Geography Standard Three - Grades 4-5

Sample Activities

Students could be asked to explain how the founders of a settlement might have evaluated a site in terms of its resources and environmental characteristics relative to their needs and available technology. Then they would explain how they would have evaluated the situation of the place (e.g., its proximity to resources, markets, opportunities, etc.) [Places].

This activity related to both the History and Economics Standards.

Students might describe how changing technology, resources, etc. can affect settlements, and how places compete to maintain their importance under changing conditions [Places].

This activity relates to the development of Delaware's history outlined in History Standard Four.

Comparing a map of colonial trade in Delaware with a present day map, students might explain changes in road patterns, water transport patterns, port facilities, and settlements in term of changing technology.

This activity could be integrated with either an Economics or History activity, especially if students examined the different types of products which were produced and transported in each era.

An activity might have students make sketch maps of the same area e.g., school and neighborhood, and then compare the maps and discuss the reasons why perceptions of the same place differ [Places].

Students might examine a map of population distribution in Delaware, or the United States, and offer reasons for areas of dense and relatively sparse settlement; then they could examine historical maps of population distribution and consider why changes have occurred [Places].

This activity supports History Standard One, concerning the development of a chronological concept.

to Geography Standard Three.