Discover the largest of the U.S. regions and the contribution of the west to the rest of the country. Visit the varied landforms and climates of the West, including Alaska and Hawaii. Learn about the vast amount of natural and human resources of this region from agriculture and fishing to tourism and technology.
Grade levels: Upper Elementary (4-6)
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The Southwest Region: People and Heritage
Starting with nomadic Native Americans, discover the diverse history of the Southwest. Learn about the Spanish explorers and the southwest as a part of both Spain and Mexico. Witness the events of the Alamo and the victory of Texas independence. Watch the events unfold, bringing this region into the United States and see how it has grown and how the people in this area have retained so much of the culture of years past.
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The Southwest Region: Environment
The region, known by many for its extraordinary landforms, provides a large backdrop for a variety of natural resources. Discover the importance of oil and cattle to this region, as well as mining and farming. Learn how the people in this region have learned to conserve water, one resource that is not plentiful to this area.
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The Middle West Region: People and Heritage
The history of our Middle West dates back to the Native Americans who roam this vast land seeking buffalo meat. Learn how the history of this region affects life there today. Discover the significance of historical events to the Middle West.
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The Middle West Region: Environment
More than just a farmland, the middle of America has a lot to offer in natural resources. Discover the varied climate of the plains area complete with tornadoes, blizzards, and hot summers. Learn about the wide variety of natural resources from agriculture to iron and lumber.
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The Events Leading Up to War
What were the key events that brought a divided people together to stand and fight as one? In this engaging production your students will learn about The French and Indian War, Stamp Act, Intolerable Acts, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and battles at Lexington and Concord. They will come to know the important actions of men like Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Paul Revere. Your students will gain a firm understanding of why America went to war with Great Britain and what motivated the Patriots to form their own country.
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The War and a New Nation
The events surrounding the Revolutionary War are closely detailed as students learn about the major battles and significant people that impacted this time of turmoil. Students will learn about the battle of Bunker Hill, meet Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, witness the battle of Yorktown, and come to understand how other countries became involved in this epic war. Students will realize that while the events of war were taking place, the colonists were also busy forming the ideas and creating the documents that would become the foundation of a new country.
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Different Types of Maps: Topographic, Political?
Students learn about the different projections possible to represent the round Earth on a flat surface and the various kinds of information displayed on maps. Map types covered include political, physical, relief, climate, vegetation and more. Combining the latest technology with visual images supplied from around the world, this program takes difficult material and provides the student with easy-to-understand visual presentations.
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How Location Affects Life: Different Areas, Climate, Latitude and Longitude
Students examine geographical and human factors that affect personal and societal ways of life. Physical components such as climate, landform and relative location are discussed, expanding a learner’s understanding of characteristics within northern and southern hemispheres, differing latitudes and longitudes. Population density, cost of living, and politics are considered as human factors impacting daily life. Regional examples review the interrelationship of geographical, climactic, and historical events that shape everyday life.
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Using Maps and Globes (DVD)
Building on students? basic understanding of maps and globes, the more complex concepts of latitude and longitude are introduced. The equator, north and south hemispheres, Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are defined and located down to minutes and degrees. The Prime Meridian, east and west Hemispheres, Time Zones, and the International Dateline come to life on a world cruise review.