealed folders (enough students to work in pairs or groups of four) containing: One atlas One laminated North America map [Create a laminated regional map by first finding an outline map of the region (e.g., U.S. outline map -- delete the grid lines) and cutting the margins by about .5" on all sides. Next, glue the map onto a piece of colored cardstock. Laminate the map. Now, students may write on the maps with wet erase markers, clean them with paper towels, and re-use them. This is a wonderful tool for students to use when practicing country or state names.] Removable stickers (one set) Lettered pictures from the North American continent (one set of 10) ** Cards listing the picture description and relative location of each picture (one set) Cards listing the absolute location of each picture (one set)“Picture North America” worksheet and cards Objectives: Draw the westward trail of Lewis and Clark.Describe the physical geographical regions visited by the Corps of Discovery.Define relative location and absolute location.Identify flora, fauna, and structures within North America.Utilize atlases to coordinate place names with latitude and longitude.Match visual images of physical space to their relative and absolute locations.Work collaboratively to utilize geographic tools. Procedure: Opening: Place students into pairs or groups of four and direct them to: Work collaboratively to match the pictures, place name cards, and latitude and longitude cards. Once all cards are matched, place a sticker on the North American laminated map for the location of each picture.Then, complete the “Picture North America” worksheet using the matched information.Finally, identify a region for each location. Provide each group with one packet of materials. Development: Circulate, assisting students as they match pictures and cards, utilize atlases, place stickers on the map, and complete their worksheets. Once groups feel confident they have correctly completed their worksheets, allow them to check their answers with the answer key. If they have errors, encourage them to identify the cause of the errors and to fix these on their worksheets/maps. Closing: Once all students have correctly completed their worksheets, ask students: What did you learn from this activity?What do you notice about North America by looking at the pictures? (Answers should relate to the variety of ecosystems across the continent.)Why do you think there is such variety on a single continent?How would you pack if you were going on a trip to all these locations? (This wil
