Scott Foresman Reading Street

Unit 1

Theme Launch

Discuss the Big Idea

As a class, discuss the Big Idea question, How do the diverse regions and peoples of the United States reflect its greatness?

Point out that the United States is a large country, divided into regions, each with its unique geographic features, weather, and culture.

Ask students how physical environments may influence people's lifestyles, attitudes, or choice of work.

A good example of a region is America's Heartland, the center of the United States. Today, this rich flatland is the center of American farming. Here, people raise cattle and grow crops. In contrast, people living in a coastal area of the United States might enjoy boating or work in the fishing industry.

Theme and Concept Connections

Weekly lesson concepts help
students connect the reading
selections and the unit theme.
Theme-related activities throughout
the week provide opportunities to
explore the relationships among the selections, the lesson concepts, and the unit theme.

Unit Inquiry Project

Natural Wonders

In the unit inquiry project, students choose a geographical attraction
in the United States and research what makes it unique and appealing. Students may use print or online resources as available.

The project assessment rubric can be found on p. 139. Discuss the rubric's expectations before students begin the project.

PROJECT TIMETABLE

WEEK ACTIVITY/SKILL CONNECTION
1		IDENTIFY QUESTIONS Each student chooses a geographical attraction in the United States and browses a few Web sites or print reference materials to develop an inquiry question about what makes it unique and appealing.
2		NAVIGATE/SEARCH Students conduct effective information searches and look for text and images that can help them answer their questions about the region.
3		ANALYZE Students explore Web sites or print materials. They analyze the information they have found to determine whether or not it will be useful to them. Students print or take notes on valid information.
4		SYNTHESIZE Students combine relevant information they've collected from different sources to develop answers to their inquiry questions from Week 1.
5		COMMUNICATE Students prepare posters highlighting their geographical attractions and showing what makes them unique and appealing. Students can also design Web sites that travelers could use to find out more about the geographical attractions they researched.