1. Latin America Geography SS6G1 The student will locate selected features of Latin America and the Caribbean. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Amazon River, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, Panama Canal, Andes Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, and Atacama Desert. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map in the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela. How does the physical geography of Latin America and the Caribbean affect where people live?

2. Hook • Examine each of the 5 pictures to the left. Write a brief description of each then try and guess which Latin American physical feature is shown.

3. Background Latin America designates all of those countries and territories in the Americas where a Romance language(i.e., languages derived from Latin, and hence the name of the region) is spoken: Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and the creole languages based upon these. Strictly considering this definition, Quebec, in Canada, is part of Latin America as well. But this region is rarely considered so, since its history, distinctive culture and economy, and British-inspired political institutions are generally deemed too closely intertwined with the rest of Canada. In one sense, Latin America refers to territories in America where the Spanish or Portuguese languages prevail: Mexico, most of Central and South America, and in the Caribbean. The region was home to many indigenous peoples and advanced civilizations, including the Aztecs, Toltecs, Caribs, Tupi, Maya, and Inca. The golden age of the Maya began about 250, with the last two great civilizations, the Aztecs and Incas, emerging into prominence later on in the early fourteenth century and mid-fifteenth centuries, respectively. The Aztec empire was ultimately the most powerful civilization known throughout the Americas, until its downfall in part by the Spanish invasion. By the end of the sixteenth century Spain and Portugal had been joined by others, including France, in occupying large areas of North, Central and South America, ultimately extending from Alaska to the southern tips of the Patagonia. European culture, customs and government were introduced, with the Roman Catholic Church becoming the major economic and political power to overrule the traditional ways of the region, eventually becoming the only official religion of the Americas during this period. What language group will you find throughout Latin America? What are the main languages spoken in this region? Quebec is rarely considered to be a part of Latin America, although in reality it I s, why? What were the names of the some of the Ancient Civilizations of Latin America? What happened to them? What were some of the changes brought to Latin America from their European Conquers?

4. What is the title of this map tell us? What types of things will you find on this map? • By examining this map, what are the mountain ranges you will find in Latin America? Which is the largest? • What physical feature lies west of the worlds longest mountain range? How would you describe this feature? • The Amazon River is the 2nd longest river in the world. What are some unique things you notice about it? • There are many major waterways around Latin America, name what you believe are the 3 most important and tell why you think they are important.

5. Political Geography • In which hemispheres will you find Latin America? • in which continent do Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia, and Venezuela located? • Panama and Haiti are not located on the same continent as the others. Where are they located? • Latin America is made up of 3 regions. Examine the map what do you think these 3 regions are called? • What important physical features are near many of these countries? How do they help those that live there and their economy?

6. The Caribbean Islands • What island group is Haiti a part of? • The Caribbean is made of many islands, what is one thing that makes Haiti uniquely different than the others? • What do you think about Haiti’s location makes it desirable for tourism? How do you think this affects their economy? • Besides tourism what other things do you think contribute to Haiti’s economy? • Given that Haiti is small in size and surrounded by water what do you think are some challenges their economy faces? Why

7. Mexico • What country is Mexico’s neighbor to the north? • The Sierra Madres are found in 3 different parts of Mexico. What are their names and locations? • What feature lies in between the Sierra Madres? Since Mexico is so mountainous make an inference on why this feature might be significant?

8. Panama Canal On August 15th, 1914, the Panama Canal opened, connecting the world’s two largest oceans and signaling America’s emergence as a global superpower. American ingenuity and innovation had succeeded where, just a few years earlier, the French had failed disastrously. But the U.S. paid a price for victory. • The Panama Canal can be found in which country? • The canal connects two waterways, what are these two waterways? • Examine the picture of the canal lock system above. Describe the way t he canal works to allow travel through it. • What is the purpose of the canal ? Why do you believe the canal to be so important to the world economy?

9. Task Using your text book and/or an atlas, create a chart for the political features and physical features. In your chart include a column for your features, a column for a description, a column for their location, and a column for an interesting fact. Physical Features: Andes Mountains Sierra Madre Mountains Amazon River Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico Pacific Ocean Atlantic Ocean Atacama Desert Panama Canal Political Feature (Countries) South America Caribbean Islands Mexico/Central America Panama Haiti Bolivia Mexico Cuba Brazil Venezuela Colombia

10. Task Option 2 • Choose 3 physical features and 3 countries. In paragraph form (or outline form) answer the following question about each place or landform. How does the physical geography of Latin America and the Caribbean affect where people live? • Include reasons why people might live their. Focus on their location, surrounding areas, and possible economic benefits.