Region Reality

Designed by: Valerie C. James      School: Gibbes Middle School

Grade Level: 7th            Subject(s): World Geography/ Language Arts

Core Curriculum Objective(s):  Compare and Contrast geographical regions  (7WG2-9) 

South Carolina Geography Standards: (7.3.2) (7.3.5) (7.3.7) (7.3.8)

Overview: How many different regions in the world or the U.S. can your students name? The theme of region is an important one in the study of the world. Students will explore the theme of region and represent regions in shoeboxes.

A region is an area with common characteristics or features that give it cohesiveness and set it apart from other areas. Regions are not always simple to name. An area may fall into one region based on a physical characteristic such as rainfall while another may be placed into a region category based on a cultural trait such as religion. Examples of cultural regions are Latin America and Islamic Africa.

Focus/Essential Question(s): What is a region? What types of characteristics can be used to determine a region?

Resources: 

Map of North America-political and physical 

Overhead marker 

Shoe boxes (one per group of two or three students) 

Drawing paper 

Crayons/colored pencils 

Scissors 

Wrapping paper (colored or brown) 

Computer and research books 

Rubric for assessing activity

 Assessment:

Students will be able to represent a world region using physical and cultural characteristics. Students in groups will choose from a list of regions and will create a box that contain items that represent that particular region. Items can be three dimensional objects or small drawings. The name of the region will be placed on the lid so that the lids can be removed and the boxes passed around allowing other students to guess the identity of the region represented.

Boxes will be evaluated according to the rubric provided. (See Appendix A)

Instructional Activities: 

A. Begin the lesson by having students label their position on a classroom map of North America. Ask the students if they can name regions in the U.S. (Examples: Corn Belt, Wheat Belt, the South, Midwest, Rust Belt, Sun Belt, and Silicon Valley) Mark these areas on the map. Lead a discussion on what criteria link places within any one of the regions marked. Have students brainstorm a definition of the term region. Ask: In what region do you live? What are the characteristics of your region? Is your location in more than one region?

B. Brainstorm with the students as many cultural and physical characteristics of their region-the South. Make a list on the board of these characteristics. (Examples: peach, Hootie and the Blowfish CD, sweet ice tea, Atlanta Braves hat, hot, humid weather, magnolias, etc. You may want to prepare an example shoebox with items that represent the region to display for the class.

C. Students will be given a list of regions in the world and allowed to break into groups and choose a region to represent. Students will be allowed to work in groups using their textbooks and other resources to research their particular region. They are to either draw representations of items or collect items from home to complete their boxes. They should put the name of their region on the lid only. The outside of the box should be decorated with wrapping paper and designs. Students may be permitted time at home to bring in items.

D. Students should be given the rubric before they begin work. The teacher should go over the requirements for the activity. (See Appendix A)

E. Once boxes are complete and evaluated, the students can pass their boxes around allowing the other groups to guess which region the box represents. Be sure to hide the box lids first.

Extension Activities: 

Writing Activities- 

1) Write a paper, which compares and contrasts two geographic regions.

2) Write a persuasive essay explaining why one region is better than another is. 

Appendix A 

Group Number _______ 

Students ________________________________________________________

Region Reality Rubric

1. Does the box contain at least ______ drawings/items that represent physical characteristics of the region? (maps, physical features such as famous mountains and rivers, natural resources, etc. )

3           2           1

2. Does the box contain at least ______ drawings/items that represent cultural characteristics of the region? ( costumes, music, recreation, language, religious icons, etc.)

3           2           1

3. Is the box lid labeled with the name of the region represented?

3           2           1

4. Is the box attractively decorated?

3           2           1

5. Does the box have the definition of the term region written on it?

3           2           1

Total Points ___________ Total Possible Points 15

Final Score*= ______________

*divide total points earned by total possible point