Essential Question Lesson Plan Template
Title | GO GO Geography! |
Grade: 3 | Subject: United States Geography |
Overview | Students will use integrative online resources to further understand United States geography, more specifically the differing regions Through use of the internet students explore the Midwest, Southwest, South East, Northeast, Northwest and identify specific states, capitals, waterways and geographical landscape features along with fun facts about these locations .Technology will be used as a tool to promote and extend student learning through access to a variety of websites available online. Several questions will be provided to lead students on a geographical scavenger hunt through the US! |
Essential Question | First week students using online resources identify the 8 states included in the Midwest. What are the states included in this region? |
Subsidiary Questions | Using the websites provided answer the following questions: What is the major river that travels through America’s heartland? What are the capitals of the 8 states of the Midwest? What are some of the other major waterways you can find? (i.e lakes and rivers)? What are some topographical features? What are some fun facts about this region? What are some national landmarks and symbols you can discover? How did the use of the internet help you better understand this assignment? |
Connection to Standards | Use of map skills to determine the absolute locations of places and interpret information available through a map’s legend, scale, and symbolic representations. Identification of geographical features in both local, and national regions. (3.1-History and Social Studies) |
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the appropriate use in operation of a computer. Provides current educational digital media used to evaluate materials through the access of internet resources. Covers 2d-Communication and collaboration,3d-Researchand information fluency,4c-Critical thinking and problem solving, and 5b-Digital citizenship. | |
Assessment | Students will gain insight into understanding the regions of the United States through multisensory approach to include media, classroom education, leadership, and cooperative peer efforts. Students will be encouraged to explore educational internet options to classroom learning. Assignment will specifically provide a framework to understand location, place and region. Students will hand in a worksheet, showing the information and data that they gathered online. |
Project-Based Activities/Tasks Procedures | Teachers and students will work together to create an understanding of United States geography through the use of the internet. 1. Educational background information will be provided by the teacher on the general regions of the United States. 2. An online scavenger hunt/worksheet will be provided to the students, along with suggested websites for exploration. 3. In addition, a map of the US may be provided where students can highlight regions relative to the lesson. 4. In pairs, or groups students will be encouraged to access and explore websites provided, as well as discover additional websites to support their findings. 5. Teacher will assist in technological questions, as well as educational while students complete worksheet. Teacher will also provide educational and supplemental questions to students while they complete their task. 6. Student lead discussion will follow completion of task. |
Samples of Student Work | Integration strategy of written, verbal and visual demonstrations of regional geography to include location, place and region as well as capital, topography and symbolism will occur. In addition, use of media for the purpose of learning and educational discovery will be evident. Students will also learn about these elements on a map by accessing the computer and internet. |
Teacher Commentary Reflection | Students may have technical issues. In addition, it may be challenging to keep them focused on relevant and appropriate websites. Proper netticate must be discussed, as well as being responsible with the care of the computer. Overall understanding of US geography divided into regional sections. Educational value of internet as a teaching tool throughout all subjects will be provided to students. |
