Activity Overview
The geography of the West is extremely diverse. With 4 major mountain ranges, 2 major deserts, a beautiful coastline, and even a rainforest, it is like no other region in the United States. Because of its geographic location, the West has experienced earthquakes and even volcano eruptions! Students will research the geography of the West and create an informative poster that includes geographical features, facts, and colorful illustrations.
You can find more travel poster templates to add to this assignment to give students a variety of choices for their poster!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a poster highlighting the geographical features of the West.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start assignment”.
- Using school resources, conduct research about the geography of the West.
- Create a poster about Western geography, including facts and illustrations.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 22 Points | Needs Improvement 11 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | The text on the poster includes important facts, is accurate and is pertinent to the topic demonstrating a solid understanding of the subject. | The text on the poster includes some important facts, is mostly accurate and is pertinent to the topic demonstrating an emerging understanding of the subject. | The text on the poster does not include enough important facts. The information is not accurate or is not pertinent to the topic. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen enhances the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts. Time and care is taken to ensure that the design is neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen is mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. The design constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen is too limited. The design appears rushed and incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How to Incorporate Stories or Legends Related to Western US Geography in Your Lesson Plan
Introduction to Western US Legends and Stories
Begin by introducing students to the concept of legends and stories related to the geography of the Western US. Explain that these stories often have cultural and historical significance, providing insights into the region's geography.
Story Selection and Research
Have students select a specific legend or story related to a geographical feature or location in the Western US. This could be a Native American legend, a historical account, or a contemporary narrative. Provide a list of suggested stories or guide students to find their own. Instruct students to research their chosen story, providing information on the geographical feature it relates to, its historical context, and the cultural or environmental aspects it illustrates.
Story Integration into Geography Curriculum
Teach students how to incorporate the selected story or legend into their geography lessons. This may involve creating multimedia presentations, maps, or posters that showcase the story alongside geographical information. Discuss how the story can help students better understand the geographical feature, climate, or cultural significance of the Western US region. Encourage students to draw connections between the story and the geography.
Presentation and Discussion
Have students present their projects to the class, explaining the chosen story, its relevance to the geography of the Western US, and the insights they gained from this integration. After presentations, facilitate a class discussion to explore the cultural, historical, and geographical lessons learned from the stories. Encourage students to ask questions and engage in critical thinking about the material.
Frequently Asked Questions about US Regions West - Geography
What are the major mountain ranges in the Western United States, and how do they impact the region's geography and climate?
The Western US is home to major mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades. These mountains significantly influence the region's geography by creating rain shadows and affecting precipitation patterns. They also provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna. The Rockies, for instance, separate the arid interior from the more temperate coastal areas, leading to a wide range of climates in the West.
What are the unique geological features and natural hazards in the Western United States, such as volcanoes, fault lines, and earthquakes?
The Western US is characterized by unique geological features. It includes active volcanoes like Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier in the Pacific Northwest. The San Andreas Fault and other fault lines increase the risk of earthquakes. These geological aspects result from the region's location along the boundary between tectonic plates, making it susceptible to natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
How can the use of storyboards and worksheets encourage critical thinking and analysis when exploring the geography of the Western United States?
Storyboards and worksheets can foster critical thinking by posing thought-provoking questions, encouraging students to compare and contrast geographical features, and analyze the implications of climate and topography. By requiring students to apply knowledge and think critically about the region's geography, these tools enhance their analytical skills and understanding.
How can storyboards and worksheets be adapted to cater to different learning styles when teaching about the geography of the Western US?
Storyboards and worksheets can be adapted to suit various learning styles. Visual learners can benefit from detailed illustrations and maps, while auditory learners can explore audio components or discussion questions. For kinesthetic learners, interactive elements and hands-on activities can be incorporated. This adaptability ensures that students with different learning preferences can engage effectively with the material.
More Storyboard That Activities
US Regions: West
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