Chapter 1 Notes By: Mrs. Smalls The geography of the United States includes many kinds of landforms and major bodies of water. Landforms such as mountains,

Our Land, Your HistoryOur Land, Your History

Chapter 1 NotesChapter 1 NotesBy: Mrs. SmallsBy: Mrs. Smalls

Lesson 1: The Land and Its ResourcesLesson 1: The Land and Its Resources

Geography of the United StatesGeography of the United States

• The geography of the United States includes many kinds of landforms and major bodies of water.

• Landforms such as mountains, canyons, valleys, and plains help to shape the U.S.

• Bodies of water include lakes, rivers, and oceans. Water covers 75% of the Earth.

The Nation's ResourcesThe Nation's Resources

• A resource is something people use to produce goods and services.

• Examples of resources are – Natural– Renewable– Non-Renewable– Flow

Natural ResourcesNatural Resources

• Natural Resources are useful or necessary resources that are found in nature.

• There are three types of natural resources: renewable, non-renewable, or flow

• Examples: Gold or coal

Renewable ResourcesRenewable Resources

• Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced.

• Example: Water or fisheries

Non-Renewable ResourcesNon-Renewable Resources

• Non-Renewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replaced once they are used.

• Example: Oil or gas

Flow ResourcesFlow Resources

• Flow resources are natural resources that can be used where and when it is found.

• Examples: Wind or sunlight

Capital ResourcesCapital Resources

• Capital Resources are resources that are made by people.

• Examples: tools, machines, and buildings

Human ResourcesHuman Resources

• Human resources are people combined with their skills and knowledge.

• Examples: students, teachers, and principals

ScarcityScarcity

• Scarcity means not having enough resources to provide all the things people want.

• Scarcity forces people to make choices and give up one thing you want for another. This is known as opportunity cost.

Economic SystemsEconomic Systems

• In order to make sure our country has enough resources for everyone, we have an economic system.

• An economic system is a set of rules that guides the use of resources and production of goods in a country.

• The U.S. allows private businesses to make decisions on how goods will be made and what will be made in an economic system.

Why all this matters?Why all this matters?

• The resources and geography of the U.S. affect people’s lives every day.

• It is important to understand how the resources around you affect your everyday life.

Lesson Two: Regions of the U.S.Lesson Two: Regions of the U.S.

What is a Region?What is a Region?

• A region is an area that has one or more features in common.

• The United States can be divided into four regions: Northeast, South, Midwest, and West.

• Regions can be determined by climate, the goods produced, and areas where most people speak the same language or share the same customs.

Regions and the EconomyRegions and the Economy

• The resources in a region help people decide which crops to grow and which goods to produce.

• When a region makes a lot of one product, it is called specialization.

• People in different regions trade with each other to get what they want.

• Trade is the buying and selling of goods. Trade allows consumers to buy a variety of goods.

Connected RegionsConnected Regions

• All regions of the United States are interdependent.

• Interdependent means to depend, or rely, on each other.

Why it Matters?Why it Matters?

• Understanding regions helps people see what places have in common and what makes them different.

• Being able to trade with regions provides people with a variety of goods.

Lesson 3: People and the Lesson 3: People and the EnvironmentEnvironment

How Land Affects PeopleHow Land Affects People

• The land and its resources affect where and how people live. Example: New York

• People settle in places where they can make money and enjoy their environment.

• The environment is the surroundings in which people, plants, and animals live.

Changing the EnvironmentChanging the Environment

• Natural forces and human activities change the environment.

• Earthquakes and volcanoes changes the land quickly, whereas wind and rain changes the land slowly. Example: Mountains

• Human activities changes the land to benefit people. Example: Interstates

The Environment and ConservationThe Environment and Conservation

• The environment is made up of ecosystems.• An ecosystem is a community of plants and

animals, along with nonliving things such as soil, air, and water.

• The way we use natural resources affects the environment and its ecosystems.

• Conservation is the way we protect the use of natural resources.

The End!The End!