Unit 1 US History Part 1--Reading and Writing Workshop
​Workshop Overview
​Exploring Physical & Human Geography
This workshop engages middle school students in reading and writing activities that explore physical and human geography using public domain texts. Students will analyze maps, interpret geographic factors, and develop writing skills through discussions, reflections, and research projects.

Week 1: Geographic Tools
Reading: Excerpts from The World and Its People (public domain geography text) Writing Activity:

• Compare and contrast different geographic tools (maps, globes, GPS, GIS) using evidence from readings.
• Create a descriptive paragraph explaining how these tools help humans understand the world.

Skills Focus:

• Understanding different geographic tools
• Using textual evidence to support analysis

Week 2: Landforms and Climate Zones
Reading: Excerpts from Physical Geography by William M. Davis (public domain) Writing Activity:

• Write an informational essay describing major landforms and their effects on climate zones.
• Develop a travel brochure for a climate zone, explaining its landforms, climate, and human adaptations.

Skills Focus:

• Identifying and describing landforms and climate zones
• Writing for different purposes (informational and persuasive writing)

Week 3: Human-Environment Interaction
Reading: Excerpts from Man and Nature by George Perkins Marsh (public domain) Writing Activity:

• Research and write a short essay on how humans adapt to and modify their environment.
• Debate: Should humans modify the environment to suit their needs? Write an argument using examples from readings and research.

Skills Focus:

• Evaluating the impact of human activities on the environment
• Argumentative writing

Week 4: Population Distribution and Migration Patterns
Reading: Census data excerpts and public domain maps Writing Activity:

• Create a narrative from the perspective of a migrant explaining their journey and reasons for migration.
• Write an analysis of a historical migration pattern using maps and readings.

Skills Focus:

• Interpreting population maps and census data
• Writing historical and personal narratives

Week 5: Economic and Cultural Geography
Reading: Excerpts from The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (public domain, economic geography focus) Writing Activity:

• Research and write a short report on global trade routes and their impact on cultures.
• Create a fictional newspaper article about urbanization in a growing city.

Skills Focus:

• Understanding economic geography concepts
• Writing informative and journalistic pieces

Assessment & Final Project:
​Culminating Project:

• Create an illustrated “Geography Magazine” featuring student writings from each week.
• Present a map-based research project explaining a key geographic concept studied in class.

Final Skills Assessed:

• Map reading and interpretation
• Research and synthesis of geographic information
• Clear and structured writing across different genres