Nebraska Rivers Worksheet (1)
Rivers Map Key
Nebraska Rivers
Overview
Objective: Students will use a map to locate and label seven of Nebraska's rivers. Overview: This map activity is a fun hands on way for students to learn map skills. This lesson plan addresses the following NDE Standards:SS3.3.1 Explore where (spatial) and why people, places, and environments are organized in the world., SS3.3.1a- Identify and apply map elements, SS3.3.1.b Use a map to identify location and distribution of physical and human features., SS.3.3.1.d Locate specific places on maps and globes. EX: Missouri River, Platte River, FA 5.2.1.b Use observation, imagination and interpretation in creating artworks that reflect a variety of styles, themes, (glossary) and subjects.
Task 1
Each student will need a copy of the Student Atlas of Nebraska or the teacher can project a digital copy of the student atlas (Request digital access to the Student Atlas or Nebraska here: https://ne150.org/education) or just a map of Nebraska showing the rivers. My class was provided the Student Atlas of Nebraska by our ESU. Have students locate where they live on the map. As a class discuss the which river/rivers are near your home.
Student Atlas of Nebraska, copyright 2017 Geographic Educators of Nebraska.
Direct all inquiries to
Dr. Randy Bertolas at Wayne State College
1111 Main Street
Wayne, NE 68787
raberto1@wsc.edu
Materials List:
Map key worksheet - included
Map labeling worksheet - included
Opitional: State of Nebraska cookie cutter
Scupley clay
Baking paper
Cookie sheet to bake them
Nebraska Student Atlas - request digital atlas here https://ne150.org/education
Rubric - included
Key Vocabulary:
Map key
Map
Globe
Slab -is a flat piece of clay that they will cut or create the shape of Nebraska out of.
Coil - are the little worm-like forms they will make for the rivers.
river
Task 2
1. Each student will get a copy of the blank map key.
2. Each student will need 7 crayons: red, black, yellow, green, brown, blue, orange.
- red - Missouri River, black - Republican River, yellow - North Loup River, green - Platte River, brown - South Platte River and blue - North Platte River, orange - Niobrara River
Task 3
Option 1:
1. Students will complete the Nebraska rivers worksheet by coloring the rivers using the map key from Task # 2.
2. As a follow up student will create a 3D model of Nebraska and the seven rivers. They will use the colors we just assigned to each river and make a 3D model of Nebraska and the seven rivers using scupley clay.
- Students will use the slab of clay create their 3D state of Nebraska or the teacher can purchase a State of Nebraska cookie cutter which makes the process way easier.
- After they have flattened their slab of clay and formed the state of Nebraska, set it off to the side on a piece of baking paper with the students name.
- Students will then start to form their coil for each river by rolling out a thin coil. They don’t need much of each color. It goes a long way.
- They will use their map key and map worksheet to help them locate the rivers and place their coil on the correct place to represent the river.
- Once completed the teacher will bake the 3D models to harden them.
Option # 2
1. Student will create a 3D model of Nebraska and the seven rivers. They will use the map key from Task # 2. They will use the colors we just assigned to each river and make a 3D model of Nebraska and the seven rivers using scupley clay.
- Students will use the slab of clay create their 3D state of Nebraska or the teacher can purchase a State of Nebraska cookie cutter which makes the process way easier.
- After they have flattened their slab of clay and formed the state of Nebraska, set it off to the side on a piece of baking paper with the students name.
- Students will then start to form their coil for each river by rolling out a thin coil. They don’t need much of each color. It goes a long way.
- They will use their map key and map worksheet to help them locate the rivers and place their coil on the correct place to represent the river.
- Once completed the teacher will bake the 3D models to harden them.