Physical and Human Characteristics

Physical and Human Characteristics
Mary F. Higuchi
mfhiguch@hawaii.edu

Note: Refer to Literature Bibliography for suggested books to use with the National Geography Standards.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Students should be able to describe and compare the physical characteristics of places at a variety of scales, locally and globally.

(Refer to National Geography Standard #4 K-4 and 5-8. For a narrative explanation, read pages 69-70 in "Geography for Life.") In order for students to know what physical features of a place are, they need to understand how physical features are shaped (Refer to National Geography Standard #7 K-4 and 5-8. For a narrative explanation, read pages 75-77 in "Geography for Life.").

The following are a few suggestions to help students become familiar with physical characteristics.

1. Discuss how physical features have been formed. Background information for the teacher can be found in any physical geography textbook. A brief Lecture outline by Bryce Decker, PhD (retired from University of Hawaii at Manoa) can be used as a guide. There are no pictures or detailed explanations, but you will be able to get a general feel for physical characteristics. Refer to National Geography Standard 7 K-4 and 5-8 as indicated earlier.

2. A list of geography terms and definitions will get you started. Add other terms that your students need to learn. Commercial posters and laminated desk maps with geographic terms are available. For the younger students, "Geography From A to Z" by Jack Knowlton is a helpful book to have. It lists 66 geography terms accompanied with pictures. Check Literature Bibliography for books that deal with physical processes.

3. Students can make 3D formations of the physical features.

4. Students can create a class dictionary of physical features. For each word, students can write a definition, find a picture, or draw a picture that shows what the term looks like, find a place on Earth that shows that term, and draw or cut out a map that shows where that place is. For example, "pass" is the term. Definition of pass: "A pass is a passage through or over a mountainous or hilly region." The picture shown is the pass that leads to the ruins of Jordan's desert city, Petra. The map shows Jordan.

5. Students can play Geo Bingo for reinforcement.

Assessment:

1. Students can take a quiz on the terms. A sample quiz is available.

2. Collect pictures of different physical features. Place a letter on each picture. Post them on the board. Provide students with a list of terms. Have them match the terms with the pictures. Example.

HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS:

Once students have an idea of what physical characteristics are, continue the discussion with human characteristics. They can discuss human features like economic activity, type of housing, languages spoken, ethnicity, and religion. (Refer to National Geography Standards #4, #5, and #6 [K-4 and 5-8] and read pages 69-74 in "Geography for Life.")

1. Have students collect pictures, stories, photographs etc. of places to describe the human characteristics of places. Discuss how people live, the kinds of jobs they have, how they spend their leisure time, the kinds of homes they live in, how they get their food, etc.

a. Describe and compare the different places. See if there's a pattern of the physical features and where people live.

b. Students should begin to recognize one place from another through cultural symbols, landmarks, and images.

2. An excellent activity that helps students see the uniqueness of a place, country, or region is a game called "Ziplocks." (Note: The game is called "Ziplocks" because the contents are placed in Ziplock type bags.)

Assessment: When studying an area, students can create their own ziplock bag of unique features of an area. Have students explain how their collection of images illustrate cultural symbols of their place of study.

EXTENSION:

Participate in an online activity, Geo Mystery, sponsored by HGA. The Geo Mystery site has an online atlas of different towns throughout the country. You can participate by creating your own online Geo Mystery of your community, or use the atlas of communitites to compare and contrast your community.