North America Brochure Project
6th grade Social Studies students will complete research on the diverse regions of the United States to discover the impact of geography on almost every aspect of modern life: economics, recreation, culture, and the movement of people and ideas.
The five regions that the students will choose from are:
Northeast (11): Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut
Southeast (12): West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
Midwest (12): North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio
Southwest (4): Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
West (11): Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii
Brochure Requirements:
· Title present (main heading)
· Subtitles (sub headings)
· Minimum of 3 graphics
· Chart, graphic organizer or table (if applicable)
· Tri-fold format
· Bibliography (All sources need to be cited via MLA style—see next page)
· Brochures will be typed and developed on computer
· 3 sources (1 primary, 1 secondary and 1 primary/secondary of your choice)
CHOICE 1—Location
Analyze how location (absolute and /or relative) influences ways of living in the United States. Here’s what your brochure will contain:
· Definition of absolute location
· Definition of relative location
· Choice of 2 different regions of the US to analyze
· Choose at least 5 aspects of “ways of life” from the list below or others approved by Mr. Blair to research for 2 different regions of the US
o recreation/arts
o jobs/occupations/economic activity
o dress
o education
o foods
o beliefs (ex: religion)
o transportation
o shelter/homes
· information on how location has an effect on your chosen 5 aspects for the 2 different regions of the US
CHOICE 2—Place
Compare and contrast the physical, human and cultural characteristics of 2 regions within the United States. Here’s what your brochure will contain:
· Definition of physical geographic characteristics of a region
· Definition of human geographic characteristics of a region
· Definition of cultural characteristics of a region
· a choice of 2 different US regions to compare and contrast
· 3 physical characteristics of each region chosen
· 3 human characteristics of each region chosen
· 3 cultural characteristics of each region chosen
· a contrast and a comparison of each aspect for each region (this could be accomplished with a graphic organizer)
CHOICE 3—Human-Environment Interaction
Analyze how the United States adapts, modifies, and uses its physical environment. Here is what your brochure should contain:
· Choice of 2 different regions of the US to analyze
· Definition and examples of what is meant by the physical environment of a place
· Details of how in each region people have adapted, modified, or use 4 different aspects of the physical environment
CHOICE 4—Movement
Analyze the past movement of people, goods, and ideas within and among the United States. Compare it to today. Here’s what your brochure should contain:
· Definition of the geographical theme of movement
· Choice of 2 different regions of the US to analyze
· Information on how people, goods and ideas moved in each region 150-200 yrs ago
· Information on how people, goods and ideas move in the current day
· Information on what has stayed the same, what is different and what is the impact of those changes
CHOICE 5—Human-Environment Interaction
Compare and contrast the changes and impact that technology brought to the United States by examining 2 different regions of the US. Here’s what your brochure should contain:
· Definition of technology
· Information on the changes that technology has brought to the physical environment and culture (these changes could occur in the development or use of natural resources, communication, industry (manufacturing), labor for people, agriculture, education, trade, movement, modifications to the physical environment, recreational opportunities, improved living conditions, medicine, etc)
· Information on the impact that those changes have had on the physical environment and on people with an emphasis on geography
CHOICE 6—Region
Describe the art, music, and craft forms of 2 different regions in the United States. Compare and contrast these cultural elements across 2 different regions. Here’s what your brochure should contain:
· Definition of art
· Definition of music
· Definition of craft (arts and crafts)
· Information on significant styles or artists, musicians that the US region is known for
· Brief information on the origins of the style that the US region is known for
· What cultural elements do the share? What cultural elements are unique to the region? (this could be accomplished with a graphic organizer)