192 THE NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [i, 5, sept. 1905 



Geography and History — Fifth Grade 



General Survey of North America 



General study from the relief globe of the position of North America 

 with reference to the other grand divisions of the earth. 



Study from the relief model the position and character of the typical 

 features of the continent. 



Continue studies upon the erosion and deposition of rock material in the 

 neighborhood, until by inference the meaning of the rugged or gentle slopes 

 of the different mountain ranges, the canons, valleys, plains and great deltas 

 can be explained. 



Carry on observations upon the kinds of shore lines produced by the 

 rising and sinking of the water in some shallow pond to illustrate the 

 different kinds of shore lines of the continent. 



With the aid of observations in the home region and pictures, form con- 

 clusions as to the general climatic conditions of the continent. 



Reasons for such a marked difference in climate of the Atlantic and 

 Pacific coasts in same latitude. 



Discuss from observations the effect upon the air of a body of water in 

 regard to both temperature and moisture. The effect of elevation upon 

 temperature. The prevailing direction of the winds. 



Use conclusions in forming correct notions of the climate of different 

 parts of the continent, the situation of the moist regions, the deserts, the 

 distribution of the forests, the Great Plains and prairies. From what has 

 been learned of mining, locate the areas where that occupation is important. 



Make a relief model of the continent and draw outline map of same. 



Discussions and readings about the native inhabitants found in different 

 parts, and how their ways of living, of traveling, and customs are related 

 to the climate and physical features of their homes. 



Stories of exploration and adventure. Conditions leading to the settle- 

 ment of New England and the South Atlantic states. Character of the 

 emigrants. 



Spanish exploration, conquest of Mexico and Peru. 



Voyages of discovery upon the Pacific. 



Compare coast-lines of the opposite sides of the continent and their influ- 

 ence upon settlement. 



Influence of the Appalachians upon the westward spread of the colonists. 

 By what paths did they reach the Mississippi Valley. The importance of 

 the chain of Great Lakes. The work of the French missionaries and ex- 

 plorers. 



If the rugged Rocky Mountain system had occupied the position of the 

 Appalachians, what would have been the effect upon the settlement of the 

 continent ? What effect would low mountains upon the Pacific border have 

 had upon the climate and settlement of the continent. 



Study the character of the streams upon the opposite sides of the con- 

 tinental divide. Mark out the great routes of the pioneer from the Atlantic 

 to the Mississippi, and from this river to the Pacific coast. Describe the 

 great obstacles presented in the Cordilleran region. Discuss in detail the 

 natural routes of travel and trade. 



