1st Nine Weeks ’11-12
Sumter County Schools
June 25, 2011
Eighth Grade Unit 2: Georgia Geography and The
Prehistoric Period
This unit will focus on the relationship between human activities and natural forces and physical
features. It will show that development that occurred among prehistoric cultures happened in direct
relation to changes in their environment whether by migration or natural phenomena. Additionally, it
will lead to an understanding of the importance of location and physical features to the development
of an area and its culture.
Standards/Elements
SS8H1 The student will evaluate the development of Native American cultures and the impact
of European exploration and settlement on the Native American cultures in Georgia.
a. Describe the evolution of Native American cultures (Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian)
prior to European contact.
SS8G1 The student will describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location.
a. Locate Georgia in relation to region, nation, continent, and hemispheres.
b. Describe the five geographic regions of Georgia; include the Blue Ridge Mountains,
Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain.
c. Locate and evaluate the importance of key physical features on the development of
Georgia; include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains,
Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands.
d. Evaluate the impact of climate on Georgia's development.
SS8E1 The student will give examples of the kinds of goods and services produced
in Georgia in different historical periods.
Vocabulary: evaluate, development, cultures, impact, exploration, evolution, region, nation,
continent, hemispheres, physical features, geographic regions, climate, good and services, and
historical period
People, Place, and Events (PPE): Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian, Europeans, Native
American, Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal
Plain, Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers,
and barrier islands
I Can Statements:
1) I can evaluate the development of Native American cultures.
2) I can evaluate the impact of Europeans exploration and contact on the Native American
cultures in Georgia.
3) I can describe the evolution of Native American cultures (Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and
Mississippian) prior to European contact.
4) I can describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location.
5) I can locate Georgia in relation to region, nation, continent, and hemispheres.
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6) I can describe the five geographic regions of Georgia; include the Blue Ridge Mountains,
Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain
7) I can locate and evaluate the importance of key physical features on the development of
Georgia; include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee
and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands.
8) I can evaluate the impact of climate on Georgia's development.
9) I can will give examples of the kinds of goods and services produced
in Georgia in different historical periods.
Essential Questions :
The student will understand that the movement and migration of people and ideas affects all
societies involved
How did various developments in the culture of prehistoric Native Americans mark their evolution
from the Paleo period through the Mississippian Period? (H1a, E1)
What impact did environment have on the development of the prehistoric Native American
cultures?(H1a, E1)
The student will understand that location affects a society’s economy, culture and
development.
Where is Georgia in terms of hemisphere, continent, nation, region and global position? (G1a)
Which North American physiographic regions are found in Georgia and what are some
distinguishing characteristics of each? (G1b)
What is the relative location of these physiographic regions within the boundaries of the State?
(G1b)
The student will understand how particular physical and cultural features and climate have
affected development of Georgia.
What are the significant physical features of Georgia that have impacted its development? (G1c)
How is the impact of these features manifested? (G1c)
How has climate played a role in development? (G1d)
*Balanced Assessment Plan
NOTE: The balanced assessment plan included in this unit is presented as a series of suggested
activities. It is not expected that the teacher complete all assessments for a successful unit.
Description of Assessment
1) Demonstrate the changes in prehistoric
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Standard/
Element
SS8H1a,b
Type of Assessment
Constructed response,
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1st Nine Weeks ’11-12
Native American cultures using artifacts,
models and/or traditions/practices.
Include how changes in environment
played a role also. This could be done in
chart or graphic organizer form.
SS8E1
Self Assessment
2) Pretend you are a tour guide on a tour
of the universe. Using a map or globe
as a prop, present a short narrative
explaining the location of Georgia to
your passengers. Identify Georgia in
terms of hemisphere, continent,
country, region, latitude and longitude.
SS8G1a
Selected Response, Dialogue
3) Using materials of your choice (paper
maché, colored pencils, clay, etc.)
create a topographic map of the eastern
US label those regions which extend
into Georgia.
SS8G1b
Constructed Response
4) Given an outline map. Locate and
label the physical features listed in
the standard. For each, include
how these features might benefit
the people of Georgia..
5) Students should complete a
multiple choice, matching, or fill in
the blank assessment covering the
reasons for, impact of, and people
behind the settlement of Georgia.
SS8G1b & c
Constructed Response Dialogue
SS8G1a - c
SS8E1
SS8H1a,b
Constructed response
Selected response
Sample Performance Task
Enduring Understanding: The student will understand that location affects a society’s
economy, culture, and development.
You have been hired by the Georgia tourism board to create an informational poster that will be
displayed at all rest stops along Georgia’s interstate system. The objective of this advertising is to
attract more people to Georgia’s workforce by explaining the relationship of the region and it’s
economy, culture, and development. The format will consist of a collage of pictures which represent the
selected physiographic regions of Georgia.
You must first research the regions and find information regarding landforms, natural resources,
economic activity, population, climate and physical features. Sources for your research are
listed below. As you do this research, collect pictures representative of the criteria for the region to use
in your collage. Of course you will not be able to find pictures to represent all of the criteria for the
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region so your research will be very important. Create a display of the information you gather in your
research. Remember to address each of the topics listed.
You should think of a slogan for the region which relates geography to the main economic activities.
For example, historically, the New England colonies were also called the fish basket. Their location and
climate dictated the primary economic activities: fishing and ship building. Come up with a similar
slogan or term for your selected Georgia’s regions. People will want to know they can make a living
there if they relocate.
Finally, prepare a short narrative explaining the relationship between geographic factors (such as those studied)
and economic activity of an area (SS8G1, SS8E1)
Map and Globe Skills:
Information Processing Skills:
4. compare and contrast the categories of
natural, cultural, and political features found
on maps
12. compare maps with data sets (charts,
tables, graphs) and /or readings to draw
conclusions and make generalizations.
1. compare similarities and differences
2. organize items chronologically
9. construct charts and tables
11. draw conclusions and make generalizations
Note concerning rubrics: Each performance task is accompanied by two rubrics: a content rubric
and a product rubric. The content rubric (with bolded borders) is designed to measure how well a
student can use the standards to demonstrate the enduring understanding(s). The second rubric
focuses on the product of the performance task. This is where students are scored on items
involving grammar, punctuation, spelling, creativity, presentation, etc. It is intended that the
CONTENT rubric is weighed more heavily when assigning a grade to the students.
Content Rubric for Performance
Task Scale
Criteria
Describes the five
geographic regions of
Georgia
Describe the
differences
between
Regions
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1
Does Not Meet
Standard
Is not able to depict
and describe at least 3
of 4 prescribed
criteria (Topography,
economy, population
density, climate) for
all regions
Is not able to describe
at least 3 of 4
prescribed criteria
(Topography,
2
Needs Improvement
3
Meets Standard
4
Exceeds Standard
Is able to correctly
describe 3 of 4
prescribed criteria
(Topography,
economy, population
density, climate) for
all regions
Is able to correctly
describe 3 of 4
prescribed criteria
(Topography,
Accurately describes
how each of the
regions are alike in
terms of topography,
economy, population
density and climate
All of 3 and
additional
Accurate information
ie: current events,
political issues, etc.
Accurately identifies
major differences
between regions:,
population density,
All of 3 and
additional
accurate information
ie: current events,
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economy, population
density, climate) for
all regions
economy, population
density, climate) for
all regions
economy and climate
political issues, etc.
Describes main
economic activity
using a created
slogan
Is not able to identify
a term which relates
economic activity to
geography for at least
4 regions
Uses a term which
relates geography to
main economic
activity for less
4 of the regions
Uses a term which
correctly relates main
economic activity
with geography of all
regions
Analyzes the impact
of location on the
selected region.
Is unable to make a
connection between
economic activity and
geography
Has some idea that a
relationship exists but
is unable to explain
how geography
impacts economic
activities of an area
Student accurately
explains the impact of
geographic traits on
economic activity of
an area
Uses a term of phrase
which correctly
relates the main
economic activities
with
the geography
Student accurately
explains the impact of
geographic traits on
economic activity of
an area including
accurate historical and
current examples.
Product Rubric
Scale
Criteria
Collage of pictures
is neat and
presentable
Information
presented in table
with at least 6
categories
Narrative follows
correct grammar
and mechanics
Does Not Meet
Expectation
Pictures are too
small or unclear.
Most of the surface
area is visible.
Pictures are ripped
or wrinkled and glue
or tape is visible all
around pictures.
Information is not
presented in a table.
Numerous
spelling/grammar
errors. Paragraph is
less than 3
sentences.
Needs
Improvement
Some pictures are
too small to see
from a couple of
feet away. Pictures
do not cover most of
surface area. Some
glue and or tape is
visible.
Table is structured
appropriately but is
missing
information.
Several
spelling/grammar
errors. Paragraph is
too brief at 3-4
sentences.
Meets Expectations
Pictures are big
enough to be seen
from several feet
away and cover
most of surface. No
glue or tape is
visible.
Table is structured
appropriately and all
information is
included.
Few, if any, spelling
errors. Written in
paragraph form with
5 or more sentences.
Exceeds
Expectation
n/a
n/a
n/
Resources for Unit
Map of Georgia Regions To accurately locate regions and replicate for collage
http://sos.georgia.gov/archives/ : Georgia archives site for maps of Georgia in different time periods.
Newspapers, Magazines, Pictures and Photographs from across Georgia.(Georgia Magazine, Flint
Electric Publications, tourism pamphlets, Georgia Forestry magazines, photos from family vacations.
www.georgiaencyclopedia.com Resource to do research on Regions. Includes photos
www.ngeorgia.com Resource to do research on Regions includes photos
www.socialstudiesresources.com Eighth Grade Social Studies Program for Georgia: Georgia and the
American Experience: History Highlights ( Lessons 1-5 )
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http://www.gpb.org/GeorgiaStories/searchResults1776.jsp Georgia Stories: Video clips which
provide information on the topic. The link is to the Georgia Studies website however, these videos
are available on united streaming.
Thesaurus: may be helpful in creating slogans for the regions.
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Unit 2 Test
SS8G1a-d and SS8H1a
1. Prehistoric Indians made permanent settlements in order to
A. cultivate plants.
B. search for large game.
C. band together for protection.
D. follow herds of large animals.
2. Which statement BEST describes the physiographic (geographic) regions of Georgia?
A. Three of the regions have a combined land area smaller than that of the Piedmont Plateau.
B. The Coastal Plain is more than twice the size of the other four regions combined.
C. All the geographic regions contain good farmland.
D. The smallest area in land is the Blue Ridge region.
3. Which of Georgia’s regions has been described as the smallest region, the only source of
coal, and the location of Lookout Mountain?
A. Appalachian Plateau
B. Blue Ridge
C. Piedmont
D. Ridge and Valley
4. Which characteristic does NOT define a region?
A. climate
B. education
C. landforms
D. population
5. What two features must a political region have?
A. Boundary line and population
B. Legal government and a rural area
C. Highways and road signs
D. Legal boundary and a government system
6. In which region is the Okefenokee Swamp, the largest swamp in North America,
located?
A. Blue Ridge
B. Coastal Plain
C. Piedmont Plateau
D. Ridge and Valley
7. Which statement does NOT describe a characteristic of the barrier islands?
A. They serve as a wilderness sanctuary.
B. They protect the beaches from erosion.
C. They are frequently a target of hurricanes.
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D. They attract thousands of tourists each year.
8. Which statement BEST explains why there are so few Paleo sites in Georgia?
A. Remains from the “Old Stone Age” have been destroyed by natural forces.
B. The nomadic Paleo Indians did not leave many artifacts in one place.
C. Paleo sites were often looted by cultural groups that came after them.
D. Paleo Indians lived primarily in western states, not in Georgia.
9. Which statement LEAST explains why Georgia’s water resources have attracted
business and industry to the state?
A. Georgia has water resources that provide hydroelectric power.
B. Georgia has a large number of natural lakes.
C. Georgia has two major seaports on the Atlantic Ocean.
D. Georgia has abundant water-related recreational facilities.
10. Which region is known for its carpet manufacturing?
A. Piedmont
C. Blue Ridge
B. Ridge and Valley
D. Plateau
11. Which is NOT a theme of geography?
A. economics
C. movement
B. location
D. place
12. Which river forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina?
A. Chattahoochee
C. Flint
B. Oconee
D. Savannah
13. Which region receives the most rainfall?
A. Blue Ridge
C. Coastal Plain
B. Plateau
D. Piedmont
14. Which is an example of a secondary source?
A. diaries
C. textbook
B. speeches
D. eye-witness account
15. How many counties are in Georgia?
A. 149
C. 169
B. 159
D. 179
16. Which region has the largest population?
A. Plateau
C. Blue Ridge
B. Ridge and Valley
D. Piedmont
17. Which statement describes the Okefenokee Swamp?
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A. It has the highest recorded level of precipitation in Georgia.
B. It has the potential to produce hydroelectric power.
C. It is the largest freshwater marsh in Georgia.
D. It is located in the Piedmont region.
18. What is the highest peak in Georgia?
A. Amicalola Falls
B. Brasstown Bald
C. Cloudland Canyon
D. Tallulah Gorge
19. What two regions are separated by the Fall Line?
A. Appalachian Plateau and Blue Ridge
B. Blue Ridge and Piedmont Plateau
C. Coastal Plain and Blue Ridge
D. Coastal Plain and Piedmont Plateau
20. Which statement explains why archaeologists think that prehistoric Indians believed in
some form of life after death?
A. Tribal centers had churches and other symbols of worship.
B. Pictographs and cave drawings depicted a spiritual afterlife.
C. Legends of an afterlife were passed down from generation to generation.
D. Burial mounds contained items such as tools, tobacco pipes, and weapons
21. How many physiographic (geographic) regions does Georgia have?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
22. What is the largest physiographic (geographic) area in Georgia?
A. Appalachian Plateau
B. Coastal Plains
C. Piedmont Plateau
D. Ridge and Valley
23. What is the oldest prehistoric Indian civilization found in Georgia?
A. Archaic
B. Mississippian
C. Paleo
D. Woodland
24. Of what material were most of the tools of the Paleo people made?
A. copper
B. flint
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C. stone
D. wood
25. Why have few Paleo artifacts been found in any one place?
A. Few people lived during that time
B. People did not leave any artifacts
C. Artifacts disappeared over time
D. People moved frequently
26. Why did the Archaic people move frequently?
A. To find secure shelter
B. To locate farmland
C. To trade with others
D. To find enough food
27. Which people were the first to live in tribes?
A. Archaic
B. Mississippian
C. Paleo
D. Woodland
28. During which prehistoric period did the bow and arrow come into use?
A. Archaic
B. Mississippian
C. Paleo
D. Woodland
29. Who were the first people to use burial mounds?
A. Archaic
B. Mississippian
C. Paleo
D. Woodland
30. Which factor resulted in prehistoric Indians making permanent settlements?
A. The Indians had abundant large game.
B. The Indians began to cultivate plants.
C. The Indians followed herds of large animals.
D. The Indians wanted to band together for protection.
31. What are the names of the states that border Georgia?
A. Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina
B. Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida
C. Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina
D. Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Florida, and North Carolina
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Unit 2 Test Study Guide
SS8G1a-d and SS8H1a
1. Why there are so few Paleo sites in Georgia?
2. Which statement LEAST explains why Georgia’s water resources have attracted
business and industry to the state?
3. Why the Prehistoric Indians did made permanent settlements?
4. Describes the physiographic (geographic) regions of Georgia.
5. Which of Georgia’s regions has been described as the smallest region, the only
source of coal, and the location of Lookout Mountain?
6. Which characteristic does NOT define a region?
7. Which region receives the most rainfall?
8. What two features must a political region have?
9. In which region is the Okefenokee Swamp, the largest swamp in North America,
located?
10. During which prehistoric period did the bow and arrow come into use?
11. Which statement does NOT describe a characteristic of the barrier islands?
12. What is the oldest prehistoric Indian civilization found in Georgia?
13. Which region is known for its carpet manufacturing?
14. Which is NOT a theme of geography?
15. What is the highest peak in Georgia?
16. Which river forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina?
17. Why have few Paleo artifacts been found in any one place?
18. Which factor resulted in prehistoric Indians making permanent settlements?
19. Why did the Archaic people move frequently?
20. Which people were the first to live in tribes?
21. How many physiographic (geographic) regions does Georgia have?
22. Which is an example of a secondary source?
23. How many counties are in Georgia?
24. Which region has the largest population?
25. Describes the Okefenokee Swamp.
26. What two regions are separated by the Fall Line?
27. What is the largest physiographic (geographic) area in Georgia?
28. Who were the first people to use burial mounds?
29. Which statement explains why archaeologists think that prehistoric Indians believed
in some form of life after death?
30. What are the names of the states that border Georgia?
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