Discovering the Multi-Factor Region.

Designed for students in grades 7 through 10, this teaching unit presents illustrative resource materials depicting the multi-factor nature of a geographic region. The unit focuses not only on climatic factors, but also on introducing other regional factors in an informal way. A blackboard summary of a class discussion of the different regions is presented. The aim of the unit is for students to understand that: (1) regions can be virtually any size; (2) as the number of factors considered increases, the region must become smaller; (3) multi-factor regions can often be designated by more than one name; (4) the study of geography must consider human influences; (5) different regions interact with one another, principally through the agency of human beings; (6) a region cannot be controlled or managed without boundaries; and (7) political regions that also happen to be natural and geographical regions tend to be more stable or unified than political regions that do not make geographic sense. Seven student questions require students to compare geographic regions on a map of Africa and to record their understanding by completing charts and cross-sections. An answer key and notes are provided, together with illustrations, charts, and graphs. (LH)