1. Welcome to Mexico A tour through the many geographical regions This project was funded by the Newton Schools Foundation Created by: Sue Welch, grade 2 Teacher with assistance from Janet Buerklin K-8 History/Social Sciences Coordinator and Marc Richmond, Webmaster

2. When you arrive in Mexico...

3. Many friendly people are happy to greet you.

4. Mexico has many geograph ical regions.

5. The desert is a land of little rainfall and few plants.

6. Many kinds of cactus grow in the desert.

7. Some snakes and gila monsters live in the desert.

8. Prairie dogs also live in the desert.

9. Few people live in the desert region. It is hard to grow food and keep farm animals.

10. The plateau region is flat but very high. It is not as hot as the desert region.

11. To the east and west of the plateau are tall mountains. Some of the mountains have volcanoes.

12. There are many small villages and farms in the mountains.

13. Farms and villages get their water from mountain rivers.

14. Some towns are built on the sides of mountains.

15. This woman carries her baby on her back so that her hands are free to carry things like the clay pots next to her.

16. This man is picking coffee beans from a coffee plant.

17. The coastal plain is land that is flat and has lots of plants growing on it. There are many rivers that come from the mountains and travel through the coastal plain to the ocean.

18. These girls are selling taramind, a mixture of sour fruits and hot chili peppers. It is used to add spice to food.

19. You can walk and pick fruits such as limes and oranges right from the trees.

20. The rainforest region is full of tall trees and dense bushes on the ground.

21. These girls are standing high in a tree with a very thick trunk. All around them are big trees and other plants.

22. Cocoa and rubber are two important crops of the rainforest.

23. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. It is a busy place with many people.

24. Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world.

25. The outdoor markets in Mexico City have vendors who sell everything from fresh fruits to flowers.

26. The indoor markets also sell food and just about anything else you might need.

27. This man is making tortillas. He will fill them with meat or vegetables for customers to buy and eat.

28. These children are going to school. They like to read books just like you.

29. Mexican people are proud of their homes. City houses are painted with bright colors or decorated with plants.

30. The cities have modern and very old buildings.

31. This is the cathedral of Mexico City. It is in the center of the city.

32. There is a large plaza in the center of Mexico City called the Zocalo. It is a busy place with vendors, tourists, workers and entertainers.

33. The city parks have many statues.

34. Vendors sell food and toys in the park.

35. We hope you have enjoyed your trip around our country of Mexico. Have a wonderful stay!