The Southeast for Teachers

Place
What should they know?	__ What are the unique human made and natural characteristics of the region? __ What are the advantages or disadvantages for human habitation?
How can I help them to experience this?	Everglades by Jean George -This book describes the Everglades and how people have affected this area Mist Over the Mountains: Appalachia and Its People by Raymond Bial -A photo essay of the land and its people Where the River Begins by Thomas Locker -Two kids persuade their grandfather to take a trip to a nearby river and learn about how it begins
	Adventures in Energy is an online video detailing how energy is used every day. Brainpop: Fossil Fuels -With a region packed with coal and oil, this is a great mini-movie to show Brainpop: Mountains -Learn about the Appalachian Mountains and then discuss erosion & weathering.

Location
What should they know?	____ Where is the region?
How can I help them to experience this?	*Blast Off to Earth! A Look at Geography* by Loreen Leedy *I have not read this book, but I did find some geography .
	Interactive Map - Roll your mouse over the map to determine state name and its capital. This map gives you attractions near major cities. What are the different types of land forms? Sure cartoons are nice, but what about real pictures?
	National Atlas - Create your own statistically accurate map about each region or part of the United States What's it like in your backyard? Begin learning about geography by looking out your window. With different regions and land forms, this idea could mold itself into a postcard activity that could be sent to other elementary schools. Having difficulty constructing visual using latitude & longitude? Check out this online example by Mr. Brad Bowerman. Then check out an online quiz. While this is a little advanced, size down the list and make your own geography dictionary with pictures!
Movement
What should they know?	__ What physical movement has helped form this region? __ How has geography affected interaction between this region and other regions?
How can I help them to experience this?	The Trail on Which they Wept by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler -This out of print book is set at a third grade level, but you can find other Trail of Tears books to go with these . Read and react to this poem.

	What causes climate? Find all weather related topics and -This exploration will lead nicely into a discussion about agriculture too! Brainpop: Sun & Temperature -To help you learn about climate, you may wish to learn about what makes it how and how to read how hot it is. Brainpop: Hurricanes -Watch the movie then create a hurricane in water for a class demo. The intro to the National Geographic: Eye in the Sky piece is worth playing alone.
Human Interaction with Environment
What should they know?	__ How have people past and present interacted with the environment? __ How do people adapt to change and depend on this region?
How can I help them to experience this?	Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds by Cynthia Rylant -In the book, the author describes the region as she remembers it.
	Brainpop: What Caused the Civil War & The Civil War -After you discuss this and done a WebQuest, it may be a good time to discuss civil rights. Brainpop: Constitution, Bill of Rights, & Branches of Government -While we're on the topic of rights, I take time in the southeast to discuss the branches of government (local, state, and national). Hey, how do presidents get elected and what are the powers of the president?
	Hold an Appalachian festival with crafts, bluegrass & country music, and games. Celebrate the food of the Creoles & Cajuns from the recipes of the Gumbo Pages. Create a model damn and water wheel in class Have a classroom debate whether a dam should be built or repaired? Recognize the contributions of George Washington Carter and the peanut Simulate a bill going through congress by creating one in your classroom. Chose an amendment or addition to your classroom rules and then divide up the class into Senate, House of Representatives, and the Presidency. Scholastic on the Constitution, civil rights, government, elections, the presidency, Civil War, and Native Americans!



	*Part of an Independent Learning Project for Cambridge College* A Journey Through the Regions of the United States: Enhancing Learning with Technology (Thesis Available at Cambridge College) An online supplement to the Naperville District 203 fourh grade unit covering States & Regions Okay, but what's the point of this site?
Backgrounds from Absolute Background Textures Archive	Updated: April 22, 2004 --site map--	*All graphics were created by author, unless otherwise noted.