We believe there's more to learning United States geography than maps and capitals. Sure, those things have their place, but a truly outstanding geography curriculum needs to do much more. Most importantly, it must help students become geographers so they can explore, understand, and develop a connection to the world around them and their place in it. The best geography curriculum for elementary students should also offer a dynamic and high-interest mix of topics, skills, and experiences, and present them in an engaging, hands-on way. This helps students feel inspired and enthusiastic about discovering the amazing world we live in.
We understand that finding the best geography curriculum can be tough. That's why we've compiled Storylark Road’s Top Ten Essential Components of the Best United States Geography Curriculum.
Physical Geography
Understanding the physical layout of the U.S. is key for helping students appreciate its diversity. The best geography curriculum should introduce students to:
- landforms: mountains, plains, plateaus, valleys, mesas, and more
- water features: rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
- climate zones: arid deserts, temperate forests, and coastal zones
- geological features: unique formations like volcanoes, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone’s geysers, and the Appalachian Mountains
- regions and their distinct natural landscapes and resources
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
The cornerstone of each state unit is the geographical and geological makeup of the state, presented through 2 to 4 journal entries per state. Your student will join Thaddeus, our traveling cat narrator, as he explores major landforms and water features and points out geologic wonders. Side bars in each lesson include further information on climate, ecosystems, and points of interest.
Map Skills
Teaching map skills helps students locate and connect with the places they’re studying. The best geography curriculum gives students the opportunity to:
- identify states and capitals
- master cardinal directions and the use of a compass
- read maps and understand scales, legends, and topography
- explore latitude and longitude
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Students follow Thaddeus on a well-planned road trip across the United States that makes sense geographically. Bolstered by maps showing where Thaddeus has been and where he’s going next, this logical approach helps students create long-term mental images of each state’s layout and the physical relation between states. Interactive map activities reinforce these skills and make them fun and relatable.
Regional Characteristics
Regions in the U.S. are as culturally distinct as they are geographically diverse. The best geography curriculum should explore:
- cultures shaped by geography, such as Indigenous peoples thriving in the arid West and the development of agriculture in fertile valleys
- state cultural highlights and fun facts
- regional industries such as mining or fishing
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Our narrator Thaddeus takes students along as he interacts with local culture in each state. From visiting pueblos to descending into historical silver mines to partaking in local foods and traditions, students will see the sights, experience the culture, and understand the unique characteristics of each state.
Human-Environment Interaction
Geography is inseparable from human activity. The best geography curriculum teaches students:
- how natural resources shape industries
- the influence of geography on land use and settlement patterns
- the importance of conservation, such as national parks, forests, and wildlife preservation efforts
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Major industries and land use are touched upon in context of the surrounding geography, such as fishing in Massachusetts, wheat farming in Kansas, and agriculture in California. Conservation efforts are often highlighted in sidebars, such as Nevada’s wild horses, the southwest’s Dark Sky areas, New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness, and reef preservation in Hawai’i.
Historical Geography
Understanding historical geography adds depth to students’ knowledge. The best geography curriculum includes information about:
- Indigenous peoples and their connection to the land
- how geography influenced the development of cities
- natural and cultural landmarks like Monument Valley and Mount Rushmore
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Information about Indigenous peoples and their relation to the land is interwoven in the journal entries and sidebars of each state unit. Our traveling cat visits and remarks on the history of many cultural landmarks, sharing stories about the Indigenous peoples connected to these places. Each entry also explores landforms and natural resources, and how geography shaped the development of cities and towns across the country.
Hands-On Activities
Nothing beats interactive activities for making learning memorable! The best geography curriculum should incorporate a variety of hands-on activities that are directly related to the lesson, including:
- creative projects
- games
- experiments
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Each day’s journal entry includes a corresponding hands-on activity that directly relates to the day’s reading. Students create booklets on topics like landforms and desert animals; play card and board games about traditional foods in Hawai’i or the mining industry in Nevada; perform experiments on buoyancy; and practice map scale ratio by measuring California’s bridges. The flexibility of Hit the Road Geography also makes it easy for teachers to add virtual or physical field trips and other enrichment activities.
Essential Vocabulary
To discuss geography effectively, students need to know the correct terminology. The best geography curriculum introduces students to:
- area terms like continent, country, state, region, and border
- landform terms like plateau, mountain, forest, canyon, river, and volcano
- geographical and geological terms like elevation, sea level, faults, sandstone, tectonic plates, and erosion
- environmental terms like ecosystem, biome, climate, and biodiversity
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Key vocabulary words in every journal entry are highlighted in yellow, while landmarks are highlighted in green and water forms are highlighted in blue. Many definitions are reinforced in each unit's booklet activity, such as types of landforms and volcanic terms. Glossary sheets for each state unit make it quick and easy to reference pertinent terminology.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Geography naturally connects to other subjects. The best geography curriculum will show students connections to:
- language arts
- science
- history
- math
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Engaging reflection sheets and activities keep students active across all subject areas!
Language arts: Our reflection sheets include interesting questions for critical thinking and imaginative creative writing prompts.
Science: Students learn about ecosystems and habitats and conduct science experiments on topics like buoyancy.
History: Historical events are touched upon in relation to geographical and geological landmarks, and each unit provides information on Indigenous peoples.
Math: Students use scales to measure bridges, calculate distances on maps, and practice working with latitude and longitude.
Learning that Sticks
The best geography curriculum will teach concepts in a way that promotes lifelong retention and includes:
- an exciting, story-based approach with daily narratives that bring geography to life
- opportunities to make learning personal
- interdisciplinary review
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Our captivating characters take students on exciting, memorable, and often humorous adventures filled with exploration, quirky discoveries, and unusual facts about places, people, landmarks, and natural wonders. Reflection sheets include discussion points, questions, and creative writing that bring the student’s personal experiences to each lesson, while hands-on activities help students review concepts across the curriculum.
Inspiration for Lifelong Curiosity
The best geography curriculum doesn’t just teach facts—it should also cultivate a sense of wonder and an understanding of how geography shapes the world and our place in it.
✓ How Hit the Road Geography does it
Through exploration, creativity, and critical thinking, students will come away not just with knowledge but with a lifelong appreciation for the vast and varied landscape of the United States. Our lessons are carefully curated to be immersive and to spark a natural curiosity about our country, our geography, and the world around us.
We've Done the Work for You!
Say goodbye to dull geography lessons that don't stick and hello! to a fun-filled, story-based adventure across the United States! Hit the Road Geography is a comprehensive curriculum that makes learning immersive and engaging, and fosters lifelong connections. Ready to transform US geography into your student’s favorite subject? Explore our curriculum today!
