Student goals: Understand the geographic features that define places and regions; write in responses to comprehension questions; use mathematical reasoning to approach problems

Time required: 40 minutes

Directions:

1. Display the map in the classroom at a level where all students can view it and reach it.

2. Review the components of a map legend with the class (i.e., ordinal directions, key, and scale measurement).

3. Distribute the Geography Journey student reproducible (PDF) to each student and read it aloud with the class.

4. Have students answer the questions by referencing the map. (Answer Key: 1a. Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains; 1b. 2,000 miles; 2a. Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Sacramento; 2b. Yosemite National Park; 3a. IL, WI, MN, ND, MT, ID, WA; 3b. Rocky Mountains; 3c. northwest, midwest)

5. As a class, review students' answers.

Wrap-Up: Track your own train route. Think about the states you will travel through and the sites you will see along the way. Illustrate what you see as a train passenger and write a paragraph that explains your drawing.

Amtrak ® is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

Photo courtesy of Amtrak.