Regions+of+PA

Objectives:
The students will research and organize information about the 5 geographic regions of Pennsylvania The students will find unique landforms within each of the 5 geographic regions of Pennsylvania The students will understand the unique geography of Pennsylvania

Standards:

 * 7.1.4.B:** Describe and locate **places** and **regions** as defined by physical and **human features.**
 * 8.2.4.A:** Differentiate common characteristics of the **social, political,** cultural, and **economic** groups from Pennsylvania.


 * 1. Creativity and Innovation:** Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
 * 2. Communication and Collaboration**: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
 * 3. Research and Information Fluency:** Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
 * 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making:** Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

Procedure:
1. Divide class into five groups, one for each region of Pennsylvania (Jigsaw grouping) 2. Students break out into jigsaw groups and read pages 18 - 26 for information about their region 3. Students collect and organize information about their region and share with class. 4. Students post information and images about their region on class graphic organizer 5. Students regoup with original group and share information about their focus region with group.

Sample Project:
media type="custom" key="10161957"

Differentiated Instruction Options:
1. Below level learners can be directed to a specific website to gather information 2. Students may add website links to Popplet organizer 3. Students may select their core 5 member group (jigsaw grouping).

Assessment:
1. Students can research and organize information about a specific region in Pennsylvania 2. Students can locate unique geographic features in a specific region in Pennsylvania 3. Students can understand Pennsylvania has a unique and impressive geography

Resources:
Switala, W. (1996). //Pennsylvania USA//. Parsippany, New Jersey: Silver Burdett Ginn Popplet. Retrieved on July 27 2011 from [] Pennsylvania State Parks. Retrieved on July 27 2011 from [] Pennsylvania's Trail of Geology. Retrieved on July 27 2011 from [] Landforms of Pennsylvania. Retrieved on July 27 2011 from [] Physiographic Provinces of Pennsylvania. Retrieved on July 27 2011 from []