1. Geography 3.3.4
Explain that regions are areas that
have similar physical and cultural
characteristics. Identify Indiana and
the local community as part of a
specific region.
2. Links to Websites and Lesson
Plan
http://www.doe.in.gov
http://www.dembsky.net/regions/
3. Definitions
Region- an area or division; part of a
country or the world having definable
characteristics but not always fixed
boundaries.
Characteristics- a feature or quality
belonging to a person, place, or thing.
Community- a group of people living
together in one place.
4. Background Information
Before students were presented with this
information, they would have to know the
difference between the states in the U.S.
They would have to realize some places in
the U.S. look alike and different.
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5. Indicator Activity “Regions of
our Community”
Students will discuss the region(s) of their
community as a whole group. Be sure to
inform students of what a region is--an area
made up of places that have features in
common.
Ask students to think about the regions in
their own community. Do they look alike?
Be sure to record their ideas on the board.
6. Indicator Activity “Regions of
our Community”
Be sure to discuss the characteristics of
each region the students named, and
encourage them to think about their
similarities.
Show students the map of the United States.
Point out several of the regions on the map.
Inform the students that a single place can
belong to several different regions at once.
7. Indicator Activity “Regions of
our Community”
Point out the state of Indiana on the map.
Let the students know that Indiana belongs
to the Midwest region, but it is also
sometimes called part of the Central States
region. It also belongs to the Great Lakes
region because it touches Lake Michigan.
Pass out a copy of the United States
region(s) map, “So Many Regions”
8. Indicator Activity “Regions of
our Community”
Begin the worksheet. Have the students
color the state of Indiana so it stands out.
Ask the students how many regions Indiana
belongs to? What are the regions called or
named?
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9. Indicator Activity “Regions of
our Community”
Pass out a “Regions” graphic organizer.
Fill out the graphic organizer as a group.
Ask the students questions such as, “What
region do mountains belong to?” or “What
regions touch oceans?”
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10. United States Regions
http://www.dembsky.net/regions/
This particular website focuses on the individual states in
the U.S. and divides them up into their region. The
website includes:
– The 50 states
– State capital
– Information about the state; state bird, flower, flag
– Facts about each state
– State trivia
– National landmarks
– State games and quizzes