Geography: 1. Geospatial Skills

People use geographic representations and geospatial technologies to acquire, process and report information within a spatial context.

Benchmark: Students will obtain and analyze geographic information from print and electronic resources to investigate a place or answer a specific geographic question 8.3.1.1.1. (Skills)

Introduction Activity:

**Photo reference: http://www.unep.org/home/unep-world.asp?map=rolac

Discussion Questions: Whole group instructional activity to gather prior knowledge.

• What do you know about this region called Latin America shown on this map? Brainstorm as a class.
• Use Google Earth to explore and familiarize yourself with the physical features and countries that make up Latin America.
• Predict why you think this region is called Latin America? Think/Pair/Share with elbow partner.
• Predict what regions do you think geographers divide Latin America into? Why do you think this is so? Think/Pair/Share

Reading: Review the Etymology and definitions section on the Wikipedia page for Latin America to prepare yourself for further discussion.

Assignment for Submission:

Based upon our brainstorming, class discussion, and the reading, were your predictions true regarding why this region is called Latin America and what regions Latin America is divided into? Why or why not? Answer using the textbox provided and submit your response.

**When finished students should move onto the Sheppard Software Geography Games Practice Activity.

Mapping Activity

Visit the Sheppard Software Geography Games link for an interactive way at explore Latin America's Political/Physical Geography. (need a flash browser if using an iPad)