Presented by Chantal Desroches, Holly MacDonald, Pamela Berry and Karen Chevarie

Unit Objectives To explore the physical landscape of Canada To apply the concepts of boundaries and regions to areas that are familiar to students To examine and compare satellite images with physical region maps so as to theorize about how boundaries were created To determine the characteristics of the six physical regions using poems, art and maps

By the end of the unit, students will be able to … Explain the concept of a region Identify the six physical regions of Canada Discuss the climate, vegetation and natural resources of each region

Eight Days of Discovery Day 1 : Discuss the objectives of the unit and why we divide large areas into regions. Discuss Nova Scotia tourist regions using the map and its features. Discuss the poem about the Interior Plains as well as its student author. (pp )  Day 2 : Discuss how places are organized into regions by analyzing the school floor plan in the text. Let students discuss the “My World” topic. Draw students’ attention to the “Tool Kit” insert.

Unit Plan: Day by Day Day 2 continued : Analyze garbage zone map of Mount Pearl and the seating chart of the Moncton Coliseum. Allow students to record responses to “Checkpoint.” (pp ) Day 3 : Teach students how to read a satellite image and how to compare and contrast it to a conventional map by using the images of Africa. Allow students to work on “My Turn” by experimenting with Geographic Information System (GIS) software. (pp )

Mid-Unit: Day by Day Day 4 : Review what has been learned so far about satellite images and maps to compare and contrast the satellite image of Canada on page 116 with the regional map of Canada on page 117. Allow students to respond to “Checkpoint” by creating postcards either digitally using Microsoft Office or by hand. Day 5 : Discuss some features of physical regions and define several key terms found on page 118. Respond to paintings on this page and the next. Google similar Canadian artwork. Discuss the “Did You Know?” section.

Onward We Go… Day 5 continued : Analyze the features of the relief map of Canada on page 119. Analyze the vegetation map on page 120 and discuss similarities between both maps. Set up “Checkpoint” on page 120 using Microsoft Office.

Cultivating Curiosity about Climate… Day 6 : Investigate the features of the climate map of Canada on page 121. Learn how to interpret the table of average temperature and precipitation. Answer the questions at the end of the page to ensure comprehension. Find and show a short video clip (David Suzuki?) about Canada’s changing climate.

Our Precious Natural Resources Day 7 : Use photographs on pages 122, 123 and 124 to pique interest and initiate discussion about natural resources. Discuss “Did You Know?” on page 123 and then enhance the topic of glaciers by showing a simulation of moving glaciers. Show a short video or photographs of magnificent trees in British Columbia. Allow students to work on “Checkpoint” by doing searches on the internet.

Let’s have a look at all we have learned! Day 8 : Explain how to complete the regional organizer activity on page 125 and allow the students to work together. Assign the brochure project to students and provide a tutorial involving using the Microsoft Office brochure template.

References LeBel, S., Carty, M., & Mercer, G. (2011). Explorations 4 Student Text. Toronto: Nelson Education Ltd. LeBel, S., Carty, M., & Mercer, G. (2011). Explorations 4 Teacher’s Resource. Toronto: Nelson Education Ltd.

LESSON PLAN Objective: Students will be able to create an Excel Chart to compare and Contrast the 6 Physical Regions of Canada. Students will be able to work collaboratively to combine research information they found into one chart. Students will be able to use these skills to compare and contrast topics in all subjects.

Make Sure Check that the computer lab is booked for you Have a copy of all students user names and passwords Check that the necessary software is installed on ALL computers Check that all computers are working properly Have a copy of the students groups

What To Do Divide students into groups of 2 Assign which Physical Regions they will be researching. Tell them 2 or 3 groups will be researching the same area and then they will come together to compile their findings into one report. They need to find at least 6 characteristics of the region they are researching.

ALMOST READY Give students some websites to start their search. Such as Google Earth, Satellite Images, and websites suggested in the Teacher’s Guide. Let them know they can also use other websites.

HERE WE GO Have students line up in line-up order and head off to the computer lab. Check that all students are signed in and working on the project that is assigned. Tell them they can only print things if they have your permission. Make sure the know that the pretty pictures they see on the computer will be in black and white when they print them at school.

THE END (until tomorrow) Hope you had a great day!