Name: ________________________________________ Date: _____________
Oh Canada!
After being introduced to the great country of Canada (our favorite northern
neighbor and home to Justin Bieber), you will be writing and illustrating a nonfiction book explaining the Five Themes of Geography as they pertain to Canada.
What
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
are the Five Themes of Geography again?
Location
Place
Human-Environment Interaction
Movement
Region
You will be required to research and answer certain questions based on the five
themes and include them in your non-fiction book. Your book MUST include:
 A front and back cover – illustrated and colored with a Canada theme and
authors’ names
 A minimum of 5 pages, each with labeled, captioned, and colored
illustrations, and well-written, factual information regarding each theme
 Groups who finish early could add an accurate table of contents, a fun fact
page, and a glossary of important terms. These are not required, but
they’ll sure make the book a lot nicer!
Each group member will be responsible for covering one “theme” of geography.
The remaining work should be split equally amongst the team members.
Theme #1: Location
There are two types of “location” in geography. Absolute location is a specific
location of latitude and longitude or a street address. For example, Paris France
is 48 north latitude and 2 east longitude or the White House is located at 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue. Relative location is described by landmarks, time,
direction, or the distance from one place to another. For example, Chicago Ridge
Mall is about two miles northwest of OLHMS.
Theme #2: Place
Place can be described in two main ways. First, human characteristics are
considered. Common languages, customs, beliefs, and human population can
give a place a very rich culture. Physical characteristics can also help identify a
place. Large landforms, climates, vegetation varieties, wildlife, and soil type can
make certain places easily identifiable.
Theme #3: Human-Environment Interaction
Humans and the environment affect each other in different ways. In our region,
people depend on Lake Michigan for water and the transportation of goods.
People modify the environment by heating and cooling buildings for comfort. We
also have to adapt to the environment by wearing clothing that is suitable for the
different seasons. Humans have also had a significant impact on the Earth
throughout history.
Theme #4: Movement
People, goods, and ideas are constantly moved from place to place. Humans rely
on many different types of modern technology to get where they want and get
what they need.
Theme #5: Regions
There are three ways to describe regions. First, formal regions are defined by
governmental boundaries (states, countries, cities) and can typically share similar
characteristics (Corn Belt, Rocky Mountain Region, Chinatown, etc.). Functional
regions are defined by a function, such as a newspaper service area or a cell
phone coverage area. Vernacular regions are defined by a general cultural
perception (shared language or customs) such as “The South” or “The Midwest.”
Vernacular regions are not specifically defined and can vary according to people’s
opinions.
Questions that can guide you as you work:
Theme #1: Location
Absolute location – Where is Canada? Choose a major city (how about the
capital?) and find it’s absolute location based on lines of latitude and longitude.
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Relative location – What’s nearby? Which countries and bodies of water are near
Canada?
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Theme #2: Place
What is Canada like? Describe human features (buildings, cities, traditions, and
government created by the people). You can also describe the landforms, bodies
of water, climate, and plant and animal life.
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Theme #3: Human-Environment Interaction
How do the people and the environment of Canada affect each other? How have
people changed to suit their environment? How has the environment been
changed by the people?
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Theme #4: Movement
How do people, goods, and ideas get from place to place in Canada?
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Theme #5: Regions
What does Canada have in common with other places around the world? What
features do places within Canada share (cultural, landforms, government,
language) to make them part of a region?
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