1. Geographic Characteristics1 2 3 4 5 6
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Geographic Characteristics
Each place has distinctive characteristics that distinguishes it from other places. Geographic characteristics are divided into two categories: physical characteristics and human characteristics.
Invitation to inquiry
Open minds
Stimulate curiosity
How do we determine the human and physical characteristics of a nation?
Watch the video Geography Project - Physical and Human Environment. (first 2:30)
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

2. Watch the Video Life in the Amazon1 2 3 4 5 6
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2. Latin America
What types of things would we need to measure to determine a nation’s geographic characteristics?
Watch the Video Life in the Amazon
As a table discuss:
How would you describe life in the Amazon?
How is their geography different from ours?
Build background knowledge
Connect to content
Discover interesting ideas
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

3. 3. Where can I find statistics about nations?1 2 3 4 5 6
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3. Where can I find statistics about nations?
Gather information on the geography of your country.
Web site – CIA Factbook
Database –Culturegrams
Books – Look for a book on your topic in Destiny
Encyclopedias are great for general information – Look in the Reference Section.
Gather important information
Go broad (search)
Go deep (read)
Record the information you find on this chart.
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

4. 4. How will I present my information?1 2 3 4 5 6
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4. How will I present my information?
Use the information from your note taking sheet to:
Create a postcard to mail to a friend.
Describe the country you “visited”.
Identify 4 human characteristics
Identify 4 physical characteristics
Draw or clip art a picture
Include a paragraph that answers the question: How do the physical characteristics of your nation in Latin America affect the human characteristics?
Reflect on learning
Go beyond facts to make meaning
Create to communicate
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

5. 5. How will I share my Postcard?1 2 3 4 5 6
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5. How will I share my Postcard?
Latin American Mailbox:
This will be your opportunity to educate your classmates and individuals in your school community about the geography of your Latin American nation.
As you view your classmate’s postcards, record 5 aspects of geography for each country on a graphic organizer.
Which nation seems to be most like the nation you researched? Why?
Which nation seems to be most different from the nation you researched? Why?
Learn from each other
Share your learning
Tell your story
How do the physical characteristics of the various nations of Latin America affect the human characteristics?

6. 6. How well did I accomplish my goals?1 2 3 4 5 6
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6. How well did I accomplish my goals?
Take time to think about the research process you just completed. What was easy about this assignment?
What was hard about this assignment?
What did you learn about yourself as a researcher?
Evaluate the achievement of learning goals
Reflect on content
Reflect on process
Follow these guidelines to help you to prepare your reflection.
Created by Phyllis Fullem BCPS based on Guided Inquiry Design by Carol C. Kuhlthau, Leslie K. Maniotes, and Ann K. Caspari .