Regions of the U.S.

Today we are going to start talking about the different regions of the U.S.  We will be using this website about the regions of the U.S. for help.

On Monday you should

1. Shade map
2. Glue map in notebook
3. Add a key

Economics Terms

Throughout the year, we will be talking about the economies of different countries and regions of the world.  So, to get started, we need to answer the question, what is the economy and learn some basic economic terminology. 

Please use this website to help you define the following 10 terms in your notebook.

• producer
• consumer
• human resources
• human capital
• natural resources
• capital
• entrepreneur
• profit
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
• inflation

Election 2012

This week and next we will be talking about U.S. government and the upcoming elections.  We will be talking about the positions on the ballot, the major political parties, and doing research about where the candidates stand on issues. 

Here are some links to help you out with your Election Packet
Electoral College
Dictionary
Barack Obama
Mitt Romney
Amy Klobuchar
Kurt Bills
Joe Atkins
Paul Tuschy
Presidential Candidate Match

Help Wanted Posters

Today we will start talking about the upcoming elections.  There are people being elected to various positions throughout the U.S.  Over the next week and a half, you will be learning about what the positions are, who is running, what the candidates are saying and on election day, you will cast your own vote.

Today, you will do some research on one elected position and create a help wanted advertisement for the position. 

Your help wanted ad should show

• Requirements for the position
• Duties of the position
• Salary/benefits
• Qualities in a good candidate

Helpful Links

• President
• Senate
• House of Representatives

State Road Trip Project

This week we have been working on a State Raod Trip Project.  Students had to choose 6 locations to visit within 1 state. 

This project starts our exploration of North America, while building on our use of the 5 Themes of Geography and ABCs of culture.

Students had to

1.  Identify 6 locations to visit

2.  Plan a route

• Calculate distance between stops
• Find the absolute location for each stop

3.  Research locations and write a postcard about each stop

• Each postcard includes an illustration and written description of the place. 

Population of U.S. and Canada

Today we will be working on a map of the U.S. and Canada.  Follow the instructions on the map to find the countries and physical features to label on the map.  You can use these physical maps for help.

To color the map, please use the two sources below to shade the population of the states within the U.S., and provinces and territories of Canada accourding to their population.  Make sure to include a key on your map!

Population of Canadian provinces and territories

Business Location Assignment

Driving around Inver Grove Heights, you can see a number of new businesses opening.  What kinds of businesses do you think Inver Grove Heights still needs?  How do people decide on the location of their business?

For this assignment, you are going to be answering those two questions, using the 5 themes of geography as your guide. 

You will need to

1. Create a new business.
• Decide on the type of business.
• Choose a name for your business.
2. Choose a location for your business.
• Should be in or near Inver Grove Heights.
• Consider the themes of place, movement, regions and human-environment interaction as you choose your location.
3. Prepare a presentation about your business.
• On printer paper, draw a scetch of what your business will look like.
• Write a 3/4 page to 1 page explanation of the location you chose for your business, and why that is the best location for your business.  Make sure to address the geography themes of location, place, movement, regions and human-environment interaction in your presentation. 
• Be prepared to share this information with the class.

You will be graded on

• Appropriateness of location choice
• Understanding of the 5 themes of geography
• Quality of written response
• Quality of oral presentation