It is important for students to know the locations of the states on a map, and the capital cities of each state. Filling out a blank map or creating a map from scratch helps students retain information in a more concrete way. For this activity, students will create a poster showing the Midwestern states, capitals, and the major bodies of water. Students will also add illustrations that apply to the Midwest. Students may use a map of the United States, or use the individual states template provided to create their own map.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a map of the Midwest region, including the state names, capital cities, and illustrations.
Student Instructions
Begin the lesson by introducing students to the key concepts of urban and rural geography. Discuss the differences between urban and rural areas, including population density, land use, and infrastructure. Provide examples of urban and rural regions within the Midwest.
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific area within the Midwest, either urban or rural. Instruct students to research their assigned area and gather data on key characteristics, such as population, types of industries, land use, and transportation infrastructure. Provide access to maps, online resources, and geographic data to assist in their research.
Guide students in creating separate maps to represent the urban and rural areas they researched. Instruct them to include visual elements that depict the characteristics of each area, such as population density, land use, transportation networks, and major landmarks. Encourage the use of symbols, colors, and labels to make the maps informative and visually appealing.
Have each group present their urban and rural maps to the class. Engage students in discussions about the differences and similarities between urban and rural geography in the Midwest. Encourage critical thinking and analysis of how geographic factors influence the characteristics of these regions.
The major geographic features and natural landmarks of the Midwest include the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, the Ozark Mountains, the Badlands, and the Great Plains. To find them on a map, use a geographic map of the Midwest. You can identify the Great Lakes' locations along the northern border, the winding path of the Mississippi River, the Ozark Mountains in Missouri and Arkansas, the Badlands in South Dakota, and the vast plains that cover much of the region. Topographic maps are also helpful for understanding elevation and terrain features.
To help students plan a cross-country road trip through the Midwest, consider incorporating the following maps and resources into storyboards and worksheets: Road Maps: Use detailed road maps, which are readily available online or in print, to highlight major highways, routes, and interstates, along with rest areas and service centers. These maps can help students plan their routes. Tourist Maps: Include tourist maps of key cities and attractions in the Midwest. These maps often feature points of interest, accommodations, and places to visit, aiding students in creating a travel itinerary. Online Interactive Maps: Utilize online interactive maps and resources, such as Google Maps or specialized road trip planning tools. These platforms offer real-time data on traffic, attractions, and rest stops. Travel Guides: Encourage students to use travel guides or websites that provide insights into recommended routes, attractions, and tips for road trips through the Midwest.
To help students analyze demographic and cultural trends in the Midwest, consider incorporating the following types of maps and data into storyboards and worksheets: Demographic Maps: Utilize demographic maps that display population distribution, density, and growth trends in the Midwest. These maps often use color-coding to represent different demographic factors. Cultural Maps: Incorporate maps that highlight cultural characteristics, such as ethnic communities, language distribution, and cultural festivals in the region. Historical Maps: Include historical maps that illustrate the changing demographics and cultural shifts in the Midwest over time. These maps can show the historical development of cities and settlements. Infographics: Create infographics that visually present demographic and cultural data in a clear and engaging manner. Infographics can include pie charts, bar graphs, and other visual representations. Interactive Online Tools: Encourage students to explore interactive online tools and resources that provide demographic and cultural data for the Midwest, allowing for in-depth analysis. These maps and data sources will enable students to understand and analyze the diverse demographic and cultural characteristics of the Midwest region effectively.