Geography Lesson Plan
TITLE: Play Doh Map of New York State's Adirondak Region
GRADE LEVEL: Grade 4/5
OBJECTIVES: The students will be able
to:
1. Differentiate between physical characteristics
of the Adirondak Region by constructing them on a 3-dimensional model map.
2. Locate and label Lake Placid, George
and Schroon, Cranberry, Upper and Lower Saranac, and Raquette Lakes. As
well as the Hudson, Ausable, and Black rivers.
3. Pinpoint the locations of Mount
Marcy, Mount Haystack, Mount Redfield, Ragged Monutain, Snowy Mountain,
and Mount hurricane mountain peaks.
4. Use their own creativity to identify
one "important" attraction in the Adirondak Region on their 3-D map.
RESOURCES AND MATERIALS:
Student map of New York
5-6 beverage trays
toothpicks and adhesive labels(for identifying map items)
5 batches(24 oz. each) of different colored play doh
ACTIVITIES:
1. After being assigned to groups of
4-5, students will decide on a color to use.
2. Each group will trace an outline
of the Adirondak Region on the inside of their beverage tray(which is made
of cardboard).
3. In groups, the students will construct
maps of the Adirondak Region on their beverage trays, keeping in mind the
above stated objectives.
4. The completed maps may then be "presented"
to the rest of the class by each group.
CONNECTIONS TO OTHER IDEAS: This activity will help students relate to other topics such as plant life, wildlife, and climate.
ASSESSMENT: Assessment will be based on correct labeling of lakes, rivers, and mountain peaks. Their group participation as well as their group presentation to fellow students will be considered for assessment.
ADAPTATIONS FOR STUDENTSWITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Having students work in groups will provide some support for those individuals who are struggling. Also grouping more social and outgoing students with shy students will help to increase communication and participation.
CONNECTION TO STANDARDS: Standard 3- Geography Elementary
#2. Geography requires the development and application of the skills of
asking and answering geographic questions; analyzing theories of geography
and acquiring, organizing, and analyzing geographic information.
Students will show this by: mapping the locations of
places in the community or region, using appropriate symbols.
Present oral reports using maps and other visual displays
showing spatial relationships, locations, and other geographic information.