Center 1 – Atlas Comparison

Materials Needed: 2 different Atlases, Atlas comparison worksheet

1. Browse through each Atlas

2. Notice differences

3. Fill out the Atlas Comparison Worksheet

4. Each student create their own Atlas page of a place they want to visit. Be as accurate as possible by using the best Atlas you compared as your guideline.

Center 1 – Atlas Comparison (upper level)

Name: _______________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

What type of information is contained in an atlas? Use two different atlases to find the answers to the following questions.

Write the name of each Atlas under Atlas #1 and Atlas #2

Atlas #1 Atlas #2______________________ ______________________

1. Are there an index and table of contents? Yes/No Yes/No

2. Are the index and table of contents easy to use? Yes/No Yes/No

3. Are the maps clearly labeled and colorful? Yes/No Yes/No

4. Can you read the longitude and latitude lines easily? Yes/No Yes/No

5. Are there graphs and charts? Yes/No Yes/No

6. Is it easy to understand the graphs and charts? Yes/No Yes/No

7. Is there informational text? Yes/No Yes/No

8. Does the atlas provide information about population? Yes/No Yes/No

9. Does the atlas provide information about climate? Yes/No Yes/No

10. Does the atlas provide information about natural resources? Yes/No Yes/No

11. Does the atlas include information about Yes/No Yes/Nointeresting landmarks?

12. Can you learn about the world’s time zones in the atlas? Yes/No Yes/No

13. Are there photographs of actual places included Yes/No Yes/Noin the atlas?

14. Are there facts and interesting tidbits of information Yes/No Yes/Noincluded in the atlas?

Which atlas do prefer? Why__________________________________________________________________

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Center 2 - Atlas Scavenger Hunt

1. Fill out the scavenger hunt

2. If you complete it, create your own scavenger hunt for your friends at the table or the next group.

Center 2 – Atlas

Atlas Scavenger Hunt1. What is the capital of Japan? __________________________

2. What is the capital of Australia? __________________________

3. What is the capital of Fiji? __________________________

4. Which countries surround the Black Sea? ____________________

5. What sea is to the East of the United States? _________________

6. What is the capital of Cuba? ______________________

7. In which country is Rio de Janeiro? __________________

8. In which country is Karbala? _____________________

9. Which country does the Nile flow through? (or countries?) ______________________

10. In what country does the Sahara lie? ______________________11. Find the index. On what page(s) would you find a. a map of Argentina? _________ b. the Seine River? ________ c. information about the Himalayan Mountains? _______12. What are the natural resources of Brazil? ____________________________________________________________________________13. Find a map of Africa. Name two rivers located somewhere on the continent.Center 2 – Atlas Scavenger Hunt

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14. Locate a map of the United States. List all of the states that border Utah.___________________________________________________________15. Find the glossary. Write one word and its definition from the glossary.___________________________________________________________16. Find a US map in the atlas that shows lines of latitude and longitude. What is the approximate latitude and longitude of New York City? ____________________________________________________________________________17. What ocean surrounds Antarctica? _______________________________18. What country of Europe is shaped like a boot, and what large sea does it border? ______________________________________________________19. Looking on the world map, which ocean is east of North America and west of Europe? ______________________________________________________20. Find a photograph that shows something specific about a place. What place is being shown? On what page is the picture? _________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain how using and understanding an atlas will be helpful to you in the future____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Center 3 – Where in the world

1. Log onto the computer. 2. Go to the internet3. Type in http://animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/selector/selector.jsp4. Use your atlas to find what country and continent the dogs are located in on the Where in the World worksheet.5. After you finish, research more about the dog you liked the best. Illustrate the dog in its original country using information you found out.

Center 3 – Where in the WorldCan you find a dog from each of these continents?Australia North America Africa Europe Asia ***Use the Dog Directory at the Animal Planet Web site at:

http://animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/selector/selector.jsp

***Locate the countries by using your atlas.

Dog Breed Country ContinentAkitaAustralian Cattle DogBasenjiBassett HoundBoston TerrierBulldogChihuahuaChow ChowCollieDalmatianHavaneseLhasa ApsoMalteseNewfoundlandRhodesian Ridgeback

Center 4 – Postcard GreetingsMaterials Needed: Markers, construction paper or index cards,

1. Choose a location in the world that interests you (can be a continent, country or city)

2. Use the table of contents of your atlas to locate as much information about your chosen location as possible.

3. Pretend you are sending someone a postcard from your location. You will need to include information about where the place is located, climate, interesting features, history, relevant facts you can gather.

4. Make a rough draft of your information. Correct any grammar or spelling. Complete a final draft and illustrate the opposite side of the postcard with points of interest or landmarks from your location.

Center 4 – Postcard Greetings

Think about a place in the world you would like to visit one day. This place can be as general as a continent or as specific as a city.

Location: __________________________________________________________________

Now that you have selected a place, it is time to learn more about it. Use the table of contents and index of your atlas to find information about your location. You can gather information from pictures, maps, charts, graphs, or the text of the book. Use the space below to record the information you find.

Page Number Information Gathered

___________ ___________________________________________________________

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___________ ___________________________________________________________

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____________ ___________________________________________________________

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____________ ___________________________________________________________

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Center 4 – Postcard Greetings

Now it is time to compile your information into a short note to a friend or relative. Write your postcard as if you are visiting the place and actually experiencing what you are sharing.

Remember to include: the name of the person to whom you are writing, the name of your location, specific points of interest or landmarks at your location, a fact or two that describe the physical features of your location and a closing that includes your name.

Center 5 – Create a Map

Materials Needed: Markers, crayons, map pencils, ruler, construction paper

1. Create a map of the library or your classrooms

2. Be sure to include a legend and a key

3. All features must be on your map, be detailed!

Compose your note here on this side of your postcard.

Create a stamp from your location

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

Make sure to have a name, address, city, state, zip code included on the above lines

Center 6 – Geography games

1. Go to the computer

2. Click on the library webpage

3. Click on the library games link

4. Play games on the geography atlas page