Lesson Plan Idea Format
Grade Level & Subject Area: 4th grade – The Six Regions of Arkansas (geography)
Standards/Framework (Common Core, NAEYC, Mid-level ….): Arkansas
Department of Education – Social Studies Frameworks
G. 1.4.2
Locate and describe physical
characteristics of the six natural
regions of Arkansas:
• Arkansas River Valley
• Crowley’s Ridge
• Mississippi Alluvial Plain
• Ozark Mountains (plateau)
• West Gulf Coastal Plain
• Ouachita Mountains
Theme/Series of Lessons (if Not applicable, put N/A. If it is part of a series, of
lessons, tell me, give a BRIEF description of the overall and tell me where this
particular lesson fits):
This lesson will be one lesson in a three-part series on Arkansas Geography. Students
will, aside from this lesson, also learn about the major rivers in Arkansas (and their
locations) and learn about the major mountain ranges (and their locations). The grand
assessment will conclude these three mini-lessons in the form of a comprehensive “test”
involving labeling maps and completing information webs.
Time (is this a 1 day 50 minute lesson, 5 day 1 hour lesson, once a week over a
month lesson….):
This lesson, together with its series, will be a 3 day, 45 minute lesson. Each lesson in
the series will be taught on an individual day and last about 45 minutes each.
What do the students already know? (This could be the Intro or they have learned
information before starting this lesson):
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Students can already identify the state of Arkansas on a United States map, as
well as locate the state capitol and residential county.
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Students have also discussed the definition and function of a region.
Students should have previously been exposed to the main rivers and mountains
in Arkansas, however, these lessons will take a more in depth approach as well
as strengthen existing knowledge.
Students know what a compass is and can use it to determine directions.
Objective (What are the students’ going to accomplish):
Students will be introduced to the six natural regions of Arkansas. They will be able to
list the regions, identify them on a state map, as well as identify physical characteristics
of each region. Students will be able to describe each region using directions in relation
to the state as a whole (example: northwest AR).
Materials:
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List of definitions (with pictures) introducing terms that will be used to describe
the six regions (example: valley, ridge, plateau, etc)
Inspiration diagram of the regions, with connected information
Inspiration blank web (for assessment)
6 poster boards
Procedure:
We will begin the lesson by reviewing previously-addressed topics including regions,
directions, and features of a state. I will quiz the class on their knowledge of directions
by identifying the front of the room as north and asking the direction of different objects
found in the classroom. The class will be asked to reply in unison with the correct
direction. (Example: I might point to the bookshelf and expect the class to tell me it is in
the Southeast region of the room.)
We will discuss the existence of six natural regions in our state and recognize that each
one has distinctive physical characteristics.
After the class seems to recall and understand the review, I will pass out a handout with
definitions and pictures of the key landform terms being covered in the lesson. We will
discuss each term.
Next, each student will be given their own copy of the Inspiration diagram with the
regions of Arkansas identified and explained. They will use this diagram to learn and
study the information.
After each region has been briefly discussed and analyzed, the class will be split into six
groups. Each group will be randomly assigned a region and have the task of creating a
“sale’s pitch” for their region. They can create a slogan and decorate a poster explaining
why their assigned region is a great place to live. (The group with a mountainous region
might explain how their region is ideal for hiking.) Each group will then come to the front
of the class and present their region and the selling-qualities within the region.
This group activity will be the end of the region lesson.
After all three lessons on Arkansas geography have been taught, students will have a
few days to study the material before they are assessed on their knowledge. This
portion of the series will be further assessed with an Inspiration web that instructs them
to fill in the web with region names, directions, and features.
Assessment (How will the students’ show you that the objective has been met):
The immediate assessment of this lesson will be the group activity of coming up with a
commercial or advertisement drawing residents to their assigned region of Arkansas.
Posters will be provided to add creativity to the assessment. This assessment not only
demonstrates their acquired basic knowledge of each region, but practices their ability
to identify how physical characteristics of a location impact the community and available
activities. They can better appreciate their state after identifying positive features found
in each region.
The second assessment will come about a week later when the students are asked to
complete an information web organizing their knowledge of Arkansas’ six natural
regions. They will not get a word bank, and therefore will have to study and memorize
the names of each region, as well as where in the state they are located. The original
regional map of Arkansas used to learn the information, will be unlabeled on the web
sheet giving them guidance, as well as a
compass for extra support. The students
will have the responsibility of memorizing
specific sets of information and
replicating them in an organized manner.
This assessment does not test creativity
and innovation, but instead allows
students to demonstrate their ability to
follow explicit instructions while creating a
basic outline of the required information.
A Brief Description Of The Entire Lesson - Plus Any Additional Information to be
Included:
This lesson begins with explanations of the roles and features of different regions and
physical landforms. Students will use this basic knowledge to understand and learn
about the six regions of Arkansas through two handouts that include definitions and
visual aids. The information retention will be assessed through a group activity designed
to spark creativity and home-state appreciation. The lesson combines with two other
lessons to form a series on the geography of Arkansas that will culminate with a multipart assessment including an information web where students will have to recall names
and ideas from memory.
(I should be able to see and understand your entire lesson by reading this.
Remember, Technology is not the lesson. It enhances the lesson)