Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations
6 – G1.2.3
Use data to create thematic maps and graphs
showing patterns of
population, physical terrain, rainfall, and vegetation;
analyze the patterns
and then propose two generalizations
about the location and density
of the population.
1
Instructions for Teachers
1. Make copies of slide 3 for each student and provide
colored pencils to complete instructions.
2. Have students mark the area of their community. They
should note this area on each of the maps in the
PowerPoint, especially slides 7 (rainfall), 9 (population
density), 12 (land cover), and 15 (elevation).
3. Use the questions on each slide for discussion.
4. Assign the writing activity described on slide 17. (You may
print this slide for instructions for students).
5. Project slide 18 for reference during writing activity.
2
(Selected Weather Stations)
Instructions
Each circle shows average annual precipitation at a weather
station. Many weather stations are located at airports
1. Color the weather station circles according to the instructions in the box above.
You will see which parts of the U.S. receive the highest and lowest precipitation.
3
(Selected Weather Stations)
E
D
C
B
A
The darkest blue weather stations have highest precipitation.
The lightest yellow stations have lowest precipitation.
We will use this map to describe how precipitation changes
from high to low in the U.S.
4
(Selected Weather Stations)
E
D
C
B
A
2. Which letters are near stations in the highest precipitation category? ____, ____
3. Describe where these highest precipitations are in relation to bodies of water.
_________________________________________________________________
5
(Selected Weather Stations)
E
D
C
B
A
4. Choose the best answer to describe where stations in the lowest category
(smallest, light yellow circles) are located. (Use the N-S-E-W compass rose.) _______
a. along the East coast.
b. in the middle between Places B and C.
c. in the Southwest but not along the coast.
6
E
D
C
B
A
This map shows regions of precipitation. It was made using hundreds of weather
stations. Use the map legend to answer the question.
5. Which place (A, B, C, or D) is located in the 60.1 - 80 category? ______
7
E
D
C
B
A
6. Choose the best answer to describe how precipitation changes between
places A, B, C, and D. ______ (Hint: Use the map legend.)
a. Precipitation decreases gradually from A to D (moving away from the Gulf).
b. Precipitation increases gradually from A to D (moving away from the Gulf).
8
E
D
Next, we will
compare
population
maps to the
precipitation
maps.
C
B
A
7. Which place (A, B, C, or D) is located in both the lowest population density category
and the lowest precipitation category? ______ (Use the map legend.)
Hint: Look at the small precipitation map (inset map in upper right).
9
E
D
C
B
NASA and CIESEN
(Columbia University)
produced this population
density map.
The darkest red shows
highest density, and the
lightest orange shows
lowest density.
A
8. Which place (A, B, C, D) is located in both the lowest population category and the
lowest precipitation category? ______
Hint: Look at the small precipitation map (inset map in upper right).
10
E
D
C
Western
B
Eastern
A
9. The black line separates wetter parts of the U.S. from drier parts. Look at the
small population map (inset map in upper right) which also has a black line.
Which part of the U.S. has lower population densities? _____
a. Higher precipitation regions in East
b. Lower precipitation regions in West
11
Amount of
precipitation
affects what
vegetation
can grow in a
place.
10. NASA created this Landcover Map. Use it along with the Precipitation Map.
Which landcovers occur where annual precipitation is more than 20 inches?
____________________
____________________
_____________________
12
Amount of
precipitation
affects what
vegetation
can grow in a
place.
10. NASA created this Landcover Map. Use it along with the Precipitation Map.
Which landcovers occur where annual precipitation is less than 20 inches?
____________________
____________________
_____________________
13
I J
L M
K
G
N
H
We will use this precipitation map along with a map about elevation to examine how
mountains affect precipitation. Places G and H are both near large water bodies and
therefore receive middle to high precipitation even though they are at low elevation.
14
I J
L M
Elevation
in meters
K
G
N
H
12. Find Places I, K, L, and N on the elevation map.
They are all in mountainous areas. Use the elevation legend to see what
elevation categories they are in. _________________, __________________
15
I J
L M
K
G
N
H
13. Find the mountainous places I, K, L, and N on the precipitation map.
They are all in mountainous areas. Winds blow moist air from the Pacific Ocean
toward the mountains, and the uplifted air drops rain or snow on mountain tops.
16
Assessment
Observe the following population distribution map. Use this
map, your precipitation map (showing weather stations), and
what you have learned to write:
a. A general description of the precipitation pattern in the
United States.
b. A general description of the population distribution in
the United States.
c. A generalization about the relationship of population to
precipitation, land cover, and elevation in the United
States
d. An explanation about the population density in your
community, using details about precipitation, land
cover and elevation.
17
E
D
C
B
NASA and CIESEN
(Columbia University)
produced this population
density map.
The darkest red shows
highest density, and the
lightest orange shows
lowest density.
A
18