Discovering the
Texas Regions

by Amy Adams and Debbie Martinez,
4th grade teachers
and Pam Albrecht, CIT
Frances M. Rhodes Elementary,
Northside ISD
Introduction
Tasks
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Introduction
Travelers new to Texas are frequently amazed at the hugeness of the state and the vast variety of biomes within the state. While it is the 2nd largest state in the union, it offers at least 4 distinct regions, each with its own unique characteristics. The state tourism department would like to promote tourism to each of these areas and is sponsoring a contest to find a young person to author the promotions. After researching each of the regions, try your hand at marketing to promote the region of your choice. Then after studying those regions, find out more about the people of the state by looking into who populates the various areas of the state and why they settled there.
Good Luck!
Tasks

Task 1: Region Investigators

Students will be assigned a group to research the one of the 4 Texas regions (coastal Plains, Mountains and Basins, Great Plains, and Central Plains) entering and editing basic information into a Wiki. Then, to present the group information, each person will choose one of 3 suggested products. (See below)

These will be used in the group presentation to advise/teach other students about that region.
As students listen, they will use the following chart to take notes on the regions other than their own.

Task 2: Anthropologist 's Overview

After all the reports on regions, students will take on the perspective of a Texas Anthropologist, finding answers to the specific overarching questions (BIG IDEA) questions.

After formulating their answers in written form, students will choose one of the 3 ways to present this information. (See below.)
Process

Task : Region Investigators

After being assigned a group and a Texas Region, students will use the resources below to research that region. To expedite the research, the groups should divy up the sections of the following chart. Once a section is complete, that student will enter info into the wiki. (Note: designate 1 computer per wiki, so that students cannot "steal the lock." Wikis only save the last entry if 2 or more windows of the same wiki are opened at once. i. e. Have one Texas Great Plains Wiki computer where students go to upload their information.) Using that information, each student will then choose one of the following products to present their info to the rest of the class. The best product from the group will be the one presented to the rest of the class. Other students will take notes during each group presentation on the chart provided.

Resources:

Print:

1. Adams, Simon and David Murdoch. "Eyewitness Books: Texas." New York, NY: DK Publishing , Inc. 2003.

2. Barenblat, Rachel. " World Almanac: Texas" Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac Library, 2002.

3. Bredeson, Carmen. " Celebrate the States: Texas." Tarrytown, NY: Benchmark Books, 1997.

4. Hanson-Harding, Alexandra. "From Sea to Shining Sea: Texas." New York, NY: Children's Press, 2001.

5. Heinrichs, Ann. " This Land is Your Land: Texas." Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2003.

6. Pelta, Kathy. "Texas: Hello USA." Minneapolis, MN: Learner Publications Company, 2002.

7. Reavis, Dick. "Texas." Hong Kong, HK: Compass American Guides, 1997.

8. Thompson, Kathleen. "Portrait of America: Texas." Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn Company, 1996.

Websites and other media:

9. Edwards Aquifer Authority. "A Journey Through the Edwards Aquifer." VHS tape.

10. Texas Parks and Wildlife. "Learn About Texas Regions." 15 Sept 2009, <http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/kids/about_texas/regions/>

11. Enchanted Learning. "Natural Features of Texas." 15 Sept 2009, <http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/texas/naturalfeatures/>

12. DurangoTexas. " Eyes on Texas." 15 Sept 2009, <http://www.durangotexas.com/eyesontexas/TexasRegions/texasregions.htm>

13. The Cities Of. "Escape to Texas." 15 Sept 2009, <http://www.thecitiesof.com/texas/escape/>

14.Orr, Heather."About the 4 Natural Regions of Texas." 15 Sept 2009, <http://www.ehow.com/about_4567476_four-natural-regions-texas.html>

Task 2: Anthropologist's Overview

After the presentations are given, students will look at their notes and work with the group to answer the questions below. Answers will be formulated and put into the 1 slide powerpoint. When done, each student will use that powerpoint to make a product below.

 
Product Choices

Task 1: Region Investigators

After entering and editing basic information into the wiki, each person will choose one of the following to present their information:

  • A non-linear powerpoint using a suitcase graphic and representative clipart to link to informative pages on each of the wiki page categories- "A Trip Across the ________ Region of Texas." (See Tip Template folder for template and directions.)
  • A wiki page advertisement addressing each of the categories
  • A travel brochure on that particular region of Texas addressing each of the chart categories. (See Tip Template folder.)

These will be used in the group presentation to advise/teach other students about that region.
As students listen, they will use the following chart to take notes on the regions other than their own.

Task 2: Anthropologist 's Overview

After all the reports on regions, students will take on the perspective of a Texas Anthropologist, finding answers to the following questions. (Information will be gathered on a PowerPoint slide.)

  • In what ways are the regions similar?
  • In what ways do the people in the past and present use natural resources
    to meet their basic needs?
  • Explain the geographic factors that influence patterns of settlement and the distribution of population in Texas, past and present.

After formulating their answers in written form, students will choose one of the following ways to present this information:

  • A radio (audio) broadcast interview answering the above questions. Students will enlist a friend to be the "interviewer."
  • Students will design an webpage (wiki) presenting their answers.
  • Students will produce a live Raptor 4 News interview with their own "anchor" (friend) and anthropologist (themselves.)
Evaluation

Your teacher will designate which rubrics you are to use:
Conclusion
Whether or not you won the competition, you are now an expert on the various regions of the state. Why not plan your own vacation to your favorite area. Use what you have learned to plan and budget your own "staycation" in your state. Where would you go; what would you do? Present your ideas to your parents and start packing!!