Use this landform research activity to help your students practice their research skills and expand their knowledge of the world.
This landform research activity is designed to fit into your fifth or sixth grade classroom.
This is another free resource for teachers and homeschool families from The Curriculum Corner.
Standards Addressed
Sixth grade social studies standards in Indiana include:
6.3.5: Give examples and describe the formation of important river deltas, mountains and bodies of water in Europe and the Americas.
● Examples: Volga River, Canadian Rockies, Sierra Madre Mountains, and Lochs in Scotland
6.3.7: Locate and describe the climate regions of Europe and the Americas and explain how and why they differ.
● Examples: Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current (NAC)
6.3.8: Describe and compare major physical characteristics of regions (biomes) of Europe and the Americas.
● Examples: rainforests, mountain ranges, rivers, woodlands, desert
About this landform research activity
As we began covering these standards, I found that many of my students did not have knowledge of landforms throughout the world. I decided to turn our work into something that we could use to teach each other.
I first created a graphic organizer and a list of specific landforms.
I wanted students to be able to find their landform on a map, name the continent, and identify the biome.
I included other spots on the graphic organizer for students to research.
The research completed for this project is fairly basic. Since it is occurring at the beginning of the year, it is a good way for me to learn about my students as researchers. I am finding that while some are ready for more difficult research, I have a few who need help being able to find basic facts.
Once students complete their research, students will then use what they have learned to write a paragraph. Again, this is basic writing, but it is helping me see which students will need help with grammar and mechanics.
I have created a checklist for students to complete when they finish their writing. I am having students make marks on their paper to show their capital letters, punctuation, and other pieces. This is not something I always do but another beginning of the year check.
I have not yet decided what our final product will look like. I am considering having students type their writing and adding a picture to the top. I can then print the pages and create a class book. Another idea is to have students create a poster to display in the classroom with their information.
You can download this free set by clicking on the green apples below:
This is intended to be a free resource for teachers and homeschool families. You may copy and use in your own classroom or home. You may not sell or modify and sell this resource in any way.