Your job is to meet with the geologists from the other teams. Use the resources listed below to collect and record your data. Your research should answer, but not be limited to the questions below. Take good notes and keep them in a safe place as you will find them useful as you tour the United States.
RESOURCES
Off-line
States and Regions, McGraw-Hill Social Studies textbook- Dictionary of Geographic Terms (pg R16-R17) and some of the maps located throughout the book should be very useful; Chapter 2, Geography of the United States (pp. 26 - 51) This section gives some specific landform information about each region of the United States; Chapter 10 - "Landforms" Addison-Wesley Science textbook (pg 234-253)
On-line
Image Gallery of Landforms - You should completely read major concepts near the top of the page to learn about landforms, what they are and how they are created. There is a landform map of the United States. This site also includes a list with pictures and definitions of basic types of landforms.
Landforms of Pennsylvania - This site has an interactive landform map of Pennsylvania. If you click on a landform section, you will be linked to a page that gives you a written description of the features of that section and landform type.
Landforms of the United States - This site has many links to specific areas of the United States. Check each link to find information about the state you are working on.
QUESTIONS
The United States is made up of seven major landforms. (Some sources may name more or less).
What is a landform?
How are they created?
Can you identify and name the seven major landforms making up the United States?
What are the unique features of each?
What is the difference between a plain and a coastal plain?
What is the difference between a mountain and a mountain range?
What is a coastal range?
When you and the other geologists have completed this research, you need to join your team and begin your virtual tour around the United States. As you visit each of the 17 states and Washington, D.C., identify the landform and features of the land in each state. You should record data to support your findings.