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Grade Three
History-Social Science Content Standards

Continuity and Change
3.1 Students describe the physical and human geography and use maps, tables, graphs, photographs, and charts to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context.

1. Identify geographical features in their local region (e.g., deserts, mountains, valleys, hills, coastal areas, oceans, lakes).

Physiography and Physiographic Divisions (1968)
Four paper maps of the conterminous United States showing physiographic regions and provinces, physical divisions, and a physiographic diagram; and one map with insets of Alaska and Hawaii showing topographic relief. Product #100657. This paper product is a cost item that can be previewed on the website.

Tapestry of Time and Terrain Physiographic Regions
Map of over 20 major Physiographic regions in the conterminous U.S.

Create a shaded relief map of California on The National Atlas website
Use the interactive "Map Maker" function to create a color shaded relief map (under "Geology") of any state or the entire U.S. Map can be printed on 8.5" x 11" paper.

The National Map
The National Map is a free, on-line, interactive map service that can be used to create and print a high-resolution shaded relief map of a local area, a state, or the U.S. Many other layers are available. No special software or download is required. Use the ' Find Place ' tool to search for geographic features and to zoom in on specific coordinates. Maps can be printed on 8.5" x 11" paper.

Topographic Maps Illustrating Physiographic Features
Lists of USGS topographic maps (listed by state) that show good examples of over 200 different physiographic features.

Elevations and Distances
Tables of information covering elevations of features and distances between points in the United States . Also locates the geographic center of each state.

2. Trace the ways in which people have used the resources of the local region and modified the physical environment (e.g., a dam constructed upstream changed a river or coastline).

Earthshots: Satellite Images of Environmental Change
Earthshots is an e-book of before-and-after Landsat images (1972-present), showing recent environmental events and introducing the concept of remote sensing. Some changes are due to natural causes and some are due to human causes. Each set of images includes a detailed description, photographs and maps, a list of references, and a question/answer. Images are best used on-line.

Tracking Change Over Time
A teacher packet that uses Landsat satellite images to track changes over time. Includes a lesson plan, printable worksheets, downloadable software, and downloadable images.

3.2 Students describe the American Indian nations in their local region long ago and in the recent past.

Federal Lands and Indian Reservations - Printable Maps from The National Atlas
Download or print maps showing Federal Lands and Indian Reservations in the U.S. and in individual states. Pdf files print on 8.5" x 11" paper.

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URL: http://education.usgs.gov/california/grade_3_history_ss.htm
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Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 14-Oct-2009 14:45:19 EDT