Virtual Atlas Education
http://www.evergreen.edu./user/virtatpnw/
Lesson Eight
Promoting Travel through the Pacific Northwest Regions
Purpose:
To develop a more thorough understanding of the complexity and variety of environments in the Pacific Northwest. This lesson touches on all aspects of geography.
Objectives:
Related Washington State EALRs:
Geography:
2.1. Describe the natural characteristics of places and regions and explain the causes of their characteristics
2.2. Describe the patterns humans make on places and regions
2.3. Identify the characteristics that define the Pacific Northwest and the Pacific Rim as regions
National Geography Standards:
5. That people create regions to interpret Earth’s complexity
6. How culture and experience influence people’s perceptions of places and regions
Curriculum Connections:
Physiography, biology, history, social studies, presentation skills, teamwork, research skills, Internet research skills, communication and cooperation (economics and mathematics may be added by requiring the students to keep a budget for the trip).
Length of Time Required:
Four to six hours on line research, four to six hours of presentation preparation and planning, ten to fifteen minutes to make the presentation, twelve to fourteen hours total.
Key Vocabulary:
Region - an area defined by common or similar characteristics, usually distinguished by physical, cultural, or climate characteristics
Materials:
Ideally a wide variety of materials will be made available to the students so that they can make impressive presentations. Audiovisual aids and computer printing capabilities will make the project more fun and educational for all.
Procedure:
Step 1: This lesson naturally appealed to the students but images of exciting places in their chosen region will help start things off.
Step 2: Distribute instruction handout, (note adding a requirement to keep a financial budget will make the project more difficult and time consuming but will also add other educational aspects).
Step 3: Make time and resources available for presentations. (Note instructions may need to be modified for presentation resources)
Conclusion:
This lesson allows the students to explore their chosen region on their own. It helps develop an understanding of the factors, criteria and characteristics defining their region.