In this unit, students examine landforms in Pennsylvania. The students will:
- observe and discuss Pennsylvania's landforms.
- identify the various landforms in Pennsylvania.
- design and construct a map of landforms.
- Could you name a landform?
- What landforms may be found in Pennsylvania?
- Landforms: Features of land on the surface of the earth.
- Globe: A model of the earth.
- Rock: Nonliving material made up of one or more minerals.
- inflatable globe
- map of Pennsylvania (S-K2-6-2_Map of Pennsylvania)
- U.S. puzzle (wooden)
- sand table or tubs containing soil or sand (optional)
- modeling clay (optional)
Observe students constructing landforms. Listen for students to correctly name each landform.
Scaffolding, Active Engagement, Explicit Instruction
W: Students identify state and local landforms. They convey their knowledge of landforms by making class word webs and models.
H: Students discuss their personal experiences and knowledge about Pennsylvania and other states while examining landforms.
E: Students stroll through the schoolyard to identify landforms. They also create landform models to illustrate their understanding of the various landform features.
R: Students make models and discussion landforms in both individual and cooperative groups.
E: This lesson is assessed formatively through teacher observation and student engagement in classroom discussions.
T: This lesson promotes flexible and cooperative grouping of students. The class includes extended exercises for practice, music and movement, and hands-on investigations.
O: This lesson helps students recognize, locate, and classify landforms.
Activity 1: Day 1
Introduction of Landforms
Display a wood puzzle of the United States. Remove several states and discuss things such as:
shape
a state that is meaningful for you
a state that neighboring Pennsylvania
states students may have visited.
Ask students the following questions: "Does anyone know the name of the state where we live? Can anyone find our state on the United States map?" Students may be unable to locate Pennsylvania, so enable them to examine the map before showing them where it is located. Ask your students: "What shape does the state Pennsylvania remind you of?" Students may say it resembles a rectangle.
Show students a map of Pennsylvania and ask, "What do you think this part of Pennsylvania is like?" Students may describe the land as flat, green, brown, or different colors based on the map. Encourage students to realize that the map will depict landforms such as mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and so on. Highlight the numerous landforms that can be identified on the map.
Ask students to consider and discuss what they believe each landform is made of. Create a word web for each landform and record students' answers to the following questions: "What do you think _____ (mountains, hills, flatlands) are made of?" Record students' replies on each word web and present them in the classroom. Guide students to the conclusion that the landforms are composed of rocks, sand, and dirt/soil.
Activity 2: Day 2
Let's Make Landforms
Lead students on a research stroll. Have students wander outside in their school yard to see if they recognize any landforms nearby. (There may be no landforms, but students may discuss any landforms they have observed.)
Designate a space in the school yard for students to create landforms. Place students in groups and tell them that they will design the landforms that they have been discussing in class. After the activity, remind students not to throw anything away and to wash their hands. If it is not possible to go outside to the school yard, set up a sand table or tubs with potting soil, soil from the region, and sand. Students may construct landforms in the classroom and identify each one. Ask students to share their landforms with others.
Extension:
Students who may be going beyond the standards can laminate a map of Pennsylvania (S-K2-6-2_Map of Pennsylvania) or another relevant map. Provide students with modeling clay and ask them to build landforms that correspond to the places on the map.
Students who may require additional learning opportunities might create a classroom map that includes symbols to represent what is in the room.
A View of the Land (S-K/2-6-2)
This is an educational worksheet titled 'A View of the Land' focusing on landforms in Pennsylvania. It includes objectives for students to observe and discuss Pennsylvania's landforms, identify various landforms, and design/construct a map of landforms. The worksheet also provides lesson core questions, a vocabulary section defining landforms, globe, and rock, a materials list including an inflatable globe, map of Pennsylvania, U.S. puzzle, sand table, and modeling clay, and an assessment section instructing teachers to observe students constructing landforms and naming them correctly.
Grade Level Suitability:
This worksheet appears suitable for grades K-2 and potentially up to grade 6, as indicated by the code (S-K/2-6-2). The activities, such as observing and discussing landforms and constructing a map, are appropriate for elementary school students. The vocabulary and core questions are also geared towards this age range.
Why Use It:
This worksheet helps students learn about landforms, specifically those found in Pennsylvania. It encourages observation, discussion, identification, and map-making skills. It also builds vocabulary related to geography and earth science. The hands-on activities, like constructing landforms with sand or clay, promote engagement and deeper understanding.
How to Use It:
Begin by discussing the objectives and vocabulary with the students. Use the inflatable globe and U.S. puzzle to introduce the concept of landforms. Show the map of Pennsylvania and discuss the landforms found there. Have students design and construct a map of landforms using the optional sand table and modeling clay. Assess student understanding by observing their landform construction and listening to their explanations.
Target Users:
This worksheet is designed for elementary school teachers and students, particularly those in kindergarten through second grade, studying geography, earth science, and map-making. It would also be beneficial for students learning about Pennsylvania's geography.
