Geography Lesson: Individual Work on Major Human Characteristics of North America

Objective

By the end of this activity, you will be able to identify and describe major human characteristics of places in North America, including countries and cities (Standard 7.5.1.PR).

Activity Overview: Virtual Travel Brochure Creation

In this individual work assignment, you will create a virtual travel brochure for a specific country or city in North America. This engaging task will allow you to explore the human and cultural characteristics of your chosen place while developing your research and creative skills.

Time Allotment

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Materials Needed

Access to the internet for research
A computer or tablet for creating the brochure
A digital brochure template or an online platform (e.g., Canva, Google Slides, Adobe Spark)

Steps to Complete the Assignment

1. Choose Your Location (5 minutes)

Select one country or city in North America. Here are some options to consider:

Countries: Canada, United States, Mexico
Cities: New York City, Toronto, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Montreal, Vancouver

2. Research Major Human Characteristics (15 minutes)

Explore the following aspects of your chosen location:

Cultural Heritage: Describe the traditions, festivals, or cultural practices.
Economic Activities: Identify major industries or economic drivers.
Population Characteristics: Highlight demographics or significant population trends.
Land Use: Discuss how land is utilized in your location (e.g., urban development, agriculture).
Transportation: Outline the main forms of transportation and infrastructure.

Note: Use reliable sources such as government websites, educational resources, and verified travel guides.

3. Create the Travel Brochure (15 minutes)

Using your chosen platform/template:

Cover Page: Create an eye-catching cover with the name of the country or city.
Sections: Divide the brochure into sections for each major human characteristic you researched. Include:
- Stunning images
- Interesting facts
- Brief descriptions (3-5 sentences) that capture the essence of each feature.
Fun Facts Corner: Add a section for fun or surprising facts about your location.
Contact Information: Pretend to be a local travel agency, and add a fictional contact number or website.

4. Submit Your Work (5 minutes)

Once your brochure is complete, save it as a PDF or share the link if you used an online tool. Submit your work via the designated submission platform (Google Classroom, email, etc.).

Bonus Activity (Optional)

If you finish early, consider exploring the following:

Create a short presentation (3-5 slides) summarizing the information in your brochure.
Write a brief reflection on what you learned about the human characteristics of your chosen place and how it compares to where you live.

Conclusion

This individual work task not only enhances your understanding of geography but also hones your research and creative skills. By creating a travel brochure, you will effectively communicate the unique human characteristics that make your chosen place special. Enjoy your virtual exploration of North America!