Alief ISD
Social Studies Lesson Plans
Grade 2 Unit 1
Physical Features
Date: _______________
Desired Results: (Unit
Understanding)
Physical features and forces of nature
affect how Houstonians live.
Time Allotted: _______________
Unit Question:
How does where we live
affect how we live?
Assessment:
Venn Diagram and
Summary Statement
Objective/TEKS:
I can describe how weather patterns,
natural resources, seasonal patterns, and
natural hazards affect activities and
settlement patterns. 2.7A
I can compare information from different
sources about places. 2.6C
Anticipatory Set: (Hook) (Universal Generalization) Nature affects how we live.
DAY ONE
TTW write the following statements on chart paper:
* Describe what happens when a hurricane strikes.
* Why do you think people that live in Houston have hurricanes and people that live in
Arizona do not? (provide a map of each)
* Describe what we would need to do to prepare before a hurricane comes.
Give each group time to read and think about each question. Each group will respond to
each question/chart. After a few minutes, the group will rotate to the next chart/question.
Instructional Input: (Line) Modeled/Guided Practice
DAY TWO
TTW/TLW creates an “attribute graph” of the four seasons in Houston.
(clothes, activities, weather occurrences, etc.)
DAY THREE
TLW/TTW read pages 62-65 in Scott Foresman Social Studies textbook. (The teacher may
choose to utilize a shared reading format for this reading.) Discuss the three different
climates in those locations (Arizona, Indiana, and Hawaii) Compare the climates of these
locations to that of Houston.
Independent Practice: (Sinker)
DAY FOUR
TLW create a Venn Diagram comparing Houston to one of the places discussed on the
previous day.
Students will compose a statement at the bottom of the Venn Diagram that
summarizes how the physical features and forces of nature affect how
Houstonians live.
Topics:
Physical Characteristics
of Houston
Climate
Landforms
Natural Resources
Natural Hazards
Environment
Materials/Resources:
Scott Foresman text
Venn Diagram example
Attribute graph of four
seasons
How will you check
for understanding?
Modifications/Extensions:
Closure:
In small groups, allow students to discuss why someone would choose to live in one
location over another. Do people make these considerations when choosing where to live
and raise a family?
Grade 2 Unit 1
Physical Features
1
Alief ISD
Grade 2 Unit 1
Physical Features
2