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

The United States of America, a focal point of study in this unit, is a country rich in both human and physical geography. Teachers are encouraged to begin the unit with a map exercise to help pupils identify and locate key states within the USA. The map will serve as an essential tool for understanding the country's diverse landscape, which includes a range of physical features such as significant rivers and mountainous regions. These natural elements are integral to the USA's geography and contribute to its distinct character.

Further exploration into the USA's geography includes an examination of longitude and latitude, providing students with a fundamental understanding of how these coordinates are used to pinpoint locations on a map. The unit then delves into the concept of time zones, comparing those of the USA with the UK's. Pupils will discover why the USA, with its vast expanse, encompasses nine different time zones. This segment of the unit will involve interactive learning, where pupils will calculate and compare times across various parts of the world and within the USA itself. By engaging with these aspects, students gain a comprehensive view of the USA's key features, encompassing both the human elements, such as the distribution of population and urbanisation, and the physical features that shape the environment and influence human activities.