By: Rebecca Williams; Benjamin Franklin Elementary; Terre Haute, IN

Purpose:

In order to better understand the geological development of Indiana and the movement of peoples across the state, students will interact with a web site published by the United States Geological Survey.

Grade: 4

Geography Standards addressed:

• #1) How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process and report information from a spatial perspective.
• #2) How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places and environments in a spatial context.
• #3) How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places and environments on Earth’s surface.
• #4) The physical and human characteristics of places.
• #7) The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth’s surface.
• #16) The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution and importance of resources. 

Materials:

• -Access to internet
• -Map of Indiana
• -Chart/graph paper -pencil/paper
• -Markers -other needs of student groups

Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, students will be able to :

• 1. locate earthquake zones in Indiana,
• 2. locate energy resources in Indiana, and
• 3. identify minerals found in Indiana.

Background:

Students will be divided into teams working on reports about Indiana.

Procedures:

• 1. Students will access the website http://geology.er.usgs.gov/states/IN.html
• 2. Each group will decide which of the map links they should access.
• 3. Students will access website to obtain information.
• 4. Students will interpret the information given.
• 5. Students will use wall map of Indiana to sow location of geological information.
• 6. Students will interpret information and present to class how the geological information has influenced "Hoosier" culture.

Evaluation:

Students will acknowledge the factors of geological factors and human movement.

Adaptations/Extensions:

• 1. Math: How is the economy affected by natural resources?
• 2. Science: What are the characteristics needed to create earthquakes? minerals? natural resources?
• 3. Language: Students can write reports on their findings.
• 4. Fine Arts: Students can draw resource maps.

Web Sites Accessed:

http://geology.er.usgs.gov/states/IN.html