North America Brochure Project
6th grade Social Studies students will complete research on the diverse regions of the United States to discover the impact
of geography on almost every aspect of modern life: economics, recreation, culture, and the movement of people and
ideas.
The five regions that the students will choose from are:
Northeast (11): Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New
Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut
Southeast (12): West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
Midwest (12): North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan,
Indiana, Ohio
Southwest (4): Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
West (11): Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii
Brochure Requirements:
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Title present (main heading)
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Subtitles (sub headings)
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Minimum of 3 graphics
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Chart, graphic organizer or table (if applicable)
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Tri-fold format
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Bibliography (All sources need to be cited via MLA style—see next page)
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Brochures will be typed and developed on computer
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3 sources (1 primary, 1 secondary and 1 primary/secondary of your choice)
CHOICE 1—Location
Analyze how location (absolute and /or relative) influences ways of living in the United States. Here’s what
your brochure will contain:
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Definition of absolute location
Definition of relative location
Choice of 2 different regions of the US to analyze
Choose at least 5 aspects of “ways of life” from the list below or others approved by Mr. Blair to
research for 2 different regions of the US
o recreation/arts
o jobs/occupations/economic activity
o dress
o education
o foods
o beliefs (ex: religion)
o transportation
o shelter/homes
information on how location has an effect on your chosen 5 aspects for the 2 different regions of the
US
CHOICE 2—Place
Compare and contrast the physical, human and cultural characteristics of 2 regions within the United States.
Here’s what your brochure will contain:
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What are these types of characteristics?
Definition of physical geographic characteristics of
How are they different from one
a region
another? What would one be looking
Definition of human geographic characteristics of a
for to find them?
region
Definition of cultural characteristics of a region
a choice of 2 different US regions to compare and contrast
3 physical characteristics of each region chosen
3 human characteristics of each region chosen
3 cultural characteristics of each region chosen
a contrast and a comparison of each aspect for each region (this could be accomplished with a graphic
organizer)
CHOICE 3—Human-Environment Interaction
Analyze how the United States adapts, modifies, and uses its physical environment. Here is what your
brochure should contain:
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Choice of 2 different regions of the US to analyze
Definition and examples of what is meant by the physical environment of a place
Details of how in each region people have adapted, modified, or use 4 different aspects of the
physical environment
CHOICE 4—Movement
Analyze the past movement of people, goods, and ideas within and among the United States. Compare it to
today. Here’s what your brochure should contain:
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Definition of the geographical theme of movement
Choice of 2 different regions of the US to analyze
Information on how people, goods and ideas moved in each region 150-200 yrs ago
Information on how people, goods and ideas move in the current day
Information on what has stayed the same, what is different and what is the impact of those changes
CHOICE 5—Human-Environment Interaction
Compare and contrast the changes and impact that technology brought to the United States by examining 2
different regions of the US. Here’s what your brochure should contain:
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Definition of technology
Information on the changes that technology has brought to the physical environment and culture
(these changes could occur in the development or use of natural resources, communication, industry
(manufacturing), labor for people, agriculture, education, trade, movement, modifications to the
physical environment, recreational opportunities, improved living conditions, medicine, etc)
Information on the impact that those changes have had on the physical environment and on people
with an emphasis on geography
CHOICE 6—Region
Describe the art, music, and craft forms of 2 different regions in the United States. Compare and contrast
these cultural elements across 2 different regions. Here’s what your brochure should contain:
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Definition of art
Definition of music
Definition of craft (arts and crafts)
Information on significant styles or artists, musicians that the US region is known for
Brief information on the origins of the style that the US region is known for
What cultural elements do the share? What cultural elements are unique to the region? (this could be
accomplished with a graphic organizer)