Geographic Characteristics
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Each place has distinctive characteristics that
distinguishes it from other places. Geographic
characteristics are divided into two categories:
physical characteristics and human
characteristics.
• Invitation to
inquiry
• Open minds
• Stimulate
curiosity
How do we determine the human
and physical characteristics of a
nation?
Watch the video Geography Project Physical and Human Environment. (first 2:30)
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of
Latin America affect the human characteristics?
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2. Latin America
What types of things would we
need to measure to determine a
nation’s geographic characteristics?
• Build
background
knowledge
• Connect to
content
•Discover
interesting ideas
Watch the Video Life in the Amazon
As a table discuss:
How would you describe life in the
Amazon?
How is their geography different
from ours?
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of
Latin America affect the human characteristics?
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3. Where can I find statistics about nations?
Gather information on the geography of your country.
• Gather
important
information
• Go broad
(search)
• Go deep
(read)
•
•
•
•
Web site – CIA Factbook
Database –Culturegrams
Books – Look for a book on your topic in Destiny
Encyclopedias are great for general information – Look in the
Reference Section.
Record the information you find on this chart.
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of
Latin America affect the human characteristics?
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4. How will I present my information?
• Reflect on
learning
• Go beyond
facts to make
meaning
• Create to
communicate
•Use the information from your note taking sheet to:
•Create a postcard to mail to a friend.
•Describe the country you “visited”.
•Identify 4 human characteristics
•Identify 4 physical characteristics
•Draw or clip art a picture
•Include a paragraph that answers the question:
How do the physical characteristics of your
nation in Latin America affect the human
characteristics?
How do the physical characteristics of
the various nations of Latin America
affect the human characteristics?
Next
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5. How will I share my Postcard?
• Learn from
each other
• Share your
learning
• Tell your
story
Latin American Mailbox:
• This will be your opportunity to educate your classmates and
individuals in your school community about the geography of
your Latin American nation.
• As you view your classmate’s postcards, record 5 aspects of
geography for each country on a graphic organizer.
•Which nation seems to be most like the nation you
researched? Why?
•Which nation seems to be most different from the nation you
researched? Why?
How do the physical characteristics of the various
nations of Latin America affect the human
characteristics?
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6. How well did I accomplish my goals?
Take time to think about the research process you just
completed.
• Evaluate the
achievement
of learning
goals
• Reflect on
content
• Reflect on
process
What was easy about this assignment?
What was hard about this assignment?
What did you learn about yourself as a researcher?
•Follow these guidelines to help you to
prepare your reflection.
Created by Phyllis Fullem BCPS based on Guided Inquiry Design by Carol C.
Kuhlthau, Leslie K. Maniotes, and Ann K. Caspari .