Name _________________________________________ Core __________________ Date ________________________
Unit 7 Middle America Study Guide
Preview:
1. Middle America- Middle America is a fragmented realm that consists of all the countries from Mexico to Panama and
all the Caribbean Islands.
2. Mexico- Few nations on Earth support as many plant and animal species as Mexico does. Mexico is a country rich in
natural resources, like oil, silver, copper, and agricultural products. But political and economic failings have kept much
of the population in poverty.
Key Points:
1. Most people who live in Middle America make their living on farms and, as a result, live in rural areas.
2. Tourism is a major source of income for many Middle American countries.
3. The Panama Canal cuts through Middle America and connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Ships use the canal,
making Panama a crossroads of world trade.
4. Spanish is the official language of Mexico. It is spoken by nearly the entire population of Mexico.
5. The Mexican government offers free education for children ages six to fourteen go to school. It has both public and
private schools available.
6. Mexico is a country with great problems and great potential. But political and economic failings have kept much of
the population in poverty.
Identify and explain the significance of the following terms:

Middle America - _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Panama Canal- _________________________________________________________________________________
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
Isthmus- ______________________________________________________________________________________
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Mexico City- ___________________________________________________________________________________
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Mestizos - _____________________________________________________________________________________
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Fiesta- ________________________________________________________________________________________
Reading Guide:
1.
Middle America contains the America’s least developed countries. New economic opportunities may help to what? ___________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.
Most people who live in Middle America make their living on farms and, as a result, live in what types of areas? _____________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
The Panama Canal, cuts through Middle America and connects what two oceans? ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.
On the Day of the Dead, one of Mexico’s holidays, people visit their loved ones that have died. Family members go to the graves
and bring what to remember those who have passed away? ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.
For many Mexicans, the best chance for a better life lies in what country? _____________________________________________
Cornell Notes
Lecture, reading/chapter/novel/article
during class, power point, movies (if
need to collect info.)
Name: ___________________________________
Class: _________________ Period: ________
Date: ____________________________
Topic:
Essential Question:
Questions/Main Ideas:
Summary:
Notes:
Name _____________________________________________ Core _________________ Date _____________________
Vocabulary Organizer
Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence
Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence
Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence
Name _____________________________________________ Core _________________ Date _____________________
Twelve Powerful Words
Information: These words are verbs (action words). The actions these words represent are thinking processes
(each word is a different way to think about something). These thinking processes often overlap. They can be
used one right after another or even at the same time.
Analyze
break down into pieces
Formulate
create; design; build; make
Compare
how things are similar
Infer
educated guess
Contrast
how things are different
Predict
tell what happens next
Describe
tell all about (5 senses)
Summarize
short version
Evaluate
judge; rank; put a value on
Support
back up with details
Explain
tell how
Trace
list in steps
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Identify and explain the significance of the following terms:
1. Analyze- ______________________________________________________________________________
2. Compare- ____________________________________________________________________________
3. Contrast- ______________________________________________________________________________
4. Describe- _____________________________________________________________________________
5. Evaluate- ______________________________________________________________________________
6. Explain- _____________________________________________________________________________
7. Formulate- ___________________________________________________________________________
8. Infer- _______________________________________________________________________________
9. Predict- _____________________________________________________________________________
10. Summarize- __________________________________________________________________________
11. Support- _____________________________________________________________________________
12. Trace- _______________________________________________________________________________