Texas Geography and Regions Study
Guide
Essential Question:
What do you know about the geography and regions of our state?
Chapter 2: Natural Texas and Its People
Key Concepts:
• Geographical Regions: Texas is divided into four main regions—Coastal Plains, North
Central Plains, Great Plains, and Mountains and Basins.
• Physical Features: Each region has distinct landforms (e.g., hills, plains, rivers) and climate
(e.g., dry, humid).
Mnemonic for Regions: Cows Need Good Milk (Coastal Plains, North Central Plains, Great
Plains, Mountains and Basins).
Visual Aids:
• Map of Texas Regions: Use a color-coded map showing the four regions.
• Flashcards: Create flashcards with a region on one side and its features on the other (e.g.,
Coastal Plains: flat land, humid, near the Gulf of Mexico).
Chapter 3: Climate and Resources
Key Concepts:
• Climate Zones: Understand the differences between arid (dry), semi-arid, and humid
climates across the regions.
• Natural Resources: Learn about resources like oil, natural gas, agriculture (cotton, cattle),
and how they vary by region.
Mnemonic for Climate: Aunt Sally Hates Cold (Arid, Semi-Arid, Humid, Coastal).
Visual Aids:
• Climate Map: Use a map that shows climate zones across Texas, highlighting where each
type is predominant.
• Interactive Activity: Match the region with its predominant climate and resources using a
matching game.
Chapters 29-32: Modern Regions and Economy
Key Concepts:
• Economic Impact: How geography affects the economy in each region (e.g., oil in West
Texas, farming in Central Texas).
• Urban vs. Rural: Differences between life in Texas’s urban areas (like Houston, Dallas) and
rural areas.
• Transportation and Industry: How transportation (railroads, highways) connects different
regions and supports the economy.
Visual Aids:
• Economic Maps: Show where key industries are located (e.g., oil fields, farming areas).
• Graphic Organizers: Create a chart that compares urban and rural characteristics in
different regions.
Review and Reinforcement Activities
• Summary Sheets: Provide one-page summaries of each chapter with key terms
highlighted.
• Mnemonics Recap: Revisit the mnemonics frequently to help the child remember the
regions and their characteristics.
• Interactive Q&A: Use simple, direct questions that focus on one concept at a time (e.g.,
“Which region is known for its dry climate?”).