OKH 1-1


Oklahoma Academic Standard 1. The student will describe the state’s geography and the historic foundations laid by American Indian­­, European, and American cultures.  

Objective 1.1  Integrate visual information to identify and describe the significant physical and human features including major trails, railway lines, waterways, cities, ecological regions, natural resources, highways, and landforms.

In a Nutshell

The purpose of this objective is to provide students with knowledge of the geography of our state and an understanding that Oklahoma consists of a wide variety of ecological regions. As a result there are numerous diverse and available natural resources that have aided the settlement and development of the state. The human features of the geography are also integral to an understanding of Oklahoma’s historical development as well as Oklahoma’s current economic and social landscape.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

  • Facilitate students in analyzing spatial patterns of human and physical environments, using geographic technology, from contemporary and historical perspectives of the natural environments of present-day Oklahoma.

  • Engage students in asking and answering geographic questions to acquire information regarding Oklahoma’s geographic regions and the available natural resources located in each region. 

  • Compose argumentative written products, including a precise claim as distinguished from opposing claims, organizing logical reasoning, and providing credible evidence to develop a balanced argument regarding the potential of economic growth based upon Oklahoma’s natural resources and geography. 

  • Evaluate the extent to which economic decisions have had on human and physical environments of various places and regions in Oklahoma. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

  • Oklahoma's Ten Geographic regions: Ozark Plateau, Prairie Plains, Ouachita Mountains, Sandstone Hills Region, Arbuckle Mountains, Wichita Mountains, Red River Valley Region, Red Beds Plains, The Gypsum Hills, High Plains 

  • fossil fuels, ecosystem, natural vegetation, weather versus climate, natural landforms, natural versus manmade waterways and navigation systems, transition zone

  • major metropolitan centers, including Oklahoma City and cities of the OKC metropolitan region, Tulsa and cities of the Tulsa metropolitan region, Lawton, Stillwater, Norman, Enid, Muskogee, Bartlesville, Shawnee, Ardmore, Ponca City, Bixby, Duncan, and Altus. 

  • major transportation routes, including the I-35 corridor, I-40 interstate system, Turner Turnpike, BNSF railroad system, Arkansas River navigation system and Port of Catoosa  

  • Depending upon their current location, students may perceive Oklahoma’s natural landscape as lacking variety. In reality, Oklahoma’s physical regions and geography are diverse as the state is situated in a geographic transition zone

  • Students may be unaware of the role humans have played in forming the waterway and reservoir systems present in many portions of Oklahoma and their role in the regional and national economy.

 

 

Instructional Resources

Access suggested instructional resources correlated to the standard and objective.