United States Landforms

We have spent the last week on an overview of the United States landforms, climate and resources. This learning will help guide us though the rest of the regions. In order to further explore the landforms, we've asked that your child bring a 10"x18" piece of cardboard to school to create a 3-D map. This is due Friday 10/17. On Monday, they need to bring in a batch of playdough. They understand this will require your help as it needs to be cooked on the stove. (Please see copy of the recipe below.)

This hands-on-learning activity helps to make an otherwise abstract concepts more life-like. Students will show how the Rocky Mountains are high and jagged, the Appalachian Mountains are lower and rounded and the Interior Plain is large and flat! They will follow the path of the mighty Mississippi River and create the depth of the Great Basin in the West.

We're very excited about our upcoming learning and can't wait to share it with all of you. Our maps, when finished, will be displayed in our breakout area as well as the library. Be sure to check them out next time you're at school!

Playdough Recipe:

2 c. water
1 c. salt
2 1/2 tsp. oil
1 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
2 c. flour

Mix salt, water, oil, and cream of tartar in a sauce pan. Stir in flour. Cook over medium heat until thickened. This may take a little bit - do not take it off before it's thick. Sprinkle a little flour on a cookie sheet, spoon out the dough and allow to cool. Knead dough until smooth and store in a sealed ziplock bag.