A region is defined as “an area that shares common characteristics”. [HarcourtBrace, 2000] Regions can be physical construction (land formations, climate) or human traits (languages, religions, history, political boundaries). From this definition Naperville District 203 has divided the umbrella question for fourth grade social science exploration, what defines a region?, into four components.

__What are the unique human made and natural characteristics of the region?

__What are the advantages or disadvantages for human habitation?

__What physical movement has helped form this region?

__How has geography affected interaction between this region and other regions?

__How have people past and present interacted with the environment?

__How do people adapt to change and depend on this region?

This site was based on the Constructivist teaching theory combined with activities supporting the Multiple Intelligences. Constructivism employs cooperative and collaborative inquiry-based learning allowing one to construct his/her own knowledge and understanding as you experience and reflect on them. The Multiple Intelligences pairs well because it taps into the different talents each person has in learning and demonstrating that learning. Before you begin using this site it is important to understand that these theories transfer the role of a student to an active learner and a teacher to a facilitator.

There are many methods teachers have created or adapted to fit the Naperville District 203 curriculum of States & Regions. No matter who developed the curriculum, there needs to be a place to begin. What is the best way to introduce the idea of regions? Below are a few ideas I have come across in my searching and a few that I’ve practiced. You pick what’s best for you!

National Geographic's
Xpeditions

I’m a very visual/spatial learner, so I have tried to create visual cues along the way for students and teachers. Below is the key to the signs I’ve posted next to each link.

Both the student and teacher pages are organized by the four guiding question (place, location, movement, & human interaction and the environment). Student pages list a multitude of activates loosely grouped near similar topics. The teacher pages, however, group each topic and give useful lessons, printables, or activities to introduce, supplement, or conclude learning.

Most of the games I’ve found are best near the end of the unit. Although a few of them I have placed on the student pages of each region as they fit. The following signs will let you know what plug-in (if any) you need.

is an object-oriented programming language used for writing applets that are downloaded from the World Wide Web by a client and run on the client's machine. Most recent Web browsers are java capable, however you may need to download it here.
is a vector-based moving graphics format created by Macromedia for the publication of animations on the world-wide web. The Flash plug-in is necessary to view any page that has been created with this software.
is a Macromedia development tool similar to java, which brings enhanced multimedia to the Internet. The Shockwave plug-in is necessary to view any page that has been created with this software.

USA Census Bureau
-Choose your state and find facts. Not enough? Go to the US Census site here.

Updated: April 22, 2004
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