A Line Around Minnesota

Lesson Author

Jamie Wild

Grades: 5-6

Lesson Summary

As part of this lesson, students will compare and contrast different regions of the world as they listen to the book, Follow the Line Around the World. Students will then use Google Earth to explore and create a tour of suburban, urban, and rural locations in Minnesota. 

Literature Connection

Follow the Line Around the World by Laura Ljungkvist

With one continuous line, the author of this book introduces readers to different cities, countries, continents, and even, outer space. Readers will discover a bit about what is found in each location and what the people who live there do. The book includes some of the most diverse places found on our planet.   

National Geography Standard(s)

• Analyze the human characteristics of places

• Analyze and explain patterns of land use in urban, suburban, and rural areas using terms such as distance, accessibility, and connections

Concepts and Skills

location, place

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain that our state is made up of urban, suburban, and rural locations

2. Compare and contrast urban, rural, and suburban cities

3. Create a Google Earth tour

Google Skills Needed

• Fly to city

• Zoom in and out

• Use layers

• Create placemarks, paths, and tours

Step-by-Step Teaching Procedures (download PDF)