Generally, Europe consists of four major land regions: the northwest mountains region that traverse France, Ireland, Norway, Finland and portions of Russia; the great plains area consisting of extensively flatlands, some rolling hills, and similar land masses extending from Russia to portions of France; the central and upland regions, that include high plateaus, low-lying mountains extending through central Europe; and the Alpine Mountain range that spans Southern Europe from Spain to land found near the Caspian Sea. Some of the highest mountains are found in this region. Rivers and lakes lie throughout many of its countries. Weather in this portion of the world is generally milder than in its Asian and African counterparts. Found within this area are rich deciduous and evergreen forests (particularly in the northern area), grasslands that include steppes (dry areas where only short grasses grow) and prairies (fertile areas with taller grasses used primarily by farmers for grazing cattle), and high mountains and tundra. Have your students conduct independent research to learn more about this beautiful region.
France: An Up Close Look
Words to Highlight
agriculture
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Parisians
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border
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coastline
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plains
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plateaus
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mountain
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valleys
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lowlands
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channel
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bay
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river
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sea
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lumber
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lumbering
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industry
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urban area
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countryside
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France is the largest country in Western Europe. Its world-renowned capital, Paris, is its largest city; its major landmarks are the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the largest art museum in the world, The Louvre.
France has a population of approximately 60 million people, many who reside in or near the metropolitan region of Paris. Many of its residents were not born in the country, but rather traveled from such countries as Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Indochina. This constitutes about 7-10% of today's population. French is the dominant language spoken in this European country.
France is diverse in its geography. To the north and western regions lie flat or rolling plains. Hills and mountains are located in its east central and southernmost regions. Plateaus are found in the Northeast. Valleys and lowlands, central highlands, and major mountain ranges such as the French Alps, Jura and Pyrenees mountains dot the land. The richest farmlands lie in the country's north and northeastern regions. The northwestern portion is used primarily for grazing cattle and sheep. Beef and mutton are its major meat products. Grapes, which grow abundantly in Southern France, are used primarily for wine production.
France has many rivers. The Loire is the country's longest river. It is approximately 650 miles long. France is bordered to the North and Northeast by Belgium and Germany, to the east by Switzerland, to the Southeast by Italy, and to the South by Spain. The English Channel and Bay of Biscay borders its western coastline. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the southeast portion of the country. Taking a closer look at the country, we find it has 10 distinct geographic features:
The
Brittany Normandy Hills,
located in the northwestern portion of France, consist of ancient rock covered with poor soil and some fertile areas. Dairy farms and grasslands dot the land. Its bay indents the rugged coast and in some places serve as a fishing harbor.
The Northern France Plains
are a blend of forested hills and plateaus, with very fertile soil on surrounding flat or rolling plains. Here, sugar beets, wheat, potatoes, barley, and oats grow in abundance and are the primary crops in this region. Coal is mined near its Belgium border. This portion of France is heavily populated.
The Rhine Valley, located in the eastern portion of France, consists of steep slopes and rich farmlands. Fertile soil along the Rhine Rivers contributes to the rich agricultural area. The Rhine is a major waterway in Europe around which major roads and thoroughfares have been developed.
Its
Northeastern Plateau
is a region brimming with woodlands and rugged cliffs. The Ardennes Mountains, which lies between France and Belgium, are located in this area. An abundance of iron ore deposits are found in these mountains. Hereto lies fertile slopes where farmers raise livestock and a variety of crops. Many people who reside in the Northeastern Plateau area- work in the lumbering industry.
Sandy beaches are found in the
Aquitanian Lowlands
. Pine forests and sand dunes are abundant in the inland portion of this region. The land is conducive to the growing of grapes.
The French Alps and the Jura Mountains border on Italy and Switzerland. Mont Blanc, part of the French Alps mountain chain, is the highest point in France. Snow always blankets the top of this mountain. Streams that run off these mountainous regions serve as a source of hydroelectric power for the country.
Massif Central
or
the Central Highlands
consist of valleys where rye and other grains grow in abundance. The Louve River runs through this part of the country. This region is dotted with low-lying grasslands, and forests that cover elevated slopes. Soil here is very poor.
The Mediterranean Lowlands and Rhone Saone Valley
are France's most productive farming areas. They are bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. Fruits, vegetables, and graph used for the manufacturing of wine grow abundantly in this southern portion of France. One of the country's largest seaports, Marseilles, is located in this region. The Riviera, a famous French resort, is also located in this area.
Corsica is a small island off the cost of France. Although physically unattached from the mainland, Corsica belongs to France. Its hills and mountains are similar to those found in France's central highlands. Land here is generally infertile. Crops, however, do grow in its valley, and sheep graze in its mountainous region.
Activity 1: Film A -
Le Ballon Rouge/The Red Balloon
You are about to view a film that takes place in a Parisian village. The story takes place many years ago, back in 1956. Things have changed dramatically in France since that time. Nevertheless, we will intensely observe the film, focusing in on the storyline that is being conveyed. We are also going to pretend that we are actually in France. Look closely at the setting. Make a mental note of all the landscapes and ways of life you notice.
Questions to Explore
What types geographic regions did you observe?
How might the landscape impact the way people traveled?
What type of community did you observe? Describe it.
Based on surrounding geography, how might its people have made a living?
What type of climate is depicted?
How did climate impact the way people dressed?
What language(s) were spoken throughout the film?
Activity 1: Film B -
The Drop of Milk
(26 minutes)
We are revisiting this film, this time paying major attention to the French segment. Notice that this image of France differs greatly from the images portrayed in
The Red Balloon.
Again, the story may appear to be very real because it actually filmed in France. The story, however, is fiction. Were you to travel France today, as in most of the countries we have visited thus far, you would experience a blend of modern-day living and traditional lifestyleseven a golf course! This story depicts a time long, long ago. It is a folktale acted out by actors who come from southern France. We will observe the film, focusing in on the storyline that is being conveyed. We are also going to pretend that we are actually in this section of France. Look closely at the setting. Make a mental note of all the landscapes and the noticeable ways of life.
Students will record their observations on a film observation form (see Attachment A). While viewing the film, students are asked to keep in mind the following:
What types of geographic regions did you observe?
How might the landscape impact the way people traveled?
What type of community did you observe? Describe it.
Based on surrounding geography, how might its people have made a living?
What type of climate is depicted?
How did climate impact the way people dressed?
What language(s) were spoken throughout the film?
Think about the French landscape experienced in
The Drop of Milk
. Think about the landscape you observed in
The Red Balloon
. Compare. How do the landscapes differ? How are they similar?
Activity 2: Story Map/Film
Students will complete a storymap highlighting their basic understanding of the film. (See Attachment B.)
Poland: An Up-Close Look
Words to Highlight
Poles
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peat bog
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peat
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uplands
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highlands
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lowlands
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woodlands
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swamps
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rye
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sugar beets
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fertile
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industrialized
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lumber
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lumbering
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harbors
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beach
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precipitation
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Officially referred to as the Republic of Poland, this European country is diverse in geography and climate. Poland itself is divided into seven land regions, and its climates vary greatly dependent upon the region. The country is a blend of mountainous regions and lowland areas. As is expected, the mountainous areas are much cooler than lowland areas. Its coastal regions also have much milder weather than is found in the inland region. Temperatures throughout the country average 26°F in January and 73°F (23°C) in July. Average rainfall, snowfall, and other forms of precipitation totals 24 inches annually.
Excluding a portion of its northwestern border adjacent to the Baltic Sea, seven European countries surround Poland: To the west lies Germany. The Czech Republic lies to the southwest of the country. To the south lies Slovakia, to the southeast the Ukraine, to the east Belarus, and to the northeast, Russia and Lithuania.
Polish people refer to themselves as Poles, and the language most widely spoken throughout the country is Polish. The majority of its inhabitants are Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. A minority of the population consists of Jews, Muslims, and other religious groups. These people reside throughout the regions noted below:
The
Coastal Lowlands
is located in the northwestern portion of the country, surrounded by smooth beaches and natural harbors (with Gdansk, Gydnia, and Szczecin respectively comprising the only major cities in this area).
The
Baltic Lakes Region
, comprised of decayed-plant laden swamps (peat bogs) and hilly tree-laden areas, covers most of Northern Poland. The Baltic Lakes region consists is surrounded by thousands of small lakes and lush woodland areas. The area is known for lumbering and vacation camping;
The
Central Plains
are a low-lying area south of the Baltic Lakes. This region is brimming with rich soil suitable for growing rye, potatoes, sugar beets, and other crops. It is one of Poland's major agricultural areas.
The
Polish Uplands
consist of low-lying mountains and plateaus overlaid with rich, fertile soil; coal, lead, zinc, and copper. Located south of the Central Plains region, the Polish Uplands are found within mountainous regions. Coal-mining and metal-processing are major industries here; Katowice, a large city, is the country's most highly industrialized region in Poland. Fertile soil also covers much of the Polish Uplands, particularly in the eastern region: Here, corn, potatoes, and wheat rank among the region's major crops
The
Western Carpathian Mountains
are located at the southernmost portion of the country. They are thickly forested and serve as a scenic vacation spot and woodland campers' paradise.
The
Sudeten Mountains
, laden with valleys and rolling foothills, are located in Southwestern Poland. The land is suitable for crop-raising and cattle-grazing.
Carpathian Forelands, a fertile region brimming with rolling hills and farmland. Located in the southeastern part of the country, it is one of the most densely populated areas.
Most Polish families who live in or near city areas in any of the above-noted regions usually live in simple two- or three-room apartment dwellings. In rural areas, small brick or wooden cottages serve as housing.
Activity 1:
Zlateh The Goat
(20 minutes)
You are about to view a film that takes place in a small Polish town. This story, however, was not filmed in Poland, but rather in a countryside near the Czech Republic capital city of Prague. Often, filmmakers produce films in specific regions because of similarities in landmasses, as holds true in this instance. The story takes place long ago. Things have changed dramatically in Poland and Prague since that time. Nevertheless, we will envision ourselves being in this region, intensely observe the film, focusing in on the storyline that is being conveyed. We are also going to pretend that we are actually in Poland. Look closely at the setting. Make a mental note of all the landscapes and ways of life you notice.
Questions To Explore
Students will record their observations on a film observation form (see Attachment A). While viewing the film, students are asked to keep in mind the following:
What types geographic regions did you observe?
How might the landscape impact the way people traveled?
What type of community did you observe? Describe it.
Based on surrounding geography, how might its people have made a living?
What type of climate is depicted?
How did climate impact the way people dressed?
What language(s), if any, were spoken throughout the film?
Activity 2: Story Map/Film
Students will complete a storymap highlighting their basic understanding of the film. (See Attachment B.)