The Natural Wonders of the U.S.A. Up Close

Welcome learners, to the natural wonders of the good ole' U.S.A. In this virtual field trip, we will be describing and locating some of the major physical features of the U.S.A. Be prepared to see the many beauties that nature

has to offer!

Introduction

In this virtual field trip, we will be focusing on three major physical features of the USA: landforms, bodies of water, and natural

wonders.

Let’s first take a closer look at landforms that can be found in the USA.

Background

• Learners for this VFT are fourth graders at Buckhannon Academy Elementary School located in Upshur County. These students

have not studied the physical features of the U.S.A. exactly, but they are familiar with

specific types of landforms such as canyons, plateaus, volcanoes, mountains, etc... These

learners are always excited to learn new things and are ready to jump in!

LandformsFor this trip, we will visit three different types:1. Volcanoes2. Deserts3. Mountains

Volcanoes

Volcanoes are beautiful but can be very dangerous. This particular desert seen at the top in named Mount St. Helens

volcano in Washington, USA.

Deserts

Deserts are places where it is very dry and very hot. They are also

very dusty due to the dirt and clay that covers the ground. Deserts are also known for their lack of rainfall.

This particular desert seen in the background is located in Utah.

Mountains

• Mountains are known for their peacefulness and beauty. The mountains shown below are

the Rocky Mountains which run through several states throughout the USA.

Bodies of Water

For this trip, we will visit three different types:1. Rivers2. Oceans3. Lakes

Rivers

• Rivers are found all throughout the USA. The river pictured below is the Mississippi River.

Oceans

There are only two oceans that surround the USA. As seen in the image, the Atlantic and the

Pacific.

Lakes

• Lakes are another beauty that brings calmness and peace. This lake in particular is the Crater

Lake in Oregon.

Natural WondersFor this trip, we will visit three different types:1. Mount

Rushmore2. Northern

Lights3. Grand

Canyon

Mount Rushmore

• Mount Rushmore is one of USA natural wonders. This monument made from rock depicts the faces of past U.S. Presidents.

Northern Lights

• The Northern Lights can be seen in Alaska. They are one of many wonders that people love to visit.

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Aurora_Borealis_or_Northern_Lights_shine_above_Bear_Lake_in_Alaska_050910-F-MS415-023.jpg

Grand Canyon

• The Grand Canyon is definitely a tourist attraction and can be found in Arizona.

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grand_canyon_march_2013.jpg#/media/File:Grand_canyon_march_2013.jpg

Student LearningBefore-During-After

BeforeThe VFT that I am creating for my students is

focusing on physical features of the United States. This VFT is going to be used and shown to my

fourth grade class. Before we take a look at my VFT, we will have a discussion on physical features

we already know. In doing so, we will fill out a KWL chart. Class participation and discussion will be

how students will be assessed before.

Student LearningBefore-During-After

DuringWhile the VFT is being viewed, students will be given a

blank map of the United States where they will be asked to find the physical features that they are viewing in the VFT

and correctly place them on their map. In doing so, students are showing that they are engaged in their

learning (participation). Also, this activity will increase their ability to identify the states. Students will be assessed on their ability to listen and their ability to correctly place the

physical features where they can be found.

Student LearningBefore-During-After

AfterOnce the VFT has been completely viewed, students will be assigned into groups to choose which physical feature that they would like to present an informative poster on. Students will also be asked to include two physical features well known in W.V. Students will also be asked to use modeling clay to give a visual of the physical feature that they chose. Students will be assessed on their participation as well as their projects that they will be completing. A rubric will be used to assess their work. They will be required to have all three parts of the project to receive full credit. They will also be given the chance to self-assess themselves. Once all work has been turned in, students will be asked to complete a reflection on the work completed.

Credits• "Mount St Helens Volcano USA aerial view 20050925" by Patrick Flynn (pfflynn)

http://www.flickr.com/people/pfflynn/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/pfflynn/46997602/sizes/l/in/set-1309236/. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons –

• "Utah Desert" by Mike LoCascio - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – • "Grays and Torreys Peaks 2006-08-06" by Daidipya - P1010037. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons – • "Mississippi River Views" by National Park Service - http://www.nps.gov/miss/photosmultimedia/press_gallery.htm.

Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons – • "Limits 5 oceans" by Ricou31 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – • "Crater lake oregon usa" by Charles Dawley from Petoskey -

|http://www.flickr.com/photos/68977046@N00/2614006436/ Crater Lake - Discovery Point]. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons –

• "Mountrushmore" by Original uploader was Sfmontyo at en.wikipediaLater versions were uploaded by Fuelbottle, Brimstone86 at en.wikipedia. - Originally from en.wikipedia; description page is/was here.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons –

• "The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights shine above Bear Lake in Alaska 050910-F-MS415-023" by SSGT JOSHUA STRANG - http://www.defenseimagery.mil/imageRetrieve.action?guid=1bdb811afda8adfc7b473ec44fe8443dedb9e2c1&t=2. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons –

• "Grand canyon march 2013" by In order to comply with the use and licensing terms of this image, the following text must must be included with the image when published in any medium, failure to do so constitutes a violation of the licensing terms and copyright infringement: © Tomas Castelazo, www.tomascastelazo.com / Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -

Continued Credits• "USA topo en". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – • "Utah in United States (US48)" by TUBS - Own workThis vector graphics image was created with Adobe Illustrator.This file was

uploaded with Commonist.This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Usa edcp location map.svg (by Uwe Dedering).. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons –

• "Washington in United States" by TUBS - Own workThis vector graphics image was created with Adobe Illustrator.This file was uploaded with Commonist.This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Usa edcp location map.svg (by Uwe Dedering).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: USA Hawaii location map.svg (by NordNordWest).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Canada location map.svg (by Yug).. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons –

• "Oregon in United States" by TUBS - Own workThis vector graphics image was created with Adobe Illustrator.This file was uploaded with Commonist.This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Usa edcp location map.svg (by Uwe Dedering).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: USA Hawaii location map.svg (by NordNordWest).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Canada location map.svg (by Yug).. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons –

• "South Dakota in United States" by TUBS - Own workThis vector graphics image was created with Adobe Illustrator.This file was uploaded with Commonist.This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Usa edcp location map.svg (by Uwe Dedering).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: USA Hawaii location map.svg (by NordNordWest).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Canada location map.svg (by Yug).. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons –

• "Arizona in United States" by TUBS - Own workThis vector graphics image was created with Adobe Illustrator.iThe source code of this SVG is valid.This file was uploaded with Commonist.This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Usa edcp location map.svg (by Uwe Dedering).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: USA Hawaii location map.svg (by NordNordWest).This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this: Canada location map.svg (by Yug).. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -