1. SS6G8: The student will be able to locate selected features of Europe
SS6G9: The student will discuss environmental issues in Europe
SS6G10: The student will explain the impact of location, climate, natural resources,
and population distribution on Europe
Europe Geography

2. ELEMENTS
Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: the Danube River, Rhine River, English Channel, Mediterranean Sea, European Plain, the Alps, Pyrenees, Ural Mountains, Iberian Peninsula, and Scandinavian Peninsula 
Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the countries of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, and United Kingdom 
Explain the major concerns of Europeans regarding the issues such as acid rain in Germany, air pollution in the United Kingdom, and the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine 
Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of the United Kingdom and Russia affect where people live and how they trade. 
Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of Germany and Italy affect where people live and how they trade

3. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
What are the major physical features of Europe, and where are they located on a map?
What are the major countries of Europe, and where are they located on a map?
How do the factors of climate, access to water, and natural resources affect where Europeans choose to live and work?
What environmental concerns do countries in Europe face?
How are specific European countries addressing specific environmental concerns (acid rain in Germany, and air pollution in England)?
How has the nuclear disaster that occurred in Chernobyl, Ukraine affected the region and other surrounding areas?

4. THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF EUROPE
Europe lies between the continents of Asia to the east and Africa to the south
Europe contains many key physical features:
Rivers
Danube River
Rhine River
Major water bodies
Mediterranean Sea
English Channel
Mountains
Alps
Pyrenees
Ural
Other landforms
Iberian Peninsula
Scandinavian Peninsula

5. KEY COUNTRIES OF EUROPE
Belgium
France
Germany
Italy
Poland
Russia
Spain
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Other countries include: Finland, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland and the Netherlands

6. MAP OF EUROPE

7. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN EUROPE
Acid Rain
Rain mixed with pollutants becomes acid rain
Germany faced acid rain problems in the early 1900s due to coal burning
Acid rain destroys forests, it pollutes rivers and lakes, kills fish and eats away materials for buildings
Laws have been put in place to prevent coal burning and to reduce factory chemicals

8. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN EUROPE
Air pollution
Caused mainly from emissions from vehicles and from ozone
Smog is the worst kind of air pollution, which causes death
This problem occurs often in the United Kingdom
Chernobyl
A nuclear reactor exploded at the Chernobyl plant in the Ukraine in 1986
Toxic radiation stayed in the air and destroyed land and animals
135,000 people were evacuated and 30 killed
The area of Chernobyl today is one of the most polluted areas on the planet

9. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF UNITED KINGDOM
Made up of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Located on a small island
Climate
Has warm ocean water thanks to the Gulf Stream current
Moist climate and has heavy rainfall
Natural Resources
Coal, Oil, Natural Gas
Population Distribution
Most people live in the urban cities
Many work in service industries like banking, insurance and tourism
Some work in steel, iron and electronics

10. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF RUSSIA
Stretches into two continents (Europe and Asia)
Largest country in the world
Climate
Has a very cold climate
Little to no rainfall
Not good for growing crops
Natural Resources
Coal, Oil, Natural gas, lumber
Resources are hard to distribute because of the climate
Population Distribution
Most people live in the western part of the European Plain
Many people work in mining, manufacturing and fishing

11. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF ITALY
Located below the Alps and Pyrenees
Climate
Has a moderate climate with cool winters
Mostly covered by mountains
Not good for growing crops
Natural Resources
Very few resources
Most items are imported
Population Distribution
Most people live in the northern part of country
Many people work in industry and agriculture and tourism

12. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF GERMANY
Located in central Europe
Climate
Has a moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters
Great weather for agriculture
Natural Resources
Coal, iron ore
Population Distribution
One of the largest populations in Europe
Many people live in cities and towns
Most work in steel, manufacturing, automobile production and building materials