Hi All, In this folder are a couple of activities, unfortunately they are the only things I saved: NE Activity and

Mid Atlantic Activity. You can follow this format for every region of the USA. Just give each student the information to pick a state in the region and do a small 2-3 paragraph report on it. Another HW assignment I found useful was to give blank maps of the USA to the students and have them fill in the states. The same blank map idea could be used for countless other activities. Name the city, name the mountain range, name the river, name the ocean, etc... As a geography teacher I really wanted to try and bring America to the students on a personal level. That is, I wanted them to see it as a concrete place rather than a fantasy place where everyone parties and goes to the beach. I tried to emphasize that each of the places I was teaching them was a real place with real people and a unique culture. One of the ways I did this was to constantly remind them that each state in the USA was about the size of Romania. You havent heard of Utah? Its the size of Romania! Tell a story about the place, talk about the history of a state or city and how it affected the peoples lives, their culture, their food, or their NBA team name (for instance). I wish I did more map memorizing because they had an awfully hard time distinguishing between states. Florida vs. Michigan vs. Alabama vs. North Dakota for instance; all very hard for my students to understand the difference, or how far apart they were from one another. I imagine they sometimes equated states in the USA with counties in Romania: why should I care where these states are, its not like you know all the counties in Romania (I got that one once). Likewise, I think you could do a lot of comparison geography. For instance compare the geo of the USA to the geo of Europe. Your students will know lots about Spain, but they may not know a lot about Texas or Arizona, but they are both bigger than Spain. My students were impressed at the size of the US, and they didnt realize it was as big (bigger) than Europe. Comparison geography could eat up lots of time These are a couple of thoughts to fill up an entire year of US Geography if this is your situation. Note: Extras in this folder: NE Activities, Mid Atlantic Activities, GEO Grading Policy (change this around to suit your needs. As it turns out I changed it completely once I found out Romanian grading standards dont allow teachers to grade 50% this and 30% that and 20% something else like in America. They just do 3 grades in the catalog all equally weighed.

Peace Corps Romania

American Geography for Romanian High School

2002-2003 These guides are most helpful when used with the following American Geography book supplied by Peace Corps: Birdsall, Stephen S. & Florin, John. Outline of American Geography. 4th ed. United States Information Agency, Washington: 1992. If you dont have access to this book, any recent American Geography book will be sufficient. Furthermore, Romania has a Curriculum National for American Geography, and it is very helpful to review those notes for homework ideas and other points to cover in class. Personal Notes about class: These guides are intended for volunteers who may not know quite how to begin teaching an American Geography class. They written for use during the fall semester (the shorter of the two semesters). Therefore for volunteers who are asked to teach this class during the spring semester, it will be necessary to expand and/or create additional lessons. Each lesson is in the form of a one-page outline. The course is divided into 12 lessons, primarily by region. I have chosen to design this class around the more traditionally and universally understood regions, ex: New England, Great Plains, Northwest. As you will find when researching for this class, information is extensive and scattered. So much information exists about the geography of the US, it is very difficult to be concise while covering all the important and worthy facts about each region, state and city. Therefore, please be aware: these outlines are not perfect! Not only are these guides not perfect, but also I expect you to find information that is incomplete, missing, or simply incorrect. This is especially true in areas of the US to which I am not personally familiar. You will also find big exaggerations and truth-stretching (just to get the idea across to these Gen-Z kids). It is up to you to make sense of these guides. They are written in shorthand so it may be difficult to ascertain what or why something is addressed. Furthermore, nearly each point can be followed up by 5 minutes worth of more information and explanation. I expect you will want to embellish the areas of the US in which you have lived or traveled.

Personal Notes about test: Edit and change as much as you feel is necessary. One suggestion: rearrange this test in two or three variations to prevent students from cheating with each other.

Personal Notes about research paper: You may or may not want to have a research paper. It may be too much work for your students or too much of a hassle for yourself.

Again, I highly recommend you edit, take out, and add as much information as you would like. If you are from the Midwest or Mid-Atlantic states, I hope you do a better job at explaining your region than I have done! January 18, 2003 Robert Mardock Group 15 robmardock@yahoo.com

Geography Week 1 Basic Themes & Overview The course: Not just about physical geography (give examples, soil, climate, etc) But especially on the human impact and imprint on the landscape Physical environment plays a large role on the political environment (movement of people) Basic Themes (a few themes that characterize the way Americans have organized themselves): Urbanization Most people live in urban areas (70%), but they like to think of their country as basically rural In 1790, only 10% lived in urban areas People move to larger cities for work opportunities Most American cities have a rectangular grid, which allows for easy transportation. There are historical reasons also (easier to survey and distribute the land). Sprawl is sometimes the result. Zoning efforts try to limit sprawl and place order in a city. Most cities exist for a reason, manufacturing, raw materials, natural harbors, transportation hub. Industrialization Most large cities were founded on manufacturing, those days are primarily over, and today there is an emphasis on regional specialization (raw materials, transportation costs, etc) Regional dependence on one another no part of American can survive without the other (as much as they may think they can) High Mobility An important element of its economy extensive transportation network Goods can move across the country in 2 to 5 days by land or rail, and 5 hours by air. Goods and people move freely within the country and within each region (like Europe without borders) Because regional dependence is great, these transportation networks are vital to the country. It also works in reverse Most Americans move from one city to another, or one state to another, at least one time in their life. Most of the movement in the past century has been westward. Today the movement of people is towards the major cities Today as companies are more and more service-related, companies can move wherever they want, in areas that they normally would not Resources US feeds itself, and the world. US Government subsidizes farmers to not grow so much Much of the raw materials for manufacturing are extracted from the US, while others are imported from other countries. High Income & High Consumption High income through high worker productivity. Manufacturing, Mobility, and High Income lead to High Consumption US consumes 25% of the worlds energy production Imports half of its petroleum Imports many raw materials to produce its products Diet is affected also, Americans eat more meat and dairy products than most other countries, as well as a variety of other specialty foods. Environmental Impact Biggest consequence of high consumption is the environmental impact and disruption of the land. Arguments exist today between development and conservation. As raw materials are extracted and production continues, this argument will intensify. Political Complexity Very complex, National, state, county, inter-county, city, etc (special administrative etc) Cultural Origins America is not made up of Americans. Melting Pot of cultures. Each has contributed invaluably to the country.

Geography Week 2 & 3 Review of Relief plus Rivers & Climate Review: US geography is varied: Climates: Polar Tropical w/ many climates in between Relief: Plains, Mountains, Valleys, Plateaus Relief Gulf Coast Plains & Atlantic Coast Plains a) from Mexico to Florida to S New England b) includes the Mississippi River Delta c) Very fertile soil, not very rocky, young soil, lots of erosion & deposits by rivers d) location of the largest number of people in the US Appalachian Mountains a) separates the Atlantic Coast Plains from the Great Plains b) large hills, or small mountains? c) from Georgia to Canada d) created an excellent barrier for early US expansion e) not many breaks in mts. Cumberland Gap Great Plains a) helps integrate the East and the West b) extends from Texas up the Rocky Mts to Canada c) half of the country can be passed without any significant obstacle d) nearly everything is drained by the Mississippi River system e) <Great Lakes> i) Formed by glacier activity in the last ice age ii) Form the largest lake system in the world The West a) Rocky Mountains 2kms high, easier/safer/faster to travel around S. America than cross the Great Plains & Rocky Mts. b) Great Basin c) Coastal Mountains 1) Sierra Nevadas 2) Cascade Range 3) Coast Range Rivers 1) Mississippi 2) Missouri a) Together form the 3rd largest river system in the world b) Drain the Great Plains 3) Columbia a) Most water flows from this river into the ocean than any US river 4) Colorado a) Forms the Grand Canyon 5) Ohio a) Helps drain the Appalachian Mountains and Midwest 6) Rio Grande a) Creates border with Mexico 7) Yukon a) Alaskas largest River Climate Definition: Climate is the average day to day weather condition over many years Factors: 1) latitude (how high up the location is from the Equator) 2) relationship between land and water (the farther away from large bodies of water, the more extreme the temperatures 3) topography (high elevation vs. low elevation and also the location of mountains) 4) wind systems (Jet Stream) Regional Characteristics: 1) West Coast: Wind from Alaska pushes up the Coast Range creating much precipitation. In the Northwest and Central California, the air gets trapped between the Coast Range and the Cascade Range/Sierra Nevadas, creating very mild temperatures 2) Southwest: Air rising over the Coast Range heats up in the large vast land, creating a very arid climate 3) Great Plains: Dry Arctic air flows across the GP from West to East meets Wet Tropical, creating very violent weather tornadoes & floods 4) Southeast: Wet and humid, tropical and sub-tropical influences, hurricanes & floods 5) East of Appalachians: Based mostly on latitude (how high up from the Equator the location is)

Geography Week 4 New England 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Geographic Features States = MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT!!! Beautiful scenery sparsely populated, beautiful autumns (world famous autumns) Very rugged, next to west, most rugged in US), upper extent of Appalachian Mts. rocky coastlines Large unsettled areas only an hour or two from biggest cities in the world (NYC, Boston) Climate Intersection of POLAR, CONTINENTAL & MARITIME CLIMATES, creating very very mild weather. Cold winters! often damp, seldom hot. Coast plays a large role in keeping the land very moderate and mild. inland temperatures are much colder! Lots of fog and clouds make it difficult for farming sunny crops. snow covers inland for 3-5 months out of the year Population (and movements of people, ethnic groups) 1st area to be occupied by Europeans still looks the closest like Europe (architecture) Beginnings of NE founded on religion. Religious freedom from Europe puritans, baptists, quakers, wesleyen, PROTESTANT Most populated area of US for many decades, until Appalachian Mts were conquered Most people live in the valleys river valleys & lake valleys in N NE mostly rural Most people live in cities in S NE VERY URBAN!! (part of NYC urban area) Cities Boston was early-on based as a financial, commercial, manufacturing city. Always has been one of the most important cities in US. Shipbuilding is very important here, as well as in CT & RI CONN, RI, MA & SE NH all a big suburb of NYC, average income is much higher than other parts of the country (give stats), education is higher also: income in CT- $40k, MA- $37k, US in general- $34k. France- $23k, RO- $4k Population density is much higher in S NE than in N NE cities in NE look much more like European cities. urban sprawl in S NE part of NYC urban area Agriculture & Fishing Harsh climate, hilly terrain and rocky, thin soil make agriculture a very difficult occupation Indians helped Europeans fertilize the land and produce more crops (Thanksgiving). Next century, these farmers lost their jobs when expansion moved westward and better land was discovered for agriculture. Today, most important agriculture is specialty foods, especially BERRIES (cranberry and blueberries). They LOVE the acidic, rocky, thin soil. FISHING is very important. approx. 90% of lobster comes from NE. Lots of cod, hallibut, flounder are caught in NE. LOTS of fishing. (movie, Perfect Storm), fishing is a main occupation in NE. reasons why fishing is good: clear water, sunshine helps growth of plankton in water, fish like plankton! Energy & Economics (development), energy needs & sources & TOURISM Traditionally, most important industry is shipbuilding (in S NE), now more and more high-tech Industry has slowly decayed over time, now it is rebuilding with service industry Beautiful place, but not a lot of reason to move there its changing though, one reason because of growth of NYC area Tourism is important, proximity to NYC area very important. Lots of outdoor activities, many people have summer houses seashore is a very popular destination, many national parks rugged terrain Natural Resources Minerals: Granite & Marble are found in upper Appalachians (large deposit), many quarries Trees are (were) very important. Once the white pine was dominant 60 meters high, strong with light wood, made this ideal for ship building. Now theyve all been cut down and there are only small white pines are left. Forestry is no longer very important because the trees that remain are too small to be harvested. Transportation S NE contains lots of good harbors. Islands and capes provide excellent protective barrier Harbors are a transportation hub to Europe (and the world) Cape Cod is an important landmark in NE harbor for Boston

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 4 New England

New England consists of 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Geography Week 5 Mid Atlantic (NYC Area) Mid-Atlantic States include: NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV, DC 1. Geographic Features Topography = 1) Atlantic Coast Plains: flat and rolling hills (ideal for big city growth), 2) Appalachian Mts. = long continuous mountain range huge Westward barrier for expansion. Roam through NY, PA, MD, WV, VA. Reminder that Upstate NY is a lot like NE Coastline helps create the big city atmosphere lots of peninsulas, harbors, islands, rivers all help to bring more of the cities closer to the sea. (example: DC and Philadelphia), Long island its significance to expansion and trade in NYC 2. 3. Climate SWAMPS in Mid-Atlantic areas. Once alligators, lots of funny animals and insects, Malaria was a problem. Hot and humid summers, cold winters with lots of snow.

Population Very populated, term = Megalopolis large cities close together gradually grew towards each other. Area known for extreme urbanism. practically the same urban sprawl cities all mush together. Appalachia: Very rural, no major cities. One result of slow development was that not a lot of new people came through became known as the backwards part of America. Very poor. Things stayed the SAME Not until the 1800s did people start to settle into the Appalachian Mts. Too wild for early American tastes. Very conservative / Very Liberal Amish people in Pennsylvania 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Cities Many of the countrys largest cities are in this area: NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Newark, (Boston) all within the same urban sprawl Income is high, more people work in white-collar jobs & professional occupations Lots of museums and cultural centers. population densities are high (of course) People live much closer together (European Style) than in other parts of the country. --- this is also a cause of *massive commutes* from quaint vacation areas to the cities, in fiecare zi. Agriculture Soil is so-so, better in the southern parts. Not so famous for any particular product lots of smaller farms With big populations, and shifting populations, comes growth into the rural areas. Developers like empty land, and theyre buying up as much as they can! Lots of land-use laws to help curb this trend. When they settled in Appalachia, the people were mountain men! Lots of game, lots of wood, room for small farms and cottages what a life! Energy & Economics Economic implications of Megalopolis: closer together, cheaper the cost to move things all cities feed off of each other. With large compact groups of people come lots of regulatory government agencies. LOTS in this area. Close to DC CONGESTION!! These cities were made for walking even before the auto (horses) there was evidence of congestion. Now it is very bad! One result is a lot of public transportation busses and a very big subway system. Skyscrapers were invented in this area. Empire State Building is still 7th tallest (WTC 4th tallest (was 2nd tallest 4 years ago)), Chrysler Building, etc Energy in Appalachia TVA Natural Resources Coal is a very important economic factor in Appalachian areas especially WV most coal in the world COAL a mixed blessing. Its great to have, its hurt the health and environment. Fishing and shellfish in Chesapeake Bay Transportation Transportation hub of the country (coast, air, etc) 40% of the airplanes come in through this area. 30% of all trade passes through its 6 main ports. NY contains the canal system that lets goods flow from NYC up Hudson, over Erie Canal, to Great Lakes groovy!

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Week 5 Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic States consists of 7 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia What state would you like to live in? Why? Write a 2-3 paragraph paper about where you want to live. Include the following information: 1) why do you want to live there? 2) what kind of job would you have? 3) what industries / agriculture does that state have? 4) what is the biggest city in your state? 5) what is the capital city of your state?

Geography Week 6 Midwest Midwest States include: MN, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH (plus PA & NY) 1. Geographic Features Great Lakes are HUGE biggest and deepest is Superior, Michigan is entirely in US, Michigan & Huron together would be the biggest ones Niagara Falls separates Erie & Ontario. MI is technically a peninsula. Explorers thought Great Lakes were the Pacific Ocean at first. 2. 3. 4. Climate Chicago = Windy City Temerature is Continental hot summers, frigid winters with lots of snow and ice. Before explorers came, Chicago use to be a swamp! pumped the water out. Population People finally made it past the Appalachian Mountains, they landed in the Midwest. When they got there, they found a big flat land full of trees, and great soil. Agriculture was the immediate big money maker. Natural Resources were found, and eventually manufacturing became #1 moneymaker. Many immigrants came to Midwest because the immediate need of many many unskilled workers. Chicago is a HUGE sprawling mess that takes up a big chunk of the region. Cities Major cities include, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus (Ohio) Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Minneapolis Detroit auto capital of the world. Chicago dominant city in Midwest. excellent center of transportation port city, rail center, air traffic center major EastWest interchange. Major middle-America center. Chicago absorbed lots of workers from other countries (Midwest is huge with Germans, Polish, Irish, and other E. European people). Large meat-packing industry (Cattle Trail). The volume and diversity of Chicago is only matched by NE. Agriculture When people began to move here over Appalachian Mts., people started to produce lots of surplus crops, which enticed more and more people to make the trek to the interior. This helped lead to the decline of agriculture in NE. gradually the growth shifted in favor of manufacturing. Agriculture in rural Midwest is just as important to economy as industry is to urban Midwest. Agriculture is HUGE in Midwest, only surpassed in importance by the Great Plains. Midwest is famous for Beer, and Cheese and dairy, also famous for other agricultural products. Energy & Economics Manufacturing center of the US, important agricultural center of US much farming equipment was invented by combining the two specialties. Automobiles & machinery, food products, DUH! Natural Resources Natural Resources: Steel & Coal are two most important Pittsburgh is known as Steel City (Pittsburgh Steelers) Transportation Transportation lines were very important to bring and take away machine goods and agriculture, so Chicago became the center of rail traffic in US also a major air center. Transportation on great lakes, two locks were necessary, between Superior and Huron, and between Ontario & Erie. With opening of Erie Canal, a ship could travel from MN to Romania without unloading. Also, Ohio River is navigable via Mississippi Rail transportation is very important, it is what helped populate this area of the US rail center for Western US also. All railroads go through Chicago.

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Geography Week 7 South and Gulf Coast South & Gulf Coast States include: NC, SC, KY, TN, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, AR, TX 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Geographic Features ATLANTIC COAST & GULF COAST PLAINS Swamps everywhere, alligators, lots of them, snakes, etc Climate Long hot summers are great for agriculture, many rivers allowed settlers to settle inland Atlanta for example Humid, subtropical environment, warm waters of Gulf of Mexico Weather problems, hurricanes and tornadoes, floods (poor drainage) Population Southern Culture unifies them all! (back to the days of the civil war), they think they are nicer, more civil, and generally friendlier. population densities are still moderately low population is more native American not too many foreign born people. Keep to themselves but are friendly to everyone else because not too much immigration, people are still overwhelmingly British *original settlers) Cajuns, exiles from Canada, came to this area GREAT food very conservative, strict adherence to protestant values. major place for Baptists Cities Houston, chemicals, oil, space New Orleans, french, good food, charm major port city for grain and GREAT PLAINS Miami, latin influence, tourist destination Atlanta, typical southern city, only a lot bigger Olympics were there Nashville & Memphis Agriculture Became a center of CASH CROPS, tobacco and cotton. Plantations developed, need for labor, at that time slavery was allowed. NC and VA are tobacco havens Humid subtropical climate creates a long growing season, also lots of rain. Specialty crops can be grown here, tropical fruits and veggies sugarcane, rice, citrus fruit Energy & Economics In Civil War, the souths economy was very badly damaged. products were confiscated, railroads were torn up, and their national currency was suddenly useless. S has to this day never really recovered. After war, Southerners kept to themselves even more, because they were so angry people are still angry Politically, they deeply resented the republicans (lincoln) so they became Democrat even though their values are different today they are all Republican again Tourism is very important, and agriculture is very distinct trade center with the rest of the world Recreation! Weather and beach Also the magnet of Florida tropical sandy beaches & palm trees, and Disneyworld. Orlando is a huge tourist meca. Natural Resources OIL and GAS are the biggest natural resources Transportation not very good transportation hubs, in old days people sent their goods down the river to the port cities, where they were sent up north consequence was rural isolation still feels like it Trade, Houston, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Miami, Jacksonville, all HUGE port cities. NO and Houston the biggest. NO is focus because it is the end of the Mississippi river. Goods go through NO on their way to other parts of the world. Houston is the second biggest, but the biggest for international goods they send more stuff than just grain (NO) MUSIC / FOOD Music: TN = Country music, KY = Bluegrass, LA = Jazz, FL = Cuban/Caribbean Food: LA = Cajun, TX = BBQ & Chile, S = Fried Chicken, SEAFOOD

Geography Week 8 Great Plains Great Plains States include: IA, MO, TX, OK, KS, NE, SD, ND 1. Geographic Features Topography: flat! Grassy! slight hills, FLAT! It is simple to move across 50% of the country, through this area. Black Hills (Mt Rushmore) in SD Originally very difficult to cultivate, took time, and technology to overcome Hail and tornadoes create havoc for crops and for property Blizzard: very cold polar air rushes southHigh wind, intense cold, lots of snow all create the Blizzardlasting for several dayslots of animals die 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Climate Climate problem: rainfall was not great, but lots of storms and hail and tornadoes. Blizzards in the winter, hot and dry winds in summer dried the soil. Not a lot of natural water supply no forests or trees except near rivers. Population Horses & Indians: Indians initially hunted Buffalo very slowly, Spanish explorers gave Indians a few horses as gifts 300 years later horses were all over N America and Indians lifestyles changed Population Decline and Stagnation = Great Plains Cities: Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Omaha Only growth is seen in the cities, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Kansas City, OKC, Tulsa, Wichita, Omaha Dallas-Fort Worth Major air hub large city, lots of money, lots of companies, lots of offices San Antonio Big commercial center for the South and also a trading city with Mexico beautiful, home of the Alamo military Cities in the GPs are regional centers in themselves very different from NE cities. They dont rely on each other as much Agriculture AG: Initially, crops were bad, bad weather, lack of wood and water, soil wasnt too good, not a lot of rain CHANGE: Technology and Land ownership (land giveaways & large farms) AG: Now Wheat is the largest crop in Great Plains, because wheat is not profitable, they must have BIG farms Energy & Economics Beef industry is very important also This is where all the beef is raised (mostly) Americans LOVE beef. Natural Resources NR: Lots of energy resources (oil, natural gas, coal) Transportation Because there is so much grain (this isnt like oranges or tomatoes), railroads cant move it all they rely very heavily on barges traveling down rivers to the Mississippi to New Orleans Most cities in GPs are found on transportation lines, but are not hubs. Most are on railroad lines or highways. Highway Transportation not too much, most major freeways move E W, not N S (because people wanted to pass through as fast as they could)

Geography Week 9 Rocky Mountains and Southwest Rocky Mountains & Southwest States include: MT, ID, WY, CO, UT, NE, AZ, NM 1. Geographic Features largest area of sparse population in US, low population density. Topography is very varied. Areas are very rugged, other areas are very flat, most are very isolated. Annual precipitation is very different from mountain climates to deserts contains some of americas most striking scenery. human impact is relatively limited (compared to other parts of the country) in East, terrain is pretty stable, with no dramatic changes, in West its quite the opposite most mountains in the East are rounded and molded, in West they are jagged, abrupt, almost vertical. Due partly to age grand canyon created by colorado river lots of volcanic activity (lava caves, cinder cones, volcanoes, thermal activity, etc) lots of forests, lots and lots of forests large wildlife (bison, elk, antelope, bear, deer, etc) Federal govt owns most of land in this area (in Nevada, Govt owns 90% of country) atomic bomb testing is done here 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Climate SW: dry and hot Mountain climate: alpine! Population SW: Spanish speakers were in Texas, NM, AZ, CA long LONG before Anglos (English) interesting, we kicked them out SW: population expansion over past few decades SW: southwest is distinct because of the relationship between european, indian, and hispanic descended people. SW: indian population is very large and distinct Cities Major cities: Phoenix, Denver, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City Agriculture irrigation is key to survival, not enough water to support agriculture irrigation helped Idaho and E. Oregon & Washington to become the words leaders in potatoes Washington world famous for apples Energy & Economics some areas of this region rely very heavily on tourism, others rely on timber and natural resources. lots of dams, especially on Columbia River High tech industries in SLC, Phoenix Gambling in Las Vegas Natural Resources minerals, gold rush of 1800s led to the rapid population of the west and to the settlement of the Rocky Mts and SW today a leader in copper, lead, zinc, gold, coal, forests, forests, forests Transportation transportation because no one needs to get around here, the prime goal is to get through there as fast as possible, hence lots national freeways pass east to west, not north to south

Geography Week 10 Northwest Northwest States include OR, WA 1. Geographic Features Rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, rivers and streams, vineyards, beautiful modern cities, deserts, rugged cloud-shrouded ocean cliffs, unpopulated, unsettled, private Cascade Range, Coast Range, Willamette Valley, Puget Sound Mt. St. Helens erupted in May of 1980. Forests the size of Transylvania (Ardeal) 2. 3. Climate Maritime climate (like New England), Orographic Effect, mild and misty interior contributes to fabulous agricultural conditions, arid and dry East, alpine in mountains. Rainy, very rainy, but not heavy rain just lots of mist Summers are mild Winters are surprisingly warm and mild, although there is constant rain and it might feel like its cold. Population Sparsely populated, a relatively new area of the US. Discovered by Lewis & Clark in the 1800s. Portland and Seattle were founded in the 1850s. Today Oregon has 3.4 million people, Washington has 5.9 million people Oregon land area: 248,647 square Km vs. Romania land area: 237,500 Kms. People in this area are very prideful and skeptical of the rest of the country. They want the rest of the country to know how wonderful this area is, but they dont want anyone to move there. Oregon Trail: the road that led Americans Westward!! (St. Louis to Portland) Cities Main cities = Seattle and Portland. Seattle 600,000 and 3.0 million is the largest city in NW. Major international center for shipping, trade, commerce, and services. Portland, 550,000 and 1.5 million is the second largest city in NW. Major wood and agriculture center. Portland story (Portland vs. Boston coin toss) Agriculture Willamette Valley is one of the most fertile areas of the US. Can grow almost anything. Very well known for berries, nuts, apples, vineyards, pears, etc Eastern = wheat, potatoes Energy & Economics Major hydroelectric center of the country. Most hydroelectricity is produced here, mainly on the Columbia River. Much shipping and trade flows through the NW. Seattle and Portland are major port cities. Trees are a major economic resource Natural Resources Trees, wind, fishing Trees almost ALL areas of the Northwest are (or were) covered with trees. Timber has developed into a major economic activity. Transportation Portland and Seattle are major port cities. Not much land transportation. Very isolated from the rest of the country by distance and by mountains.

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Geography Week 11 Hawaii & Alaska Alaska Transportation, no railroad, only 1 long highway partly unpaved look to air & sea for connection to rest of world great sense of detachment from rest of country & world scarcity of goods, high prices Fed government is biggest employer in Alaska (yearly compensation for all citizens just for living there) oil, minerals, timber, fishing are big industries Huge mountains, grizzly bears, polar bears Juneau the only capital city not connected to rest of country by road Cabin Feaver! High suicide rate, lots of darkness in winter, lots of sunlight in summer Anchorage/Northern Lights/Stewards Folly bought from Russia for $7.6 million Hawaii Main Islands: Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai in middle of Pacific Ocean 4000 Km away from US mainland not as isolated as one would think, lots of air and sea transport On main shipping route between N & S America and Asia & Oceania (Australia) lots of business activity w/ Asia (especially Japan) Volcanic activity formed the land tallest mountain in the world (2x Mt. Everest) Eruptions still *add* land to Hawaii Climate: hot & humid, tropical, breezy Snowy on Mtn tops theres a ski resort there! Wettest area on earth is in Hawaii (Kauai, 1234 cm annually) In one part of Honolulu 50cm/year rain; in another part of city 300cm/year rain Unique plants & animals *threatened species* (non-native animals) Polynesians settled the land first Sugar & Pineapples & Tourism & Military = economy Port Honolulu Pear Harbor 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Oahu densly populated Hawaii Big island, lots of volcanoes Kauai Garden island, lots of rain Maui Contrast, lots of tourism Molokai Agriculture & peacefulness

Geography Week 12 California 1. Geographic Features Land of striking difference, after all its like of the Pacific Coast. Vast Deserts, rain forests, high alpine mountains, lowest lows in the country, valleys and highlands, rivers, islands, bays, deserts Coast Coast Range if you washed ashore at any point on the Pacific Coast, you WOULD see mountains. Small earthquakes shake the areas lots of faults Central Valley creates a fertile valley about the size of New England for year-round farming. Result you can get tomatoes and lettuce all year round! East of Central Valley is Sierra Nevadas, highest in US 2. 3. Climate Precipitation, very different in parts of CA, desert, rain forests, foggy SF, arid LA & SD arid dry seasons cause the forests to become very dry. Forest fires are a constant problem. Every year every year Orographic Effect and the precipitation. West side of the mountains vs. East side of the mountains Temperatures are very extreme in the middle parts of the state. example, Canyon Lake averages above 50 in summer while LA averages 30 at the same time Population Home to over 10% of US population Most of the population is crowded into small geographically constricted areas (LA, SF, SD), surrounded by vast open spaces. It is very isolated from the rest of the country, but it is a little America unto itself. Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive, in the 1500s, but they didnt make permanent settlements until 1700s. 1850, Gold Rush everyone in the world came to CA biggest single event in the history of the country. Helped to very quickly integrate CA and the rest of the US In the old days of CA, companies (like the railroad, and land owners) wanted people to move to CA, so they advertised very heavily in the East US. Lots of people began to come to CA. Migration in CA right now, white people make up less than half of the populaiton. Immigration is very important to the states identity. There are Chinatowns, Japan-towns, Romania-towns, Afghanistan-towns, etc for many many groups of people. The Mexican population is the most important. Cities Population is intensely urban despite its agricultural importance Most of the 300km stretch from Santa Barbara to San Diego is all one big city. More than 20 million people live there alone. Because of the availability of land, the types of urbaneness found on the East Coast are not found in CA, ex: big apartments, big tall warehouses, public transportation. Its all one giant suburb The most important stimulus for the growth of CA is the automobile. Today the transportation structure of CA is based only for the automobile. If you dont have a car, you die! LA has more cars per person than any other part of the US Hollywood part of LA since movies were invented. Today still the largest movie studios are found here SD has benefited by lots of government money. Lots of defense and military spending. DOD, NASA, Navy, Aerospace, etc. LA is the second biggest city in the US, LA & Long Beach very big SF thinks of themselves as more traditional and more sophisticated, great weather, Silicon Valley San Francisco is the 2nd biggest city in the Bay Area actually loosing population. Not a big city (land size) nowhere to grow Golden Gate Bridge Major port for Pacific Coast gate to Asia Agriculture Oranges, avocados, dates were planted. They were very popular in the East, and only CA could provide them! CA is the biggest agricultural state, easily surpassing Great Plains, Midwest, SE, etc broccoli, lettuce, artichoke, grapes, oranges & lemons, etc Because of its warm climate, it can grow lots of crops all year round. Its how Americans eat McDonalds in summer and winter. Agriculture created a massive massive need for water, so they made the aqueducts. Today water comes from N California, E California, and the Colorado River. In 1905 Colorado River flooded, and broke open the aqueducts, forming the Salton Sea!! Energy & Economics Outdoor recreation because of the warm weather and not a lot of rain, outdoor activities are very popular. Hiking, surfing, skating, rafting, climbing, camping, fishing, all very popular. Natural Resources Trees Redwood and Sequoia Transportation SD Harbor and SF harbor are great

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Midwest Midwest is the region around the Great Lakes Largest Great Lake is Lake Superior Chicago is known as the Windy City Midwest is the manufacturing core of the country Detroit is automobile capital of the world Chicago is the railroad center of the United States Chicago is the end of the Cattle Trail, it is where the meat-packing industry is based Pittsburgh is known as the Steel City because of its steel industry South and Gulf Coast Swamps cover a large part of the South and Gulf Coast states Humid, sub-tropical weather in the South and Gulf Coast States, many hurricanes The South was part of the confederacy during the Civil War they broke off from the United States in the 1800s Oil and Gas are found in this area of the US largest concentration in the United States Tourism and recreation are very important in Florida Houston is the energy capital of the world because of the oil and energy industries Miami has a large Cuban population Agriculture in this area: Oranges, cotton, tobacco, rice Great Plains Extreme weather conditions blizzards and tornadoes and hail The Great Plains are known as the wheat belt because it is the wheat and grain center of the USA Most grain is shipped on barges down the Mississippi River to New Orleans Rocky Mountains & Southwest This area is the largest area of empty, unsettled land in America (other than Alaska) Atomic Bomb testing in New Mexico Regional capital of Rocky Mountain States is Denver, Colorado Las Vegas is gambling center of USA Pacific Northwest States Mt St. Helens erupted in 1980 The forest industry in Pacific Northwest is the largest in the US Maritime Climate (similar to England) Hydroelectricity on Columbia River Seattle is the major city in the Pacific Northwest Alaska & Hawaii Alaska Bought from Russians for $7 million dollars Air and Sea transportation is more important, since there is only 1 major road that leads to Alaska Hawaii Volcanoes created Hawaii, they are still active today Climate is tropical Sugar and Pineapples are grown here, as well as cattle Honolulu is the capital and major port city California Most populated state in the USA Biggest agriculture state in the USA Los Angeles Movie-making capital of the world Gold Rush of 1850 helped to populate California San Francisco, home of Silicon Valley & Golden Gate Bridge Home of the Redwood and Sequoia trees Earthquakes are a major problem in California

Geography Test Study Guide This study guide will help you for your Geography Test. You are responsible for ALL information given to you throughout the semester, in addition to the information below: There will be NO cheating on this test, or you will get a 1 (one)
You will be given a blank map of the USA, you must name 20 out of 50 states You will be given a blank map of the USA, you must name all the regions of the USA New England Great Plains States Mid Atlantic States Rocky Mountain & Southwest States Midwest States Pacific Northwest States South & Gulf Coast States California You will be given a blank map of the USA, you must name the following land features: Mountains Rivers Appalachian Mountains Mississippi River Rocky Mountains Missouri River Sierra Nevadas Ohio River Cascade Range Colorado River Coast Range Columbia River Plains Rio Grande (river) Atlantic Coast Plains Bodies of Water Gulf Coast Plains Atlantic Ocean Great Plains Pacific Ocean Gulf of Mexico You must know the following general information, in addition to everything we talked about over the semester: Appalachian Mountains created a barrier for westward expansion in early America The Grand Canyon was formed by the Colorado River Most people in America live in the Atlantic Coast Plains (as opposed to Gulf Coast Plains or Great Plains) The Great Lakes are located in the Midwest United States The Mississippi River is the longest river in the USA The Jet Stream a current of fast moving air that flows across America from West to East New England Income and education are the highest in New England (generally) compared to the rest of the USA A large part of the economy in New England (fishing, shipbuilding, berries) The first Thanksgiving was in New England Major regional capital is Boston Mid Atlantic States The largest cities in the country are found in this region New York is the regional capital Long Island is in New York Amish Country in Pennsylvania NYC/Boston/Philadelphia/Baltimore/Washington DC all form Megalopolis (meaning, really really big city) People in this area live closer together more European style Erie Canal connects Great Lakes to Atlantic Ocean

5)

Amish Country is found in what state: a) Pennsylvania b) Florida c) New Hampshire d) Illinois

13)

Most wheat and grain in the Great Plains is shipped on barges down the Mississippi River to what major port city: a) St. Louis b) Houston c) New Orleans d) Miami

6)

New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC all form one giant metropolitan city called: a) Metropolis d) New York City c) Megalopolis d) The Bay Area

14)

The Atomic Bomb testing center is located in what state: a) Nevada b) New Mexico c) Arizona d) New Jersey

7)

Long Island, Manhattan Island, and Staten Island are all part of what city: a) New York City b) San Francisco c) Honolulu d) New Orleans

15)

This major Pacific Northwest volcano erupted in May 1980: a) Mount St. Helens b) Mount Rainier c) Mount Hood d) Mount Whitney

16) 8) This canal was the most important in US history, it connects the Great Lakes with New York and the Atlantic Ocean a) Big Apple Canal b) Erie Canal c) Iroquois Canal d) Ontario Canal 9) The largest Great Lake of all is: a) Lake Michigan b) Lake Huron c) Lake Superior d) Lake Erie 18) 10) The railroad center of the U.S.A. is located in what city: a) Kansas City b) Dallas c) Cleveland d) Chicago 19) 11) The major agriculture in the South and Gulf Coast states are <oranges, cotton, tobacco, and ________>: a) rice b) wheat c) corn d) broccoli 12) The South and Gulf Coast states are the largest sources of: a) airplanes and timber b) electronics and movies c) sheep and pigs d) oil and gas 20) 17)

Hydroelectricity is produced on this major Pacific Northwest river: a) Missouri River b) Columbia River c) Hudson River d) Colorado River This state capital can only be visited by air or sea, because there is no road: a) Austin, Texas b) Augusta, Maine c) Juneau, Alaska d) Boise, Idaho Sugar and Pineapples make up this state's agriculture: a) Hawaii b) Florida c) California d) Texas This event helped to populate California in the 1850s: a) Irish Potato Famine b) Great Depression c) Gold Rush d) Great Chicago Fire The biggest agriculture state in the U.S.A.: a) Texas b) California c) Kansas d) Ohio

Name: ________________________________ US Geography: Final Test Match the description with the city (there are 5 extra cities):
1 Regional capital of Rocky Mountains: _______ 2 Home of "Silicon Valley": _______ 3 Major port city in Hawaii: _______ 4 Automobile capital of the world: _______ 5 Largest city in the U.S.A.: _______ 6 Large Cuban population: _______ 7 Largest city on the West Coast: _______ 8 "Steel City": _______ 9 Regional capital of New England: _______ 10 Gambling Center: _______ 11 "Windy City," end of the "cattle trail": _______ 12 Capital of the U.S.A.: _______ 13 Regional capital of the Pacific Northwest: _______ 14 Oil and Energy capital of the world: _______ 15 Largest city in Oregon that Rob Mardock is from: _______ A) Boston B) Dallas C) New York City D) Washington D.C. E) Philadelphia F) Chicago G) Pittsburgh H) Detroit I) Houston J) New Orleans K) Miami L) Phoenix M) Denver N) Las Vegas O) Portland P) Seattle Q) Honolulu R) Los Angeles S) San Diego T) San Francisco

Match the description with the region:

1 Extreme weather conditions: blizzards, tornadoes, and hail: _______ 2 Home of the Redwood and Sequoia trees: _______ 3 The first Thanksgiving was in this region: _______ 4 Volcanoes created this state: _______ 5 This area is the largest area of empty, unsettled land (other than Alaska): _______ 6 The largest cities in the country are found in this region: _______ 7 The forest industry (timber) here is the largest in the U.S.A.: _______ 8 Bought from Russia for $7 million dollars: _______ 9 Swamps cover a large part of this region: _______ 10 Manufacturing core of the country: _______ A) B) C) D) E) F) G) H) I) J) California Mid-Atlantic States South and Gulf Coast States Great Plains Alaska New England Rocky Mountains & Southwest Hawaii Pacific Northwest Midwest

Circle the best answer

1) Westward expansion by the early Americans was delayed (stopped) by the: a) Rocky Mountains b) American Indians c) Appalachian Mountains d) Mississippi River 2) Most Americans live in the: a) Gulf Coast Plains b) Atlantic Coast Plains c) Great Plains d) Central Valley of California 3) The Jet Stream is: a) A current of fast moving air that flows across America from West to East b) A current of fast moving air that flows across America from East to West c) When wet air flows up one side of a mountain, it comes down the other side dry d) How jets and airplanes get from one part of the U.S.A. to the other 4) The economy of New England is made up of <Berries, Fishing, and ___________> a) Oil b) Oranges and Grapefruits c) Automobiles d) Shipbuilding

5)

Westward expansion by the early Americans was delayed (stopped) by the: a) Rocky Mountains b) American Indians c) Appalachian Mountains d) Mississippi River

13)

Sugar and Pineapples make up this state's agriculture: a) Hawaii b) Florida c) California d) Texas

14) 6) Most Americans live in the: a) Gulf Coast Plains b) Atlantic Coast Plains c) Great Plains d) Central Valley of California 7) Amish Country is found in what state: a) Pennsylvania b) Florida c) New Hampshire d) Illinois 8) The Atomic Bomb testing center is located in what state: a) Nevada b) New Mexico c) Arizona d) New Jersey 9) The Jet Stream is: a) A current of fast moving air that flows across America from West to East b) A current of fast moving air that flows across America from East to West c) When wet air flows up one side of a mountain, it comes down the other side dry d) How jets and airplanes get from one part of the U.S.A. to the other 10) This canal was the most important in US history, it connects the Great Lakes with New York and the Atlantic Ocean a) Big Apple Canal b) Erie Canal c) Iroquois Canal d) Ontario Canal 11) New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC all form one giant metropolitan city called: a) Metropolis d) New York City c) Megalopolis d) The Bay Area 12) Most wheat and grain in the Great Plains is shipped on barges down the Mississippi River to what major port city: a) St. Louis b) Houston c) New Orleans d) Miami 20) 19) 17) 16) 15)

The railroad center of the United States is located in what city: a) Kansas City b) Dallas c) Cleveland d) Chicago The largest Great Lake of all is: a) Lake Michigan b) Lake Huron c) Lake Superior d) Lake Erie This major Pacific Northwest volcano erupted in May 1980: a) Mount St. Helens b) Mount Rainier c) Mount Hood d) Mount Whitney The South and Gulf Coast states are the largest sources of: a) airplanes and timber b) electronics and movies c) sheep and pigs d) oil and gas

18)

This event helped to populate California in the 1850s: a) Irish Potato Famine b) Great Depression c) Gold Rush d) Great Chicago Fire This state capital can only be visited by air or sea, because there is no road: a) Austin, Texas b) Augusta, Maine c) Juneau, Alaska d) Boise, Idaho Hydroelectricity is produced on this major Pacific Northwest river: a) Missouri River b) Columbia River c) Hudson River d) Colorado River

USGEO112U2GR

Name: ________________________________ US Geography: Final Test Match the description with the city:
1 Regional capital of the Pacific Northwest: _______ 2 Regional capital of Rocky Mountains: _______ 3 Regional capital of New England: _______ 4 Oil and Energy capital of the world: _______ 5 Major port city in Hawaii: _______ 6 Largest city on the West Coast: _______ 7 Largest city in the U.S.A.: _______ 8 Largest city in Oregon that Rob Mardock is from: _______ 9 Large Cuban population: _______ 10 Home of "Silicon Valley": _______ 11 Gambling Center: _______ 12 Capital of the U.S.A.: _______ 13 Automobile capital of the world: _______ 14 "Windy City," end of the "cattle trail": _______ 15 "Steel City": _______ A) Boston B) Chicago C) Dallas D) Denver E) Detroit F) Honolulu G) Houston H) Las Vegas I) Los Angeles J) Miami K) New Orleans L) New York M) Philadelphia N) Phoenix O) Pittsburgh P) Portland Q) San Diego R) San Francisco S) Seattle T) Washington D.C.

Match the description with the region:

1 Volcanoes created this state: _______ 2 This area is the largest area of empty, unsettled land (other than Alaska): _______ 3 The largest cities in the country are found in this region: _______ 4 The forest industry (timber) here is the largest in the U.S.A.: _______ 5 The first Thanksgiving was in this region: _______ 6 Swamps cover a large part of this region: _______ 7 Manufacturing core of the country: _______ 8 Home of the Redwood and Sequoia trees: _______ 9 Extreme weather conditions: blizzards, tornadoes, and hail: _______ 10 Bought from Russia for $7 million dollars: _______ A) B) C) D) E) F) G) H) I) J) Alaska California Great Plains Hawaii Mid-Atlantic States Midwest New England Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountains & Southwest South and Gulf Coast States

Circle the best answer

1) The major agriculture in the South and Gulf Coast states are <oranges, cotton, tobacco, and ________): a) rice b) wheat c) corn d) broccoli 2) The biggest agriculture state in the U.S.A.: a) Texas b) California c) Kansas d) Ohio 4) 3) The economy of New England is made up of <Berries, Fishing, and ___________> a) Oil b) Oranges and Grapefruits c) Automobiles d) Shipbuilding Long Island, Manhattan Island, and Staten Island are all part of what city: a) New York City b) San Francisco c) Honolulu d) New Orleans

5)

Sugar and Pineapples make up this state's agriculture: a) Hawaii b) Florida c) California d) Texas

13)

The Atomic Bomb testing center is located in what state: a) Nevada b) New Mexico c) Arizona d) New Jersey

6)

The South & Gulf Coast states are the largest sources of: a) airplanes and timber b) electronics and movies c) sheep and pigs d) oil and gas

14)

The railroad center of the United States is located in what city: a) Kansas City b) Dallas c) Cleveland d) Chicago

7)

Westward expansion by the early Americans was delayed (stopped) by the: a) Rocky Mountains b) American Indians c) Appalachian Mountains d) Mississippi River

15)

The Jet Stream is: a) A current of fast moving air that flows across America from West to East b) A current of fast moving air that flows across America from East to West c) When wet air flows up one side of a mountain, it comes down the other side dry d) How jets and airplanes get from one part of the U.S.A. to the other

8)

This event helped to populate California in the 1850s: a) Irish Potato Famine b) Great Depression c) Gold Rush d) Great Chicago Fire 16)

Long Island, Manhattan Island, and Staten Island are all part of what city: a) New York City b) San Francisco c) Honolulu d) New Orleans

9)

Most wheat and grain in the Great Plains is shipped on barges down the Mississippi River to what major port city: a) St. Louis b) Houston c) New Orleans d) Miami 17)

This canal was the most important in US history, it connects the Great Lakes with New York and the Atlantic Ocean a) Big Apple Canal b) Erie Canal c) Iroquois Canal d) Ontario Canal

10)

The largest Great Lake of all is: a) Lake Michigan b) Lake Huron c) Lake Superior d) Lake Erie 18)

Most Americans live in the: a) Gulf Coast Plains b) Atlantic Coast Plains c) Great Plains d) Central Valley of California

11)

Amish Country is found in what state: a) Pennsylvania b) Florida c) New Hampshire d) Illinois 19)

New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC all form one giant metropolitan city called: a) Metropolis d) New York City c) Megalopolis d) The Bay Area

12)

The economy of New England is made up of <Berries, Fishing, and ___________> a) Oil b) Oranges and Grapefruits c) Automobiles d) Shipbuilding 20)

This major Pacific Northwest volcano erupted in May 1980: a) Mount St. Helens b) Mount Rainier c) Mount Hood d) Mount Whitney

USGEOU12U2GR

Name: ________________________________ US Geography: Final Test Match the description with the city:
1 "Steel City": _______ 2 "Windy City," end of the "cattle trail": _______ 3 Automobile capital of the world: _______ 4 Capital of the U.S.A.: _______ 5 Gambling Center: _______ 6 Home of "Silicon Valley": _______ 7 Large Cuban population: _______ 8 Largest city in Oregon that Rob Mardock is from: _______ 9 Largest city in the U.S.A.: _______ 10 Largest city on the West Coast: _______ 11 Major port city in Hawaii: _______ 12 Oil and Energy capital of the world: _______ 13 Regional capital of New England: _______ 14 Regional capital of Rocky Mountains: _______ 15 Regional capital of the Pacific Northwest: _______ A) Washington D.C. B) Seattle C) San Francisco D) San Diego E) Portland F) Pittsburgh G) Phoenix H) Philadelphia I) New York J) New Orleans K) Miami L) Los Angeles M) Las Vegas N) Houston O) Honolulu P) Detroit Q) Denver R) Dallas S) Chicago T) Boston

Match the description with the region:

1 Bought from Russia for $7 million dollars: _______ 2 Extreme weather conditions: blizzards, tornadoes, and hail: _______ 3 Home of the Redwood and Sequoia trees: _______ 4 Manufacturing core of the country: _______ 5 Swamps cover a large part of this region: _______ 6 The first Thanksgiving was in this region: _______ 7 The forest industry (timber) here is the largest in the U.S.A.: _______ 8 The largest cities in the country are found in this region: _______ 9 This area is the largest area of empty, unsettled land (other than Alaska): _______ 10 Volcanoes created this state: _______ A) B) C) D) E) F) G) H) I) J) South and Gulf Coast States Rocky Mountains & Southwest Pacific Northwest New England Midwest Mid-Atlantic States Hawaii Great Plains California Alaska

Circle the best answer

1) Hydroelectricity is produced on this major Pacific Northwest river: a) Missouri River b) Columbia River c) Hudson River d) Colorado River 2) The biggest agriculture state in the U.S.A.: a) Texas b) California c) Kansas d) Ohio 4) 3) This state capital can only be visited by air or sea, because there is no road: a) Austin, Texas b) Augusta, Maine c) Juneau, Alaska d) Boise, Idaho The major agriculture in the South and Gulf Coast states are <oranges, cotton, tobacco, and ________): a) rice b) wheat c) corn d) broccoli

American Geography Project

Final Copy Due on 5 December 2002
State Project. Each student is responsible for presenting one state. The project will consist of: 1) Cover page 2) 2 maps 3) Research Paper 4) Bibliography (what sources you used for information)

Cover Page:
Include State, Full Name, Due Date

Maps:
Draw 2 beautiful, colored, full-page (or larger) maps of your state: 1. 2. Physical Map: draw a physical map. Include all mountains, plains, rivers, bays, oceans, bays, islands, peninsulas, forests, deserts, valleys, etc Political Map: draw all major cities, capital city, major roads / railroad lines, industrial areas, agricultural areas, natural resources, energy sources, etc

Paper Outline:
Remember, each paragraph must have at least 3-4 sentences each! Introduction Paragraph & General Overview: 1-2 paragraphs History: At least 3 paragraphs Geographic Features (mountains, rivers, valleys, islands, etc) 1-2 paragraphs Climate (all year): 1-2 paragraphs Natural Resources & Energy: 1-2 paragraphs Agriculture: 1-2 paragraphs Population (how big, where do they live, where did they come from, etc): 2-3 paragraphs People (religion, minorities, famous natives, regional food specialty): 2-3 paragraphs Cities: 1-2 paragraphs Economics & Business (major industries, major companies, major products, trade, etc): 1-3 paragraphs Transportation systems (ports, airports, roads, subways, how do goods and people move?): 1-3 paragraphs Conclusion Paragraph

Bibliography (what sources you used for information)

You should have used books, maps, teachers, internet, encyclopedias, library, etc. to find information. Write down what you used. You should have used at least 4 sources. If you used a book, tell the name of the book, the author (or editor), and the date published. If you used the internet, write down the internet address AND the name of the web site. If you used a teacher, write down the name, and the date you spoke with him/her. Copying is illegal! You are not allowed to use other peoples work. If you use information from a book or from the internet, you must use your own words for the paper. You cannot copy information. This is YOUR project, not some author! I know how you write, and if I think you are copying directly from a book or internet, I will find out. Robert Mardock robmardock@yahoo.com

American Geography Grading Policy 14 weeks (September December, 2002)

Weekly Assignments / Attendance Project Final Comprehensive Examination 50% 20% 30% 100%

Weekly Assignments / Attendance Attendance is extremely important! 50% of your grade depends on you being in class. American Geography only meets one day a week, so it is extremely important for you to be in class. Here is the grading policy for weekly assignments and attendance: 1 If you are not in class to receive your assignment, you must receive the assignment from a friend or from the teacher in order to turn it in the next week. Your grade will start with an 8 If you are in class to receive your assignment, but you are not in class the following week to turn in your assignment, you must give it to a friend or to the teacher to turn in on time. Your grade will start with an 8

If you are not in class to receive your assignment AND you are not in class to turn in your assignment the following week, you must receive the assignment from a friend or from the teacher, AND you must give it to a friend or to the teacher to turn in on time. Your grade will start with a 6 Late work: a) 1 week late, your grade starts with a 6 b) More than 1 week late, no credit: 0 II Project On October 16 you will be given a project assignment. It will count as 20% of your final grade and must be turned in on time. This project will be due on December 4th.

III Final Comprehensive Examination On the last day of class (December 18) we will have a test that will cover all areas of US Geography that we have studied. It will count as 30% of your final grade.
18-Sept 25-Sept 2-Oct 9-Oct 16-Oct 23-Oct 30-Oct Introduction Relief (mountains, plains, etc.) Relief (cont.), Rivers, Climate New England Mid Atlantic (incl. NYC area) Midwest (Great Lakes) South and Gulf Coast 6-Nov 13-Nov 20-Nov 27-Nov 4-Dec 11-Dec 18-Dec Great Plains Rocky Mountains and Southwest Pacific Northwest California Alaska and Hawaii (Project Due Date) Conclusion and review for final Final Examination

Robert Mardock: robmardock@yahoo.com