Georgia’s
Presentation, Graphic Organizers, & Activities
STANDARDS:
SS8G1 Describe Georgia’s geography and climate.
c. Locate key physical features of Georgia and explain
include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian
Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier
d. Analyze the importance of water in Georgia’s historical
and economic growth.
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TEACHER INFO:
• Print off the map for each student.
• Students should use an atlas to label the map before the
presentation.
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GA’s Physical Features
Map Key
Directions: Label the following physical feature on the map: Chattahoochee River, Savannah River, Okefenokee
Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Barrier Islands, and Fall Line. Create a Map Key that includes symbols for each
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TEACHER INFO: CLOZE Notes
• The next pages are handouts for the students to use for notetaking during the presentation. (Print front to back to save
paper and ink.)
• Check the answers as a class after the presentation.
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Physical Features
• There are many different physical features in the Georgia __________________________ the
• Physical features include bodies of water, deserts, mountain ranges, and
• They are __________________________ ; they are not man-made.
Fall Line
• The fall line is about __________________________ and separates the Piedmont region from the
region.
• It marks the part of the state where the __________________________ towards sea level.
• This causes water to __________________________ at an increased rate.
• __________________________ along the fall line, and water below the fall line flows to the
• Waterfalls make it __________________________ any further upstream than the fall line and
of Georgia’s cities formed along the fall line.
• In the state’s early days, Georgians built cities like Columbus, Macon,
along the Fall Line rivers.
• These cities began as places where goods were transferred __________________________ and
across the country.
• The fall line also splits the state’s __________________________ .
• South of the fall line, aquifers (__________________________ that hold water) allow people to
• North of the fall line, people use surface water or __________________________ for water.
Okefenokee Swamp
• The Okefenokee Swamp is located in the southeast corner of Georgia, and it is the
fresh water swamp in the US.
• It covers roughly __________________________ of the Coastal Plains region.
• Its name comes from a Seminole word meaning, “land of the __________________________ ”.
• Water in the swamp averages between __________________________ , and there is unstable,
beneath it.
• The Okefenokee Swamp is home to more than __________________________ of plants and
• In 1937, President Roosevelt created the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, so the swamp is now
__________________________ .
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Appalachian Mountains
• Nearly 100 miles of the Appalachian Mountain range extends into Georgia’s
• The southern end of the chain lies within the __________________________ .
• These mountains are Georgia’s __________________________ , with more than 80 inches of
• In 1828, __________________________ in this area of the mountain range and put the town of
map.
• This started the __________________________ in the United States.
• Today, tourists visit the Appalachian Mountains to enjoy the region’s
weather.
• Many tourists enjoy __________________________ like camping, hiking, mountain biking, and
Barrier Islands
• A series of small islands are located along Georgia’s coastline that form a
the mainland and the Atlantic Ocean.
• These barrier islands protect the mainland from much of the ocean wind, waves, and currents that would
__________________________ .
• In Georgia’s early history, __________________________ on the islands.
• Their purpose was to protect the state’s coast from the __________________________ in
• Today, some of the islands, like Jekyll, Tybee, and St Simons, are popular
tourists.
• Other barrier islands, like Cumberland, are protected __________________________ and
and cannot be destroyed by manmade developments.
Chattahoochee River
• The Chattahoochee River is the __________________________ in Georgia.
• It begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and __________________________ toward Alabama and
• The Chattahoochee is an __________________________ for Georgia, as well as for Alabama and
• In the past, cities along the river used it as a source of __________________________ and as a
transportation.
• It is a major transportation channel that was instrumental in __________________________ and
during Georgia’s early development.
• Today, many man-made lakes use water from the river for __________________________ ,
flood control.
• It is also used for recreational activities like kayaking, __________________________ , and
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Savannah River
• The Savannah River begins in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is the
__________________________ between Georgia and South Carolina.
• It flows southwest for __________________________ and empties into the Atlantic
• It’s important for __________________________ because its deep waters and width
large ships to navigate.
• The river’s mouth in the city of Savannah is __________________________ , which has
grow into a busy transportation hub for goods shipped to and from Georgia and the rest of the
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER IN GEORGIA’S GROWTH
Transportation of Goods
• Georgia’s __________________________ along the state’s rivers and waterways.
• Over time, Savannah became a significant hub for __________________________ thanks
on the Atlantic Ocean.
• Georgia’s __________________________ were loaded onto ships and sold in markets all
• Conversely, the ships brought back __________________________ that the settlers
New Cities
• Many of Georgia’s cities today can be traced back to early settlements that benefitted from
__________________________ .
• Rivers and waterways affected where the settlers chose to
• Access to water was key for drinking, __________________________ , raising livestock,
transportation.
Industry
• In Georgia’s early days, there was __________________________ .
• Mills used water wheels and __________________________ to power the early lumber
industries.
Tourism
• Georgia’s rivers, lakes, and coast are popular with Georgians and tourists alike who want to
__________________________ like boating, fishing, kayaking, or just playing in the surf.
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Georgia’s
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•
There are many different physical features in the Georgia
that have influenced the region’s development.
•
Physical features include bodies of water, deserts, mountain
ranges, and other landforms.
•
They are created by nature; they are not man-made.
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•
The fall line is about twenty miles wide and separates the
Piedmont region from the Coastal Plain region.
•
It marks the part of the state where the elevation begins to
drastically drop towards sea level.
•
This causes water to run downhill at an increased rate.
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•
Waterfalls form along the fall line, and water below the fall
line flows to the Atlantic Ocean.
•
Waterfalls make it difficult to travel any further upstream
than the fall line and because of this, many of Georgia’s
cities formed along the fall line.
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•
In the state’s early days, Georgians built cities like
Columbus, Macon, Milledgeville, and Augusta along the Fall
Line rivers.
•
These cities began as places where goods were transferred
from boats to wagons and trains and sent out across the
country.
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•
The fall line also splits the state’s sources of water.
•
South of the fall line, aquifers (underground rock
formations that hold water) allow people to use wells.
•
North of the fall line, people use surface water or man-made
reservoirs for water.
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•
The Okefenokee Swamp is located in the southeast corner of Georgia,
and it is the second-largest fresh water swamp in the US.
•
It covers roughly 700 square miles of the Coastal Plains region.
•
Its name comes from a Seminole word meaning, “land of the
trembling earth”.
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•
Water in the swamp averages between 2 and 4 feet deep, and
there is unstable, marshy ground beneath it.
•
The Okefenokee Swamp is home to more than 1,000 types of
plants and animals.
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•
In 1937, President Roosevelt created the Okefenokee
National Wildlife Refuge, so the swamp is now protected
land.
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• Nearly 100 miles of the Appalachian Mountain range extends into
Georgia’s northeast corner.
• The southern end of the chain lies within the Blue Ridge region.
• These mountains are Georgia’s highest and wettest areas, with more
than 80 inches of rainfall every year.
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• In 1828, gold was discovered in this area of the mountain
range and put the town of Dahlonega on the map.
• This started the first Gold Rush in the United States.
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• Today, tourists visit the Appalachian Mountains to enjoy the
region’s beautiful views and cooler weather.
• Many tourists enjoy recreational activities like camping,
hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching here.
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• A series of small islands are located along Georgia’s coastline
that form a protective barrier between the mainland and the
Atlantic Ocean.
• These barrier islands protect the mainland from much of the
ocean wind, waves, and currents that would otherwise erode the
coast.
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St Simons Island
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• In Georgia’s early history, forts were built on the islands.
• Their purpose was to protect the state’s coast from the
Spanish threat in Florida.
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Ft. Frederica
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• Today, some of the islands, like Jekyll, Tybee, and St Simons,
are popular vacation destinations for tourists.
• Other barrier islands, like Cumberland, are protected wildlife
reserves and wilderness sanctuaries, and cannot be destroyed
by manmade developments.
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Cumberland Island
• The Chattahoochee River is the largest river in Georgia.
• It begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows southwest toward
Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico.
• The Chattahoochee is an important source of water for Georgia, as
well as for Alabama and Florida.
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“Chattahoochee” is a Creek Indian word meaning “river of
painted rocks”.
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• In the past, cities along the river used it as a source of power
for textile mills and as a means of transportation.
• It is a major transportation channel that was instrumental in
carrying cotton and moving freight during Georgia’s early
development.
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• Today, many man-made lakes use water from the river for
hydroelectricity, drinking water, and flood control.
• It is also used for recreational activities like kayaking,
canoeing, and fishing.
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• The Savannah River begins in the foothills of the Appalachian
Mountains and is the natural boundary between Georgia and
South Carolina.
• It flows southwest for 300 miles toward Savannah and
empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
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• It’s important for shipping and trade because its deep waters and
width make it possible for large ships to navigate.
• The river’s mouth in the city of Savannah is very deep, which has
made the city grow into a busy transportation hub for goods
shipped to and from Georgia and the rest of the world.
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The Importance of
in Georgia’s Growth
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• Georgia’s early settlers shipped goods along the state’s rivers
and waterways.
• Over time, Savannah became a significant hub for
international trade thanks to its location on the Atlantic
Ocean.
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• Georgia’s agricultural products and raw materials were
loaded onto ships and sold in markets all over the world.
• Conversely, the ships brought back supplies and
manufactured goods that the settlers needed for survival.
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• Many of Georgia’s cities today can be traced back to early
settlements that benefitted from being near water.
• Rivers and waterways affected where the settlers chose to live
and build towns.
• Access to water was key for drinking, growing crops, raising
livestock, and transportation.
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• In Georgia’s early days, there was no electricity.
• Mills used water wheels and running river water to power
the early lumber and cotton mill industries.
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Water Powered Cotton Mill
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• Georgia’s rivers, lakes, and coast are popular with Georgians
and tourists alike who want to enjoy recreational activities
like boating, fishing, kayaking, or just playing in the surf.
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Rafting on the Chattahoochee River
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TEACHER INFO:
• Print off the Physical Features chart for each student. (Print front-toback to save paper.)
• They should complete the chart after discussing the presentation.
• Check answers as a class when finished. If time, have students color
their pictures.
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Directions: Complete the chart below with information about important physical features in Georgia. You will need to include a description, the location, and an
illustration for each feature.
Fall Line
Okefenokee Swamp
Location:
Location:
Description:
Description:
Appalachian Mountains
Barrier Islands
Location:
Location:
Description:
Description:
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Directions: Complete the chart below with information about important physical features in Georgia. You will need to include a description, the location, and an
illustration for each feature.
Chattahoochee River
Savannah River
Location:
Location:
Description:
Description:
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Fall Line
Area where the Piedmont and Coastal Plain meet that features a rapid drop in elevation
and many waterfalls; many of GA’s early cities are located along the Fall Line
Okefenokee Swamp
One of the nation’s largest swamps; 700 square mile fresh water wetland in the Coastal
Plain; home to hundreds of species of plants and animals
Appalachian Mountains
Southern tip of chain lies in Blue Ridge region; nearly 100 miles are in Georgia
Chattahoochee River
Major river that forms part of border between GA and AL; important water source for
GA, AL, & FL; provides hydroelectricity, drinking water, recreation, & flood control
Savannah River
Major river that forms most of the GA-SC border; important for shipping and trade
because it is deep and wide enough for large ships; also provides drinking water,
recreation, and a source of power
Barrier Islands
Islands that line Georgia’s coast; protect the mainland form erosion
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TEACHER INFO: Physical Features Foldable
Print out the foldable for each student.
The students will cut the template out along the thick outside lines.
Next, they will cut along the thin lines that divide each word, stopping at the gray rectangle.
They should attach the side of the template (gray rectangle) to their notebooks.
They will now be able to open up each flap and write descriptions of each
feature underneath.
• The students should also draw a picture of the features on the inside flaps.
•
•
•
•
•
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Fall Line
Okefenokee
Swamp
Appalachian
Mountains
Barrier Islands
Chattahoochee
River
Savannah River
TEACHER INFO: Souvenir Suitcase
• Print off copies of the Suitcase handout for each student.
• Project the directions slide onto the board while students work.
• The students will imagine that they took a trip to all 6 places mentioned in this
presentation. They will draw a souvenir inside of the suitcase to represent each
place.
• Underneath each souvenir, they should write where it’s from & how it’s
significant to the place.
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Directions: Imagine that you took a trip to all 6 places mentioned in this lesson. Draw a souvenir inside of the suitcase to represent each place. Next, include a
brief description of where each item is from and why it’s significant to the feature. Color your suitcase—be creative!
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TEACHER INFO: Postcard
•
Print off the postcard page for each student. The students will fold the paper in half along
the dotted line. Project the directions slide on the board.
•
On the front, the students will draw one of the physical features of Georgia. They should
also include a short greeting/title. (Example: Cheers from the Appalachian Mountains!)
•
On the back, they will write a note to someone as if they have visited at least 3 of the
features.
•
When finished, they should cut out the postcard & tape the sides together.
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Front:
Draw a colorful illustration of one of the physical features
studied. Include a short greeting (title).
Back:
Write a note to your family as if you have visited some of the
have studied in Georgia. (Include descriptions for at least 3
Don’t forget to draw & color the stamp!
*Cut out your postcard, fold along the dotted line, & tape
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TEACHER INFO: Water Bottle
•
Pass out the Water Bottle handout to each student.
• Have the students design a water bottle that showcases the importance of water
in Georgia’s historical development and economic growth.
• The design should include related symbols and facts.
• In the textbox, they will write a description that explains the symbols used in
the bottle’s design.
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Bottle Description:
Directions: Design a commemorative water bottle to showcase water’s importance in Georgia’s historical development
and economic growth. In the textbox, write a description that explains your water bottle’s design.
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TEACHER INFO: Flyswatter Review
•
Project the blank map of Georgia on the whiteboard.
•
Put the students into groups and have one member from each group come to
the board. One person from each group will need a flyswatter.
•
Call out different features in Georgia and have the students use flyswatters to
hit the location.
•
The first person to hit it correctly wins!
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• One member from each team will come to the board.
• I will call out different political and physical features of
Georgia.
• If you know where the feature or country is located, you
should hit the location on the map.
• The first person to correctly hit the location wins a point!
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TEACHER INFO: Comprehension Check
•
Print off the Comprehension Check for each student.
•
The students will complete this handout at the end of the lesson. You can
count this as a quiz!
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1.
What is the longest river in Georgia?
2. In order to defend the early settlement of Georgia from the Spanish, where were forts built?
3. What is the geographical boundary that divides Georgia’s sources of water?
4. Which feature is the second-largest of its kind in the US and is home to more than 1000 plants and
animals?
5. Which river has a port at its mouth that is connected to the Atlantic Ocean?
6. Where was gold found in Georgia in the 1800s?
7. Which river is a major provider of drinking water for Georgians, and is also an artery of transportation for
the state?
8. Which geographic feature is a National Wildlife Refuge?
9. What serves as the boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plains regions?
10. Why did Georgia’s early settlers establish their towns near water?
11. Which geographic feature do you think has been the most beneficial to Georgia’s development? Explain.
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1. What is the longest river in Georgia?
Chattahoochee River
2. In order to defend the early settlement of Georgia from the Spanish, where were forts built?
Barrier islands
3. What is the geographical boundary that divides Georgia’s sources of water?
Fall line
4. Which feature is the second-largest of its kind in the US and is home to more than 1000 plants and
animals?
Okefenokee Swamp
5. Which river has a port at its mouth that is connected to the Atlantic Ocean?
Savannah River
6. Where was gold found in Georgia in the 1800s?
Appalachian Mountains (Dahlonega)
7. Which river is a major provider of drinking water for Georgians, and is also an artery of transportation for
the state?
Chattahoochee River
8. Which geographic feature is a National Wildlife Refuge?
Okefenokee Swamp
9. What serves as the boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plains regions?
Fall line
10. Why did Georgia’s early settlers establish their towns near water?
Essential for drinking, growing crops, raising livestock, and transportation
11. Which geographic feature do you think has been the most beneficial to Georgia’s development? Explain.
Answers will vary.
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TEACHER INFO: TICKET OUT THE DOOR
• Print off the following slide & make a copy for each student. (They are two-perpage).
• Have the students “take a selfie” with one of the physical features from the
lesson.
• They will write a brief description of the place to the right of the picture.
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Name:
Name:
Take a selfie of yourself visiting one of Georgia’s physical features. In the blank space on the right,
describe where you are & what you see.
Take a selfie of yourself visiting one of Georgia’s physical features. In the blank space on the right,
describe where you are & what you see.
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