What are the USA's key features, including human and physical features? - Presentation

The United States of America is a vast country with a rich tapestry of human and physical geography. Its human features are as diverse as its landscape, with a total of 50 states, each with its own unique culture, history, and governance. The lesson plan encourages students to explore the USA by locating states such as Texas, California, and Florida on a map, while also pondering why many states have names beginning with 'New'. Students are prompted to consider states they may not be familiar with and to research the number of states in the country. Additionally, the curriculum delves into the topic of longitude and latitude, comparing the USA's nine different time zones to the UK's single time zone, and illustrating the importance of this system given the country's significant width of over 4500 km.

Physically, the USA is home to a plethora of major rivers and mountain ranges. Students are tasked with identifying rivers like the Mississippi, which is the nation's longest, and mountains such as the Sierra Nevada. They are also encouraged to locate and research the Grand Canyon, one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks. The lesson extends to understanding the geographical coordinates of key cities including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, and how these coordinates relate to the country's various time zones. The educational materials guide students through the concepts of latitude and longitude, the tropics, and the significance of the Greenwich Meridian. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a well-rounded understanding of the USA's key features, both human and physical.