Learning Activity

From Sea To Shining Sea

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

5

Overview

In this activity, students are challenged to identify and locate the major geographical features in the United States. There are 20 questions, and students have 30 seconds to respond to each question. Each question also includes a hint as a scaffold for students who need additional support in locating the feature. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Gap Project.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 5

SS10.5.1

Locate on a map physical features that impacted the exploration and settlement of the Americas, including ocean currents, prevailing winds, large forests, major rivers, and significant mountain ranges.

Unpacked Content

UP:SS10.5.1

Vocabulary

  • impact
  • exploration
  • settlement
  • prevailing
  • legend (key)
  • physical features
  • cultural features

Knowledge

Students know:
  • How geographic features such as ocean currents, prevailing winds, large forests, major rivers, and significant mountain ranges influenced exploration and settlement of the Americas.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Correctly use maps to identify various physical and cultural features, including natural harbors, states and capitals.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Geographical features influenced the exploration and settlement of the Americas.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
After/Explain/Elaborate
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will locate major geographical features on a map of the United States. 

Activity Details

This geography interactive can be used during instruction of geographical features for additional practice, or after instruction has occurred to assess students' abilities to locate the geographical features.

The teacher may choose to project the interactive and have students locate features as a whole class for practice, before allowing partner work or independent practice. 

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

This interactive can be used as an assessment tool, however, teachers should know that the hints given for each feature may not be desirable for an assessment situation. After practicing this interactive, student skills can also be assessed using a paper version of the US map with features noted, or teachers could have students complete a verbal exam with a partner or teacher using a similar map. 

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Teachers should complete the interactive prior to sharing it with students so that they are knowledgeable of the features that are shown. Individual teachers may choose to teach additional features that are not assessed in the interactive.

Individual students or partner pairs will need an internet connected device to be able to access the interactive. If students do not have devices, the teacher may choose to complete this interactive whole group. 

Digital Tools / Resources

From Sea to Shining Sea
https://www.learner.org/series/interactive-us-history-map/

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

efogleman
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