By Liz Klein

Lesson Standards 6 – G1.2.1 Locate the major

landforms, rivers and climate regions of the Western Hemisphere.

6 – G2.1.1 Describe the landform features and the climate of the region (within the Western) under study.

6 – G2.2.1 Describe the human characteristics of the region under study

Lesson ObjectiveThe learner will

understand the human and physical characteristics of the South and West regions of the United States. This includes the climate, landforms, bodies of water, culture, industry, and resources of the regions.

Introduction

Western Region of the U.S. Southern U.S. Region

Before we dig into the West and South region of the U.S. lets watch a video on these regions! Click on the regions link below to watch a video on the region you want to get an introduction about.

When finished, please complete your final task. Click here!

The West Region of the United States

Let’s take a look into what the West has to offer!

ClimateClick here to see the current

weather forecastThe spring and fall have long and

pleasant temperaturesSummers have very hot with

temperatures approaching and exceeding 100 degree F on many days.

Winter in states, like Montana, Idaho and Wyoming can be very cold, with temperatures dropping well below 0 degree F.

The yearly precipitation for the west region is about 32in. a year.

Major LandformsRocky Mountains -extends

across the western part of North America

Mt. Rainier –Highest peak of the Cascade Mts. in Washington

Great Basin - a large desert in California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming

More LandformsMt. McKinley - in

Alaska, Highest peak in North America

Mt Hood – In the Cascade Mts. in Oregon

Great Plains - dry land on eastern edge of the West

Resources of the WestMany natural resources have drawn people

to the West for well over 400 years!

Hydroelectric Power

Silver

Copper

Gold

Petroleum

Coal

Industries of the Westfurs

grainsalmon

wool

Manufacturing

Film

Bodies of Water of the West

Colorado River

Pacific Ocean

Rio Grande River

Columbia River

Culture of the WestFacing both the Pacific

Ocean and the Mexican border, the West has been shaped by a variety of ethnic groups.

Asians from many countries have settled in California and other coastal states.

The southwestern border states have large Mexican-American populations.

Culture of the West ContinuedHawaii's location makes it a major gateway

between the U.S. and Asia, as well as a center for tourism.

The desert and mountain states have relatively low population densities and were developed as ranching and mining areas.

There is a large Mormon population in southeastern Idaho, Utah, northern Arizona and Nevada.

Culture ContinuedThe West is also known for the extravagant

casino resort towns of Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.

The West also has many Native American tribal reservations.

Question 1Please select the best response

Which statement best describes the climate of the West

A)Cold winters, cool summers, and little precipitation

B)Hot summers, cold winters, and pleasant fall and spring temperatures

C)Mild winters, cool summers, and pleasant fall and spring seasons.

Great Job!

Question 2Please select the best response

What are the landforms and bodies of water of the West

A)Rocky Mountains, Pacific Ocean, Colorado River,Mt. Rainier, Great Plains

B)Appalachian Mountains, Atlantic Ocean, Tennessee River, Mt. Hood, Coastal Plains

C)Great Basin, Atlantic Ocean, Rio Grande River, Coastal Plains, Mt. McKinley

Great Job!

Question 3Please select the best response

Describe the industries and resources of the West

A)fruits, technology, gold, copperB)film, textile, wool, shellfishC)petroleum, hydroelectricity, grain, salmon

Great Job!

Question 4Please select the best response

Describe the culture of the WestA)White and African Americans are the primary rac

e of the West and Christian is a religion that is practiced

B)Has a very diverse culture of Asians, White Americans, and African Americans and Mormon is a religion that is practiced

C)Has a very conservative culture where cooking is a large part of the culture along with country and blues music

Great Job!

The South Region of the United States

Lets take a trip to the South!

ClimateClick here to find out

the current weatherModerate rain

throughout the year. Summer s are very hot!Spring and Fall are

very pleasant. Winters have some

snow and freezing rain but are mild and short lived.

Major LandformsAppalachian Mountains

Lies on the northern part of the South.

Coastal Plains• The coastal areas include bayous, deltas, marshes, mud flats and swamps.

Resources of the South bauxite shellfis

h

timber salt

cattle

sulfur

lead

zinc

Industries of the SouthStrong Textile Industry Technology Industry

Tourism Industry•sunny beaches•theme parks•historic cities

Agriculture Industry

• citrus fruits• peanuts, pecans• rice• peaches• chickens• turkeys

Bodies of WaterAtlantic OceanGulf of MexicoMississippi

RiverTennessee

RiverTombigbee

River

CultureSouthern culture is more

socially conservative than the rest of the country.

Rural communities developed strong attachment to their churches.

Southerners are often viewed as having a more relaxed and slower paced lifestyle.

Southerners are known to be polite and well-mannered, labeled as "southern hospitality."

Culture ContinuedThe South has a large African

American population because of the descendants of the slaves brought into the South

Southerners are most easily distinguished because of their accent from other Americans.

An important feature of Southern culture is their food and home style cooking.

Country is the music of white Southerners and rhythm and blues is the music of African American southerners

Question 1Please select the best response

Describe the climate of the SouthA)Cold winters, hot summers, cool spring and f

all temperaturesB)Hot summers, mild winters, and moderate rai

nfallC)Mild summers, cool winters, and no rainfall

Good Job!

Question 2Please select the best response

Describe the landforms and bodies of water of the South

A)Rocky Mountains, Mt. Hood, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico

B)Coastal Plains, Mt. Rainier, Pacific Ocean, Tennessee River

C)Coastal Plains, Appalachian Mountains, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico.

Good Job!

Question 3Please select the best response

Describe the industries and resources of the South

A)sulfur, shellfish, tourism, agricultureB)gold, copper, petroleum, shellfishC)technology, manufacturing, wool, mining

Good Job!

Question 4Please select the best response

Describe the culture of the SouthA)Lots of diversity including Asians and Native

Americans and a major religion is MormonB)Conservative, food, good manners, country,

rhythm and blues, and African and White Americans

C)Christian religion, diverse ethnicities, rock and roll music, fast paced lifestyle

Good Job!

Picture SortRecall the characteristics of the South and West regions of

the United States. Draw a T-chart and write the number of the picture that corresponds to the region on your chart

South West

1 2 3

45

67 8

9 10

11 Check your

work on the next slide!

Picture Sort AnswersSouth West

123 5

84

9

6

10

7 11