Unit Description

 This unit focuses on how geography has affected the development of Louisiana. It has determined the climate and the natural resources available. The utilization of the state’s resources and the livelihood of its inhabitants are all directly affected by geography. Louisiana reflects a multicultural tapestry of cultural heritage, blending the traditions and celebrations of its diverse people.

Student Understandings

 Students understand that knowledge of geography is essential for understanding the development of Louisiana. Students recognize that the topography, climate, and resources of Louisiana have influenced the lifestyle and work of its inhabitants. Students explore the many ethnic groups that have contributed to Louisiana’s diverse culture. Students compare and contrast Louisiana’s physical and cultural regions.

Guiding Questions

 1.      Can students use time zones in the United States or the International Date Line to interpret a map or representation of a globe and calculate current times in different places?

2.      Can students locate major landforms and geographic features, places, and bodies of water/waterways on a map of Louisiana?

3.      Can students construct a map based on narrative information?

4.      Can students construct a chart or diagram to display geographical information in an organized way?

5.      Can students describe and analyze the distinguishing physical and/or human characteristics of Louisiana regions?

6.      Can students describe ways in which location and physical features have influenced historical events in Louisiana and the development of the state?

7.      Can students explain how or why specific regions are changing as a result of physical phenomena?

8.      Can students identify and describe factors that cause a Louisiana region to change?

9.      Can students explain ways in which goals, cultures, interests, inventions, and technological advances have affected people’s perceptions and uses of places or regions in Louisiana?

10.  Can students describe the causes and effects of cultural diffusion and effects of cultural diversity in Louisiana?

11.  Can students describe the contributions of ethnic groups significant in Louisiana history?

12.  Can students explain cultural elements that have shaped Louisiana’s state heritage?