Grades:

Grade 4 or lower

Subjects:

Social Studies

Overview

It is difficult for young people to compare the earth's continents in terms of area, population, population densities, annual growth, and other geographic terms. In this lesson students will learn the skills to compare the earth's continents in a variety of ways. They will also learn their way around the world map.

Suggested Time Allowance:

1 hour

Objectives:

The students will correctly order the continents in terms of area, population, and other geographic terms.

Materials:

-Classroom board
-Computers with Internet access

Lesson Plan:

Review with the students the various continents present. As they name them, write them on the board in alphabetical order. Ask the students to identify the rule that you used to order the continents on the board. Ask the students if there are other ways that the continents might be ordered. List some of the possibilities on the board (these can be used to extend the lesson later).

Tell the students that they will be using area to list the continents in order, from least to greatest. Ask one person to check the Map Of North America on Nation Master. Then they may click on other continents to view them in detail. Now, ask them to observe the world map in detail. Now ask the students to predict the area order of the continents, from the smallest (least land area) to the largest (greatest land area). Write the predicted order on the board. Then write the actual order alongside. Any surprises? Discuss with them where they went wrong, if they did.

Continue the activity with envelopes for population, population density, annual growth, etc. After each new ordering rule is used, ask the students to compare the lists. Ask the students to draw conclusions from the lists. Ask them how they could verify their conclusions.

Assessment:

Students will be evaluated based on class discussions.

Source:

NationMaster