“Unpacking the Standards”:The Geography of Georgia/Georgia’s Beginnings

8th Grade Social StudiesMrs. Floyd

What are Standards?Standards are what we as teachers are

supposed to teach and what you as students are supposed to learn. Every subject has its own standards which can be found online at:

https://www.georgiastandards.org/

“Unpacking the Standards”For each Social Studies Unit we work on

this year, we will “unpack” the standards (breaking them down so we can understand what we are supposed to learn). “Unpacking” the standards will be the basis of note taking in our class.

Geography of GA StandardsThere are three standards for Unit 1:

Geography of Georgia/Georgia’s Beginnings. We will “unpack” each standard, then we will work together to learn all the information necessary for us to complete our objectives (mastering each standard).

5 W’s and H NotesWhile taking notes this year, we will utilize

the 5 W’s and H:– Who?– What?– When?– Where?– Why? – How?

Identification – Who or What is the term?

Context – When or Where something happened?

Connection – Why is this important? How does it connect to the GPS or the “Big Picture”?

Unit 1: Geog. of GA/GA’s BeginningsLesson 1: Where in the World is GA?

NounsVerbs

Lesson 1:Where in the World is GA?

SS8G1 The student will describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location.

Lesson 1:Where in the World is GA?Element a.Locate Georgia in relation to region, nation,

continent, and hemispheres.Element d. Evaluate the impact of climate on Georgia's

development.

Find the major verbs and nouns and label them on

your “T” Chart.

Lesson 1: Where in the World is GA?

•Georgia in relation to:1. Region2. Nation3. Continent4. Hemispheres

• Impact of:5. Climate

• Locate

• Evaluate

NounsVerbs

What it’s purpose?Why is it important?

To catch the ball; protect the player, continue or end play of the game

Piece of equipment that is thrown or kicked; To determine the game outcome when it crosses certain barriers

An area that receives a ball; To determine the outcome of the game

Unit 1: Geog. of GA/GA’s BeginningsLesson 2: Georgia’s Regions and Features

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Lesson 2:Georgia’s Regions and FeaturesSS8G1

The student will describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location.

Lesson 2:Georgia’s Regions and FeaturesElement b. Describe the five geographic regions of Georgia;

include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain.

Element c.Locate and evaluate the importance of key physical

features on the development of Georgia; include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands.

Find the major verbs and nouns and label them on

your “T” Chart.

Lesson 2: Georgia’s Regions and Features

•Geographic Regions of GA:1. Blue Ridge Mountains2. Valley and Ridge3. Appalachian Plateau4. Piedmont5. Coastal Plain

• Importance of key physical features on development of GA:

6. Fall Line7. Okefenokee Swamp8. Appalachian Mountains9. Chattahoochee and

Savannah Rivers10.Barrier Islands

• Describe

• Locate and Evaluate

NounsVerbs

• Blue Ridge Mountains- a physiographic region of Georgia located in the northeastern part of the state

• Ridge and Valley- a physiographic region of Georgia that lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains

• Appalachian Plateau- a physiographic region of Georgia in the far northwestern corner of the state

• Piedmont- a physiographic region of Georgia that begins in the mountain foothills of northern Georgia and goes to the central part of the state

• Coastal Plain- a physiographic region of Georgia that runs from the coast to the Piedmont Plateau

• Fall Line- the point at which hilly or mountainous lands meet the coastal plain

• Okefenokee Swamp- the largest freshwater wetland in Georgia

• Appalachian Mountains- a chain of mountains that runs into Georgia, its famous trail ends here

• Chattahoochee River- a river that runs from the mountains of north Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico; part of its southern section forms the natural border between Georgia and Alabama

• Savannah River- the only river that flows into Georgia from outside its borders; this river forms a natural boundary between Georgia and South Carolina

Unit 1: Geog. of GA/GA’s BeginningsLesson 3: Prehistoric Peoples

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Lesson 3:Prehistoric Peoples

SS8H1 The student will evaluate the development of Native American cultures and the impact of European exploration and settlement on the Native American cultures in Georgia.

Lesson 3:Prehistoric PeoplesElement a.Describe the evolution of Native American cultures

(Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian) prior to European contact.

Find the major verbs and nouns and label them on

your “T” Chart.

Lesson 3: Prehistoric Peoples

•Evolution of Native American cultures prior to European contact:

1. Paleo2. Archaic3. Woodland4. Mississippian

• Describe

NounsVerbs