1. Latin America Geography
SS6G1: The student will be able to locate selected features of Latin America and the Caribbean
SS6G2: The student will discuss environmental issues in Latin America and the Caribbean
SS6G3: The student will explain the impact of location, climate, natural resources, and population distribution on Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America Geography

2. ELEMENTS
Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Amazon River, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, Panama Canal, Andes Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, and Atacama Desert 
Locate on a world and regional political-physical map in the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela 
Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico and Venezuela affect where people live and how they trade
Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of Brazil and Cuba affect where people live and how they trade 
Explain the major environmental concerns of Latin America regarding the issues of air pollution in Mexico City, Mexico, the destruction of the rain forest in Brazil, and oil-related pollution in Venezuela

3. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
How does the physical geography of Latin America and the Caribbean affect where people live?
What is the impact of development and trade on the environment? (air pollution in Mexico City destruction of rain forests in Brazil, and oil-related pollution in Venezuela)
How has the physical geography and distribution of resources influenced how people have lived in Latin America?
How has the distribution of natural resources affected the economies of the Caribbean?
What are the major physical features of Latin America and the Caribbean, and where are they located on a map?
What are the major countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, and where are they located on a map?
How do the factors of climate, access to water, and natural resources affect where Latin America and the Caribbean choose to live and work?
Why is this region known as Latin America?

4. THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF LATIN AMERICA
Latin America is made up of countries in central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the continent of South America
Latin America contains many key physical features:
Rivers
Amazon River
Major water bodies
Pacific Ocean
Caribbean Sea
Gulf of Mexico
Panama Canal
Mountains
Andes Mountains
Sierra Madre Mountains
Other landforms
Atacama Desert

5. KEY COUNTRIES OF LATIN AMERICA
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Cuba
Haiti
Mexico
Panama
Venezuela
Other countries include: Peru, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Chile, Honduras, Ecuador, Uruguay and Dominican Republic

6. MAP OF LATIN AMERICA

7. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN LATIN AMERICA
Oil Pollution
In Venezuela, oil pollution is a major issue
Venezuela gets money from selling oil
Their largest lake, Lake Maracaibo, is polluted often and shuts down tourism to the lake
The oil spills kill fish, harm animals, and takes money away from the fishing industry
Many in the Venezuelan government are working to help stop this problem

8. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN LATIN AMERICA
Amazon Rainforest
In Brazil, the rainforest has long provided many rare plants and animals
The forest is being destroyed due to road building, farmers cutting down trees for crops, cattle ranchers and logging
Many of the animals are becoming extinct and the soil is being ruined for crops
The Brazilian government is working to set aside areas for preservation and to plant new trees

9. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN LATIN AMERICA
Air Pollution
Mexico has high problems with air pollution and Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the world
The causes are emissions from vehicles and factories
Mountains block the wind from blowing the toxic air out the atmosphere
The city promotes public transportation, subways and carpooling to help the problem

10. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF MEXICO
Located south of the United States on the continent of North America
Climate
Mixture of dry climates due to deserts and tropical climates in the south
Little rainfall for farming
Natural Resources
Silver, copper, lead, iron and oil
Population Distribution
Most Mexicans live in urban areas
Many live in towns close to the U.S. for work
Trade
Mexico mostly exports to the United States
Exports include oil, fruits and vegetables

11. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF VENEZUELA
Located in South America
Climate
Hot and humid, but cool in the mountains
Has a regular rainy season
Natural Resources
Oil
Population Distribution
Most people live along the coast and near the mountain valleys
Most people live in cities and towns
Trade
Exports oil to the U.S., Brazil and Colombia
Imports food due to low agriculture

12. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF BRAZIL
On the eastern part of South America
Largest country in South America
Climate
Warm and humid climate
Natural Resources
Iron ore, agriculture
Population Distribution
Most people live near the Atlantic coast and in cities
Trade
Brazil trades mostly with the U.S. and Argentina
Exports include coffee, sugarcane and oranges

13. LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF CUBA
Located below Florida
Largest island in the West Indies
Climate
Semi tropical, good rainfall and moderate temperatures
Natural Resources
Farming
Population Distribution
Most live in towns and cities
Poorer people live and work on farms
Trade
Does not trade with U.S. due to an embargo
Trades with China and Venezuela
Exports sugar, tobacco, nickel and fish