The United States is blessed with a beautiful, diverse, and valuable natural environment. Understanding the geography of our nation—learning about the landforms, physical regions, natural resources, and climates of the United States—will help in understanding the nation's history. Geographers have developed five themes to help gain understanding of the relationship between geography and history. Various kinds of maps also prove useful.

Additional Activities

  • "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to explore the issues of water conservation. (See Teacher's Edition, page 20.)

  • Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on satellite pictures of the Earth and El Niño.

 		Chapter Outline

Section 1: Five Themes of Geography

Section 2: Maps and Mapmaking

Section 3: American Lands and Climates