Sessions

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Session 1: The United States - A Resource Rich Nation

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define gross national product, canal, telecommunication and free enterprise

Students will explore the importance of farming, forestry and mining within the United States.

Students will examine the various modes of transportation of resources, goods and people.

Students will discover the impact communication technology has had upon the American economy.

Students will examine the free enterprise system.

HOMEWORK:

What natural resources are found in your state? What impact do those resources have upon your community's economy? Be ready to discuss your findings in the next session.

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Session 2: The United States - A Nation of Cities

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define metropolitan area, hierarchy and hinterland.

Students will share the results of their State and Community Resources project.

Students will examine how transportation affect patterns of settlement.

Students will examine the impact of migration and immigration on the United States.

Students will discover the relationship between farms, villages, large towns, cities and metropolitan areas.

HOMEWORK:

The Erie Canal in New York was one of the most important transportation projects of the early 1800's. Suppose that it was your idea to build the canal. Write a proposal explaining why the waterway should be built. Your proposal should include a hand-drawn map showing the canal route, your reasons for choosing that route, and description of the economic benefits that the canal will bring. Be ready to share your proposal with the class in the next session. 

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Session 3: United States - The Northeast

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define megalopolis.

Students will share their Erie Canal proposals with the class. 

Students will describe the physical characteristics of the Northeast. 

Students will examine the natural resources found within the Northeast. 

Students will discover the impact megalopolises have had upon the economical and enviromental systems within the Northeast.

HOMEWORK: 

Economical development leads to environmental and social change. Find a description of a major city in the Northeast in the 1800's and a description of that same city today. Make a chart comparing how the city has changed over time. Label the columns of the chart with topics such as population size and distribution, major businesses and industries, transportation, and forms of recreation. Be prepared to share your chart with the class in the next session. 

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Session 4: United States - The South

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define mangrove, bayou, fall line and Sunbelt.

Students will examine the connection between climate, history, agriculture and vegetation. 

Students will examine the relationship between resources and industry found in the South.

Students will describe the changes that have and continue to occur in the South. 

Students will discover how immigration. migration and varied culture groups have influenced Southern population.

Students will discover how urbanization has changed the cultural and environmental systems in the South.

HOMEWORK: 

Search the Internet for maps or descriptions of a southern city in the 1700s or 1800s as we as maps or descriptions of the same city today. Based on your research, create a map that shows how the city has changed over time. Be prepared to present your map to the class in the next session. 

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Session 5: United States - The Midwest

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define humus, growing season, grain elevator and grain exchange.

Students will describe the importance of agriculture in the Midwest region of the United States.

Students will examine the farming technological changes that have and currently are happening to American farms.

Students will discover how climate and soil type influences the growth output on American farms.

Students will examine the relationship between transportation, industry and resources in the Midwest.

HOMEWORK:

The United States Department of Agriculture provides vital information for American farmers. Research the role of the Department of Agriculture and create a brochure highlighting one or more of its key services. Be ready to share your brochures with the class in the  next session.

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Session 6: The West

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define tundra and aqueduct.

Students will present their brochures to the class. 

Students will discover the availability of water in the Western region of the United States.

Students will examine the natural resources and economy of the Western United States.

Students will examine the growth of western cities and how population growth has changed the environment.

Students will investigate the importance of the Alaskan pipeline.

HOMEWORK:

Do research on the Internet and in your community to learn about the cause and effects of regulations on water use and conservation in your local community or state. Create a graphic organizer or chart to display your findings. Be prepared to share your results with the class in the next session.

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Session 7: Regions of Canada

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define province, maritime, lock and bedrock.

Students will examine Canada's ten provinces and economical activities.

Students will discover the importance of the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and Saint Lawrence Rivers.

Students will identify the Canadian Shield and explain how it was formed.

HOMEWORK:

Review the diagram and map that we covered in class. ​On an outline map of North America, trace a water route from Thunder Bay to Montreal. Label the start and end points of your journey and the lakes you would pass through. What is the approximate elevation change during your trip. Be ready to share your map and discuss your findings with the class in the next session. 

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Session 8: The Search for National Identity

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define separatism and secede.

Students will present their maps and discuss their findings.

Students will understand how the past influences the conflict faced between Canada and Quebec.

Students will discover the various cultural groups found in Canada.

Students will explain how Canada had promoted multicultural unity. 

HOMEWORK:

Do research on the Internet to find out about the origins of Canadian place names. Include geographic features such as rivers and cities. How do the names reflect Canada's diverse population? Present your findings on a poster. Be ready to present your poster to the class in the next session. 

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Session 9: Canada Today

LESSON OBJECTIVES: 

Students will define customs, tariff and NAFTA.

Students will present their posters to the class.

Students will examine the natural resources and urbanization found in modern Canada.

Students will investigate the cultural and economical links Canada has with the United States. 

Students will discover the cultural and economical links Canada has with the rest of the world.