In this unit, we will cover two chapters. In Chapter One, we will learn about about the geography of New York State. We will review important map and globe skills. Then we will explore the land and physical features including the water bodies of our state. We will discuss our climate and how the weather and temperature affect our lives year round. We will learn to how to read and use elevation maps.

 

Next, in Chapter Two, we will discover our state's environment and natural resources. We will compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable resources. We will discover why human resources are important in New York, as well. We will have conversations about how citizens need to make decisions, set goals, and develop programs to make our communities better. We will discuss ways to conserve and talk about why the conservation of our natural resources is essential for the sustainability of our natural environment. We will discuss how all of New York State's resources make our lives comfortable, create jobs, and keep our economy strong.

 

Finally, we will apply our learning to a special research and computer technology project! As we discover the regions across the USA, we will learn about the regions of New York State! Each region has its own variety of landforms, water bodies, natural resources, communities, historical landmarks and other points of interest. You may have visited some of these regions this past summer! Through research in the library, we will create our own digital travel brochure... a slide show for the different regions in New York. We will try to promote the regions as an  travel destination! Details about the project will be provided at another time. For now, let's get started with some background knowledge of our great State of New York!