Ecuador Gallery Walk: Formal and Perceptual Regions Brittany Whitted, Teacher, Westwood High School Samantha Sanchez, Teacher Candidate, University of Texas at San Antonio Grades: Secondary (9-­‐12) Subject: World Geography, World History Duration: One to Two Hours Background Information: Ecuador is a nation of varied physical and human geography. With a wide range of climates, ecosystems, and people, this nation serves as an excellent case study for students to observe diversity on numerous scales and topics. Ecuador is commonly divided into four distinct regions: Galapagos Islands, Coastal Lowlands, Andean Highlands, and the Amazon. By studying each region of Ecuador, students can gain a broader understanding of South America as a whole. While a relatively small nation, Ecuador contains many of the physical characteristics that dominate South America, including the Amazon Rainforest and Andean Highlands. Ecuador is considered to be one of the most biodiverse places in the world despite its small size (it is approximately the size of Wyoming). For example, over 25,000 plant species call Ecuador home while the United States has 17,000 plant species. It also contains a wide range of human characteristics that resemble the continent as a whole. Ecuador has numerous ethnic groups, including large Mestizo and Amerindian populations. The economy of Ecuador is largely dependent on primary economic activities and export commodities much like other nations in South America. By studying Ecuador, students can gain a broad understanding of many of the current issues facing nations of South America, including deforestation, shifting levels of development, and issues with cultural diversity. Lesson Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to
provide students with general
knowledge and a broader
understanding of Ecuador and its
regions, both in a perceptual and
formal sense. This lesson will
provide students with a better
understanding of what formal and
perceptual regions are and how
humans characterize these regions.
Learning OBJECTIVES
The students will use geographic skills to create thematic maps and will use appropriate vocabulary to present geographic information. The students will identify the different regions of Ecuador. The students will identify perceptual, formal, and functional regions. The students will identify the major physical, historical, and economical characteristics as well as the climate and ecosystem of each Ecuadorian region. This lesson funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Lesson Description: For this lesson, students will be allowed to walk four different stations, all serving as a separate region of Ecuador. While doing so, they will be required to complete worksheets and maps, which will help them to better understand formal and perceptual regions. Materials: Student Handouts: • Gallery Walk Chart • Regions of Ecuador Map Worksheet • Ecuador Overview Handout Teacher Masters: • Answer keys for the Student Chart and Map • Amazon, Galapagos, Andean Highlands, and Coastal Lowlands Information Sheets (Overview, Physical, Climate/Ecosystems, History/Demographics, Economy) • Lesson Reflection and Extension Ideas
Unit Vocabulary: • Equator • Biological Diversity • Amazon Basin • Sustainable Ecotourism • Deforestation • Ecosystem • Mestizo • Migration • Volcanic Hot Spot • Endemic and Invasive Species Advanced Preparation: 1. Print the Gallery Walk Chart, the Regions of Ecuador Map Worksheet, and the Ecuador Overview Handout, enough for each student. 2. Print Amazon, Galapagos, Andean Highlands, and Coastal Lowlands Information Sheets. 3. Place each set of information sheets at different points in the room, either taped to a wall or placed at a set of desks. National Standards National Geography Standards: Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process and report spatial perspective. Standard 5: That people create regions to interpret the Earth’s complexity. Standard 10: The characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth’s cultural mosaics. National Science Standards: Strand 6: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives National Environmental Education Standards: Strand 2.4.B: Places Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): World Geography Studies 9 A, 9 B, 22A, 22B World History Studies 11 A, 12A -2-
Lesson Procedures 1. Overview/Group Reading (15 Minutes). Pass out “Ecuador Overview Handout” to each student. As a class, read the handout and discuss any questions the students might have. After reading is complete, briefly discuss with the students what they will be doing for the remainder of the class. Have students begin labeling the required elements on their map. 2. Gallery Walk Activity (40 Minutes). Pass out the “Gallery Walk Chart” and “Regions of Ecuador Map Worksheet” to each student. Students are to break off into four groups. Each group takes 10 minutes at each station to complete their map as well as the accompanying chart. After 10 minutes, the teacher will signal the students and they will be allowed to rotate stations to the next region. 3. Reflection and Closing (20 Minutes). After each student has completed their handout, the teacher may begin a class discussion regarding some or all of the topics on the “Lesson Reflections and Extension Ideas” teacher master. Assessment Instructions: Formative Assessment: Observation of student understanding while in groups and during class discussion. Students should actively participate in all activities, ask questions when they need help, and respond with correct answers when the teacher checks for understanding. Summative Assessment: Assessment of completed “Gallery Walk Chart” and “Regions of Ecuador Map Worksheet” and optional extension activity work. References and Resources:
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-­‐world-­‐factbook/ Background Note: Ecuador. U.S. State Department (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35761.htm) Ecuador. Lonely Planet. September 28, 2010. (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador) Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands, 8th edition. 2009. New York: Lonely Planet. Exploring Ecuador. Exploring Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Guide. (http://www.exploringecuador.com/regions_ecuador.htm) -3-
Regions of Ecuador- Gallery Walk Chart
Directions: Fill in the chart below as you “travel” through the regions of Ecuador. Use both the texts and images to locate the defining
characteristics that make each region unique and important. Do not forget to add required elements to your map.
Region
Major Physical
Features
Climate/ Ecosystems
History/ Demographics
Galapagos
Islands
Spanish Name:
_____________
Pacific Coast
Spanish Name:
_____________
Highlands
Spanish Name:
_____________
Amazon
Spanish Name:
_____________
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Economy
Regions of Ecuador- Gallery Walk Chart (TEACHER MASTER)
Directions: Fill in the chart below as you “travel” through the regions of Ecuador. Use both the texts and images to locate the defining
characteristics that make each region unique and important. Do not forget to add required elements to your map.
Region
Major Physical
Features
Climate/ Ecosystems
History/ Demographics
Economy
Galapagos
Islands
Possible Responses- Answers Can Vary
Possible Responses- Answers Can Vary
Possible Responses- Answers Can Vary
Possible Responses- Answers Can Vary
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
-12 Major Islands
-12 Minor Islands
-Volcanically Active
-Limited Rain
-Temperature from 60-80
-High in Biodiversity
-Half of the Birds Endemic
-Discovered in 1535
-Population of 26,000
-Most people live in Puerta
Ayora
-Dependant on Tourism
-Other income comes from
conservation and the
government
Spanish Name:
Isla Galapagos
Pacific Coast
Answers
Can Vary
-
Spanish Name:
Answers Can Answers Can Answers Can
Vary
Vary
Vary
-
-
-
La Costa
Highlands
Spanish Name:
Answers
Can Vary
Answers Can Answers Can Answers Can
Vary
Vary
Vary
-
La Sierra
Amazon
Spanish Name:
Answers
Can Vary
Answers Can Answers Can Answers Can
Vary
Vary
Vary
-
El Oriente
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Map of Ecuador
Name: _______________
Step 1: Label and/ or Draw in the Following Elements on the Map Below
-Pacific Ocean
-Equator
-Pacific Coast Region
-Colombia
-Peru
-Highlands Region
-Galapagos Islands Region
-Amazon Region
Step 2: As you “travel” around the regions of Ecuador, you will be required to draw in and
label additional elements on your map. These elements will include important landforms,
bodies of water, and cities. Items that you need to include will be posted at each stop.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Map of Ecuador (TEACHER MASTER)
Name: _______________
Step 1: Label and/ or Draw in the Following Elements on the Map Below
-Pacific Ocean
-Equator
-Pacific Coast Region
-Colombia
-Peru
-Highlands Region
-Galapagos Islands Region
-Amazon Region
Step 2: As you “travel” around the regions of Ecuador, you will be required to draw in and
label additional elements on your map. These elements will include important landforms,
bodies of water, and cities. Items that you need to include will be posted at each stop.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
R E G I O N S O F E C U A D O R - G AL L E R Y W A L K
Overview of Ecuador
Located in South America, the Republic of Ecuador is located south
of Colombia, north and
west of Peru, and east
of the Pacific Ocean.
Ecuador also includes
the Galapagos islands
located approximately
600 miles west of the
mainland. The nation’s
name literally translates
to ‘republic of the
S TAT I S T I C S
Population: 14,790,608
Urban Population: 66%
Life Expectancy: 75.5 Years
GDP Per Capita: $7,400
Population Below Poverty
Line: 35%
ECONOMY
The economy of Ecuador is
largely based on petroleum,
which accounts for 1/2 of
the nation’s exports and 1/4
of the nation’s GDP. Agriculture for domestic consumption and export is also
a critical part of the economy. For example, Ecuador
is the world’s largest exporter of bananas.
Equator’.
Once part of the Inca
Empire, in 1563 Ecuador became part of the
Spanish Empire till independence came in 1822. The population is 95%
Roman Catholic and Spanish is the largest language, however Amerindian
languages such as Quechua have many speakers. Mestizo’s make up
65% of the population, Amerindians 25%, and other groups make up the
remaining 10%. Ecuador is currently the most densely populated nation is
South America.
Ecuador is commonly divided into four distinct regions that include the Galapagos Islands, the coastal lowlands, Andean highlands, and the Amazon
rainforest. Numerous factors, including the nation’s tropical location on
the Equator and the Andes mountains, contribute to Ecuador’s variety of
climates and ecosystems.
Despite its small size, Ecuador is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse nations in the world. There are over 25,000 species of plants
and 1600 birds throughout the nation. The remote Galapagos Islands are
home to numerous species that are found nowhere else on earth, such as
the famous Galapagos tortoise.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
R E G I O N S O F E C UA D OR – G A L L E RY W A LK
Coastal Lowlands
Overview
SPANISH
REGION NAME
La Costa
(The Coast)
POPULATION
50%
OF
P O PU LATI O N
MAJOR
PHYSICAL
FEATURES TO
ADD TO MAP
Pacific Ocean
Guayaquil (Largest
City in Ecuador)
The
coastal
lowland
region covers less than 1/3 of Ecuador’s but contains 50%
of the population and Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil.
Over the last century the coastal lowlands have become increasingly more important to the economy of Ecuador due
to agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and trade. The majority of the people living in the region are Mestizos residing in urban areas.
The region is mostly flat coastal plans that transition to
higher elevations in the east. Temperatures remain warm
throughout the year and precipitation ranges from wet in
the north to much drier in the south.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Climate and Ecosystems
Coastal Lowlands
Average temperatures in the
coastal lowlands range from the
mid 70°F to mid 80°F. The cli-
mate is heavily influenced by cool
and warm ocean currents that grace
the coastlines. From December to
May the region experiences warm,
humid weather, while June to November is cooler and drier. In general, locations to the north experience heavier rainfall than those to
the south.
Ecosystems in this region also
changes from the north to the
south. The north contains tropical
rainforests, the center tropical
grasslands, and the south semi-arid forests. Inlet and tidal areas are home to mangrove forests, many of which have been harmed or destroyed by commercial fish and
shrimp businesses.
The interior lowlands of this region form some of Ecuador’s most productive farmland. Bananas, rice, soybeans, and tropical fruit grow in low elevation areas. As the
land gains elevation to the east, coffee, tobacco, and livestock raising are most common.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Coastal Lowlands
History/Demographics
The coastal lowlands are Ecuador’s most populous region. It is also the fastest growing, both in terms of people and the economy.
The first settled population in Ecuador formed over 6000 years
ago in the southern coastal community of Valdivia. Prior to the
arrival of the Spanish, Ecuador’s
largest and most advanced civilizations were along the coastal
lowlands. Over the last century
the region has regained its status
as the largest region of Ecuador
with numerous growing industrial cities and ports.
The people living in the coastal lowlands are 65% Mestizo, 25% Amerindian, 10% other. In the province of Esmeraldas a large percentage of
the population is Afro-Ecuadorian. Fairly large pockets of traditional
indigenous groups also exist within the region, especially in the interior coastland.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Economy
Coastal Lowlands
The coastal lowlands contain a
variety of environments, ranging from small fishing villages to
modern urban centers to large commercial farms. This region’s
economy has grown rapidly over the last century as commercial
farming and fishing, manufacturing, and trade have increased.
Ecuador largest city Guayaquil, along the southern Pacific Coast ,
is currently known as the nation’s center for business and trade.
Tourism is also on the rise. Commercial fish and shrimp businesses operate along the coastlines, while large and small scale
farms blankets the interior
lowlands. Many of Ecuador’s major exports come
out of this region, including bananas, shrimp, and
fish for canning.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Images
Coastal Lowlands
Ecuador’s #1 Export– Bananas
Afro-Ecuadorian
Guayaquil
http://www.dxtours.com/images/ecuador/guayaquil3.jpg
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
R E G I O N S O F E C UA D OR – G A L L E RY W A LK
Andean Highlands Overview
SPANISH REGION
NAME
La Sierra
(The Mountains)
POPULATION
45%
OF
E CUAD O R ” S
MAJOR PHYSICAL
FEATURES TO
ADD TO MAP
-Andes Mountains
-Quito (Capital of
Ecuador)
-Cotopaxi Volcano
(Most Active)
The highlands
region covers
only 1/5 of the
surface of Ecuador, but
44.9% of the
population of
Ecuador lives
in the valleys
along the Andes Mountain
range.
Quito, the
capital of Ecuador, is located within
the highlands
and is known
for its colonial buildings and churches that made it
a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once part of the
Inca Empire, the Andean highlands include significant numbers of both mestizo populations and indigenous Amerindian populations.
The Ecuadorian Andes are known for their snowcapped mountains and active volcanoes surrounded by humid cloud forests and fertile valleys,
Indian markets, colonial towns, farms set into the
mountainsides, and historic cities. Farms within
this region focus on traditional highland crops including two staples to the Ecuadorian diet: maize
and potatoes.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Andean Highlands
Climate and Ecosystems
The climates and ecosystems with this region
vary with elevation. Overall, temperatures remain fairly stable and range
from 55°F to 70°F all year. The majority of precipitation comes during a
wet season that lasts from late October to early May.
The ecosystems of this region
also vary greatly depending on
elevation. The highest elevations contain a sparse alpine
ecosystem known as Paramo.
At lower elevations within the
inter-Andean valley natural
ecosystems include mix forests
and temperate grasslands,
much of which has been removed for agriculture. The
outer edges of the Andes contain cloud forests which are dense mountain rainforests full of a wide variety of wildlife and plant life.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Andean Highlands
History/Demographics
The Andean highlands were
home to advanced indigenous cultures long before Ecuador became part
of the Incan Empire in the 15th century. The Spanish conquered the region in 1534, making Quito the royal seat of the government, and ruled
until 1822. Once Ecuador was declared an independent nation, Quito remained the capital of the new nation.
The people of the highlands are mostly Mestizo (part European, part indigenous), however 96% of Ecuador’s indigenous populations live within
the highland region. The largest of the Amerindian groups within this region are the Highland Quichuas.
The Andean highlands have 45% of Ecuador’s population and most people live in the central valleys between the parallel mountain ranges. In recent decades rural to urban migration has been
increasing significantly.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Economy
Andean Highlands
The economy of the highlands region
is largely composed of commercial
and subsistence agriculture, manu-
facturing mostly for domestic consumption, service industries, and limited
mining.
Agriculture in the region varies with elevation. Major crops for domestic
consumption include corn, and potatoes. Cacao, coffee, and a variety of
flowers are grow within the region for export.
http://www.mapcruzin.com/free-maps-ecuador/ecuador_econ_1973.jpg
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Images
Andean Highlands
Cloud Forests
Corn (Maize) Subsistence Farming
Old Town Quito
Produce Market in Otavalo
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
R E G I O N S O F E C UA D OR – G A L L E RY W A LK
Amazon Overview
SPANISH
REGION NAME
EL ORIENTE
(The East)
POPULATION
5% O F E CUAD O R ’ S
P EO PLE
MAJOR
PHYSICAL
FEATURES TO
ADD TO MAP
Amazon Basin
Rio Napo
Rio Pastaza
The Amazon region covers over 1/3 of Ecuador, but is
sparsely populated with only 5% of the nation’s population.
Six provinces make up the region and many of these areas
are home to
isolated pockets of native
tribes settled
along the
banks of the
rivers that
flow east
throughout
the region.
Rivers flowing
out of the
snow-capped
Andes Mountains wind east
through thick
tropical rainforests full of biodiversity.
Many residents in the “Oriente” live a subsistence lifestyle
with little contact to the outside world. However, the introduction of oil companies into the northern parts of this region during the 1960s has created a great deal of economic,
social, and environmental change.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Climate and Ecosystems
Amazon
East of the Andes mountains, Ecuador is dominated by the Amazon Basin, which includes the world’s largest
tropical rainforest. Many rivers that serve as tributaries to the Amazon River begin
in the Andean highlands and flow east. The Amazon Basin contains more than 1/3
of the world’s fresh water and holds extensive biodiversity. For example, over 50%
of Ecuador’s mammals live within the Amazon.
The climate of the region is tropical wet with temperatures around 75° F to 80°F all
year with precipitation that constantly
averages above 12inches a month. A
wide diversity of plants, mammals,
reptiles, and birds exists throughout the
tropical rainforests that blanket the region.
The Amazon region is facing significant threat within Ecuador due to a deforestation rate of 2.3, the highest in
South America. Oil drilling, agriculture, and urbanization are the leading
causes of the deforestation. Organizations, including those formed of indigenous
groups, have begun to work towards protecting the region. Sustainable ecotourism
has also been growing in an effort to provide revenue while
preserving the environment.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
History/Demographics
Amazon
The Amazon region of Ecuador covers over 1/3 of the nation, but only has 5% of the population.
Indigenous groups have called this region home for thousands of years.
Numerous groups, such as the Achuar
and Huaorani, continue to live traditional lifestyles that have changed little over time. The people of this region are heavily isolated due to distance from other areas and the difficulty of traveling across the thick forests that blanket the region.
This region includes several large protected areas ranging from national
parks to Indian reserves. Yasuni National Park is the largest, covering a
territory bigger than Massachusetts.
The Ecuadorian Amazon has seen
numerous changes over the half
century, including the onset of oil
drilling, missionaries, and pockets
of urbanization.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Amazon
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Economy
The Amazonian region has limited
economic activity. The indigenous populations living in the region
mostly live subsistence lifestyles and survive off the land. Most manufactured products, and some raw materials, have to be brought into the
region by boat or plane. This process is quite expensive and limited.
Oil drilling in the region began in the 1960s and has greatly impacted
the economy of Ecuador. Oil now accounts for 50% of the nations exports and 25% of Ecuador’s GDP. Drilling has been concentrated in
the northern portions of this region, but current efforts are underway to
extend drilling south despite the opposition of environmental groups
and some indigenous
groups. Oil drilling and
related incidents, including spills, have had serious negative consequences on the environment. However, the
revenue has provided for
increased infrastructure
and resources within the
region.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Amazon
Achuar Politcal Map
Images
Kapawi Ecolodge
Kapawi Achuar Community Airstrip
Darwin Finch
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
R E G I O N S O F E C UA D OR – G A L L E RY W A LK
Galapagos Islands Overview
SPANISH
REGION NAME
Islas Galapagos
RESIDENTS
A PPROX IM ATE LY
26,000 O N 5
I S LAN D S
MAJOR
PHYSICAL
FEATURES TO
ADD TO MAP
Isabela Island (Largest
of the Islands)
The Galapagos Islands are formed by 8'010 sq.km of volcanic islands, islets, rocks and boulders, and 70'000 sq.km
of marine area. There are 12 main islands and 12 minor
islands. The islands sit above a major volcanic hot spot
which, over millions of years, led to the creation of the
islands.
The physical isolation of the islands, ocean currents, climate, and the lack of natural predators are responsible for
creating unique biological diversity in the island. Scientists, residents, and tourists have been captivated by the
wildlife and landscapes of the island and how they relate
to the study of evolution.
The Galapagos Islands were declared a national park by
the Ecuadorian government in 1959. Today tourism is the
primary source of revenue for the islands. Limitations are
set for the number of tourists that can visit the islands, as
well as the number of permanent residents allowed.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Galapagos
Although directly on the equator, the climate of the islands is
not a typical tropical climate.
The islands experience fairly
consistent temperatures in the high 60s to low 80s and rainfall is quite limited.
Climate and Ecosystems
The Galapagos is home to a wide variety of species: 25% of the fish, 30% of the
plants, half of the birds, and all of the Galapagos reptiles exist only in the Galapagos.
These species include the giant Galapagos tortoises, blue footed boobies, and 14 different species of finches. The variety of finches were used by Charles Darwin to
help prove his theory of evolution through natural selection. Distinctive plants
within the islands include extensive mangrove forests and a variety of cacti.
In recent years, growing concerns have been raised about environmental issues including overfishing, habitat destruction, and invasive
species. Government restrictions on tourism, conservations policies, and other efforts continue to work towards protecting the islands.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Galapagos
islands were first disHistory/ Demographics The
covered in 1535, but no permanent residents existed till the early 1800s. Whalers, sealers, and pirates
used the islands as a base and source of food, particularly the Galapagos
tortoises which could live on a boat without water for a year.
The population of the islands today remains small, with just over 26,000
residents on five of the islands. More than 1/2 of the population resides in
Puerta Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz. The government of Ecuador currently
limits the number of new residents allowed to reside in the islands. Most
people who currently live and/or work in the islands depend on tourism,
fishing, or working for government or non-profit organizations.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Economy
Galapagos
The economy of the Galapagos is
most dependent upon tourism. Over
half of the revenue generated in the islands comes from tourism. The biological diversity of the islands makes it a prime destination for tourist from around
the world.
Other sources of revenue come from government and non-profit groups working in the islands and limited fishing and farming operations.
Issues continue to be raised about how increasing tourism, fishing, and even
farming will affect the unique environments of the Galapagos that make the
islands so famous.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
Regions of Ecuador– Gallery Walk
Galapagos
Images
Volcanic Crater
Endemic Marine Iguanas
Endemic Galapagos Tortoise
Darwin Finch
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program
R E G I O N S O F E C UA D OR – G A L L E RY W A LK
Lesson Reflection and Extension Ideas
GALLERY WALK
PROCEDURES
REFLECTION IDEAS
1. Perceptual Names: Have students create perceptual region names for one, some, or all of the regions. Students
S T E P 1 : O VE RVIE W
O F E CUAD O R
H AN D O UT
-S TUD EN TS B EG IN
M AP
could also create travel slogans.
2. Have students add graphics to their map that represent
the defining characteristics of each region.
3. Identify characteristics of each region that are unique
S T E P 2 : G A LL ERY
WA LK O F TH E FO U R
REG IO N S
-S TUD EN TS
CO M PLE TE M AP A N D
C H ART
S T E P 3 : S T U D EN T
AN D / O R C LAS S
and similar. Consider using a quad Venn diagram.
4. Identify characteristics of Ecuador that are similar and/or
different to other nations in South America. For example,
shared characteristics include having an export driven
economy and deforestation issues.
REF LEC TIO N
LESSON EXTENSION IDEAS
S T E P 4 : O PTIO N A L
1. Travel Poster: Have students create
LES S O N EX TEN S IO N
travel posters that represent the four regions of Ecuador. Consider dividing a
piece of paper into four quadrants.
2. Ecuador Acrostic Poem: Have students create an Acrostic
poem that spells out ECUADOR and describes the diversity among the nation’s regions.
3. Issues and Changes: Have students identity one current
issue or change occurring in Ecuador and conduct further
research.
U.S. Department of Education, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program