Glossary of Terms¶
This glossary contains 200 terms used in this US Geography textbook. Each definition is written for 5th-grade students and includes an example to help you understand the term.
Agriculture¶
The practice of growing crops and raising animals for food and other products.
Example: Iowa farmers practice agriculture by growing corn and soybeans in their fields.
Airports¶
Places where airplanes take off and land, used for travel and shipping goods.
Example: Chicago O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the United States, with planes leaving every few minutes.
Alabama¶
A state in the southeastern United States known for its history and cotton farming.
Example: Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, was an important city during the Civil Rights Movement.
Alaska¶
The largest US state by area, located in the far northwest, known for cold weather and wildlife.
Example: Alaska has glaciers, grizzly bears, and the tallest mountain in North America called Denali.
Appalachian Mountains¶
An old mountain range that runs along the eastern part of the United States from Georgia to Maine.
Example: Many families go hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which follows these mountains for over 2,000 miles.
Arctic Ocean¶
The smallest and coldest ocean, located at the top of the Earth near the North Pole.
Example: Alaska's northern coast touches the Arctic Ocean, where the water is often covered with ice.
Arid Climate¶
A dry climate with very little rainfall, usually found in desert areas.
Example: Phoenix, Arizona has an arid climate and gets less than 8 inches of rain each year.
Arizona¶
A southwestern state known for deserts, the Grand Canyon, and hot summers.
Example: The Grand Canyon in Arizona is over a mile deep and millions of years old.
Arkansas¶
A southern state known for forests, rivers, and rice farming.
Example: The Arkansas River flows through the state and is used for boating and fishing.
Atlantic Ocean¶
The ocean along the eastern coast of the United States, the second largest ocean in the world.
Example: States like Florida, New York, and Maine all have beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
Bays¶
Bodies of water partly surrounded by land, usually connected to an ocean or lake.
Example: Chesapeake Bay is home to crabs, oysters, and many kinds of fish.
Blizzards¶
Severe winter storms with heavy snow, strong winds, and cold temperatures.
Example: During a blizzard in Minnesota, schools often close because the snow makes roads dangerous.
California¶
The most populated US state, located on the West Coast, known for beaches, mountains, and Hollywood.
Example: California grows more fruits and vegetables than any other state, including almonds and oranges.
Cardinal Directions¶
The four main directions: north, south, east, and west.
Example: If you face the sunrise, you are looking east, one of the four cardinal directions.
Cascade Range¶
A mountain range in the Pacific Northwest with many volcanoes, including Mount Rainier.
Example: Mount St. Helens, a volcano in the Cascade Range, erupted in 1980.
Central Valley¶
A large, flat valley in California that is one of the most productive farming areas in the world.
Example: The Central Valley grows grapes, tomatoes, and almonds that are shipped all over the country.
Chesapeake Bay¶
The largest bay on the East Coast, located between Maryland and Virginia.
Example: Blue crabs from Chesapeake Bay are famous and used in Maryland crab cakes.
Chicago¶
The third largest city in the United States, located in Illinois on Lake Michigan.
Example: Chicago is known for deep-dish pizza, tall buildings, and windy weather.
Climate Definition¶
The average weather conditions in a place over a long period of time, usually 30 years or more.
Example: Florida has a warm, humid climate, which is why palm trees grow well there.
Climate Zones¶
Large areas of Earth that share similar temperature and weather patterns.
Example: The United States has many climate zones, from the tropical climate in Hawaii to the subarctic climate in Alaska.
Coastal Areas¶
Land that is next to an ocean, sea, or large lake.
Example: Miami is a coastal area where people enjoy swimming and surfing in the ocean.
Coastlines¶
The edges where land meets the ocean or sea.
Example: California has a long coastline with cliffs, beaches, and tide pools.
Colorado¶
A mountain state in the West known for skiing, hiking, and the Rocky Mountains.
Example: Denver, the capital of Colorado, is called the Mile High City because it sits one mile above sea level.
Colorado Plateau¶
A high, flat area covering parts of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico with colorful rock formations.
Example: The Grand Canyon was carved into the Colorado Plateau by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Colorado River¶
A major river in the Southwest that carved the Grand Canyon and provides water to millions of people.
Example: The Colorado River flows through seven states and provides water for cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Columbia Plateau¶
A large area of flat land in the Pacific Northwest formed by ancient lava flows.
Example: The Columbia Plateau in Washington and Oregon has rich soil that is good for growing wheat.
Columbia River¶
A large river in the Pacific Northwest that forms part of the border between Washington and Oregon.
Example: The Columbia River has many dams that create electricity for homes and businesses.
Compass Rose¶
A symbol on a map that shows the directions north, south, east, and west.
Example: Look at the compass rose on your map to figure out which way is north.
Connecticut¶
A small northeastern state, one of the original 13 colonies, known for its history and coastline.
Example: Connecticut is one of the smallest states but has many old towns from colonial times.
Conservation¶
The protection and careful use of natural resources like water, forests, and wildlife.
Example: National parks practice conservation by protecting animals and plants for future generations.
Continents¶
The seven large landmasses on Earth: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Example: The United States is located on the continent of North America.
Coordinates¶
Numbers that show an exact location on a map using latitude and longitude.
Example: Using coordinates, you can find the exact location of your school on a world map.
Corn Belt¶
A region in the Midwest where most of America's corn is grown.
Example: Iowa and Illinois are in the Corn Belt and grow billions of bushels of corn each year.
Cotton Belt¶
A region in the southern states where cotton was historically the main crop.
Example: The Cotton Belt stretches across states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Cultural Regions¶
Areas where people share similar traditions, languages, foods, and ways of life.
Example: The Southwest is a cultural region where you can see influences from Native American and Mexican traditions.
Dairy Farming¶
Raising cows to produce milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products.
Example: Wisconsin is famous for dairy farming and makes more cheese than any other state.
Delaware¶
The first state to join the United States, located on the East Coast between Maryland and New Jersey.
Example: Delaware is called "The First State" because it was the first to approve the US Constitution.
Demographic Changes¶
Changes in the population of an area, including how many people live there and who they are.
Example: Demographic changes in Texas show that more people are moving there from other states.
Deserts¶
Very dry areas that get less than 10 inches of rain per year.
Example: The Mojave Desert in California is so dry that some plants can survive years without rain.
Droughts¶
Long periods with little or no rain, which can hurt farms and water supplies.
Example: During droughts in California, people are asked to use less water at home.
Economic Geography¶
The study of where economic activities like farming, manufacturing, and trade happen.
Example: Economic geography helps explain why car factories are located in Detroit.
Environmental Issues¶
Problems that affect nature and the Earth, like pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.
Example: Environmental issues like water pollution can harm fish and make rivers unsafe for swimming.
Equator¶
An imaginary line around the middle of Earth that divides it into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Example: Countries near the equator, like Ecuador, have warm weather all year long.
Extreme Weather¶
Unusual and dangerous weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and heat waves.
Example: Extreme weather in the Midwest can include powerful tornadoes that destroy buildings.
Farming Regions¶
Areas of the country where certain crops are grown because of good soil and climate.
Example: The Central Valley in California is a farming region that grows fruits and nuts.
Fishing Industry¶
The business of catching fish and other seafood to sell for food.
Example: Alaska's fishing industry catches millions of pounds of salmon every year.
Florida¶
A southeastern state known for warm weather, beaches, and theme parks like Disney World.
Example: Many people retire to Florida because of its sunny climate and no state income tax.
Forestry¶
The science and business of managing forests and using wood products.
Example: Oregon's forestry industry plants new trees after cutting others to make lumber.
Geography Definition¶
The study of Earth's land, water, weather, and how people live in different places.
Example: In geography class, you learn about mountains, rivers, countries, and how people adapt to where they live.
Georgia¶
A southeastern state known for peaches, Atlanta, and being one of the original 13 colonies.
Example: Atlanta, Georgia is home to the busiest airport in the world.
Golden Gate Bridge¶
A famous orange-red suspension bridge in San Francisco, California.
Example: The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County and is often photographed in fog.
Grand Canyon¶
A huge, colorful gorge in Arizona carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Example: The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and visitors can hike down trails to reach the bottom.
Great Lakes¶
The five largest freshwater lakes in North America: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
Example: The Great Lakes hold about 20% of the world's fresh surface water.
Great Lakes States¶
The states that border the Great Lakes: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Example: The Great Lakes States have important ports for shipping goods across the country.
Great Plains¶
A large, flat area of grassland in the center of the United States, stretching from Texas to Canada.
Example: The Great Plains are perfect for growing wheat because the land is flat and the soil is rich.
Great Salt Lake¶
A large saltwater lake in Utah, the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Example: The Great Salt Lake is so salty that you can float easily without trying.
Great Smoky Mountains¶
A mountain range on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, known for misty peaks.
Example: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America.
Gulf of Mexico¶
A large body of water bordered by the US, Mexico, and Cuba, connected to the Atlantic Ocean.
Example: The Gulf of Mexico is important for fishing, oil drilling, and shipping.
Hawaii¶
A state made of islands in the Pacific Ocean, known for volcanoes, beaches, and tropical weather.
Example: Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee and has active volcanoes.
Hemispheres¶
Halves of the Earth, divided by the equator (north and south) or prime meridian (east and west).
Example: The United States is in both the Northern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere.
Hills¶
Raised areas of land that are smaller and rounder than mountains.
Example: San Francisco is famous for its steep hills that make some streets hard to drive on.
Houston¶
The largest city in Texas and fourth largest in the United States, known for NASA and energy industries.
Example: Houston is home to the Johnson Space Center where astronauts train for space missions.
Hudson River¶
A river in New York that flows from the Adirondack Mountains to New York City.
Example: The Hudson River was important for shipping goods during early American history.
Humid Continental¶
A climate with warm summers, cold winters, and rain throughout the year.
Example: Chicago has a humid continental climate with hot summers and freezing winters.
Humid Subtropical¶
A climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, found in the southeastern states.
Example: Georgia has a humid subtropical climate, which is why it stays green most of the year.
Hurricanes¶
Powerful storms that form over warm ocean water with strong winds and heavy rain.
Example: Hurricane Katrina caused terrible flooding in New Orleans in 2005.
Idaho¶
A northwestern state known for potatoes, mountains, and outdoor activities.
Example: Idaho grows more potatoes than any other state in the country.
Illinois¶
A midwestern state known for Chicago, farming, and Abraham Lincoln.
Example: Illinois produces huge amounts of corn and soybeans on its flat farmland.
Immigration Patterns¶
The ways people move from other countries to live in the United States.
Example: Immigration patterns show that many people from Asia and Latin America have moved to California.
Indiana¶
A midwestern state known for car racing, basketball, and manufacturing.
Example: The Indianapolis 500 is a famous car race held in Indiana every year.
Interstate Highways¶
The system of major roads that connect states and cities across the country.
Example: Interstate 95 runs along the East Coast from Maine to Florida.
Iowa¶
A midwestern state that is one of the top producers of corn and pigs.
Example: Iowa holds the first presidential caucus every four years, making it important in elections.
Islands¶
Land areas completely surrounded by water.
Example: Hawaii is made up of islands formed by underwater volcanoes.
Kansas¶
A midwestern state known for wheat farming, sunflowers, and being in the middle of the country.
Example: Kansas is so flat that you can see for miles across the wheat fields.
Kentucky¶
A southern state known for horses, bourbon, and the Kentucky Derby.
Example: The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in America, held every May.
Lake Erie¶
One of the five Great Lakes, the shallowest and warmest of the group.
Example: Lake Erie borders Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan.
Lake Huron¶
One of the five Great Lakes, located between Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
Example: Lake Huron has over 30,000 islands, more than any other freshwater lake.
Lake Michigan¶
The only Great Lake entirely within the United States, with shores in four states.
Example: Chicago sits on the shore of Lake Michigan, and people swim at its beaches in summer.
Lake Ontario¶
The smallest Great Lake by surface area, located between New York and Ontario, Canada.
Example: Niagara Falls flows into Lake Ontario after dropping over 150 feet.
Lake Superior¶
The largest of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.
Example: Lake Superior is so big that you cannot see the other side from its shores.
Lakes¶
Bodies of water surrounded by land, larger than ponds.
Example: Many states have lakes where people go fishing, swimming, and boating in summer.
Landmarks¶
Famous places or structures that are important or well-known.
Example: The Statue of Liberty is a landmark that welcomes people arriving in New York Harbor.
Landforms¶
Natural features on Earth's surface like mountains, valleys, and plains.
Example: The Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains are two different types of landforms.
Latitude¶
Imaginary lines that run east and west around Earth, measuring distance north or south of the equator.
Example: The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, and Minnesota is around 45 degrees north latitude.
Longitude¶
Imaginary lines that run north and south on Earth, measuring distance east or west of the prime meridian.
Example: The prime meridian is at 0 degrees longitude, and New York City is around 74 degrees west longitude.
Los Angeles¶
The second largest city in the United States, located in Southern California, home of Hollywood.
Example: Los Angeles is known for movies, beaches, and having people from many different countries.
Louisiana¶
A southern state known for New Orleans, Cajun culture, and being where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Example: Louisiana celebrates Mardi Gras with parades and parties every year in New Orleans.
Maine¶
The northeasternmost state, known for lobster, rocky coastlines, and forests.
Example: Maine catches more lobsters than any other state, and lobster rolls are a popular food there.
Major Cities¶
Large cities with many people, businesses, and important services.
Example: New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are the three largest major cities in the United States.
Manufacturing¶
Making products in factories using machines and workers.
Example: Detroit became famous for manufacturing cars at factories like Ford and General Motors.
Map Legend¶
A key on a map that explains what the symbols and colors mean.
Example: The map legend shows that a blue line means a river and a star means a capital city.
Map Reading Basics¶
The skills needed to understand and use maps, including finding directions and distances.
Example: Map reading basics help you find your way using roads, landmarks, and a compass rose.
Map Scale¶
The relationship between distances on a map and actual distances on Earth.
Example: The map scale shows that one inch on the map equals 100 miles in real life.
Maryland¶
A mid-Atlantic state known for Chesapeake Bay, crabs, and being near Washington DC.
Example: Maryland is famous for its blue crabs and Old Bay seasoning.
Massachusetts¶
A northeastern state, one of the original 13 colonies, home to Boston and many universities.
Example: Massachusetts has many famous colleges, including Harvard and MIT.
Mediterranean Climate¶
A climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
Example: California has a Mediterranean climate, which is great for growing grapes and making wine.
Metropolitan Areas¶
Large cities and the suburbs and towns around them.
Example: The New York metropolitan area includes parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
Michigan¶
A midwestern state surrounded by Great Lakes, known for cars and two separate peninsulas.
Example: Michigan is the only state you can point to on your hand because it's shaped like a mitten.
Mid-Atlantic States¶
The states between New England and the South: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
Example: The Mid-Atlantic States have many large cities and historical sites from colonial times.
Midwest Region¶
The north-central part of the United States known for farming, manufacturing, and the Great Lakes.
Example: The Midwest Region includes states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa.
Mining¶
Digging materials like coal, gold, and iron from the ground.
Example: West Virginia has a long history of mining coal from underground mines.
Minnesota¶
A northern midwestern state known for lakes, cold winters, and being the source of the Mississippi River.
Example: Minnesota is called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" but actually has more than 11,000 lakes.
Mississippi¶
A southern state named after the river, known for blues music and catfish farming.
Example: The Mississippi Delta region is famous for being where blues music was created.
Mississippi River¶
The second longest river in North America, flowing from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Example: The Mississippi River is so important that it's sometimes called "America's River."
Missouri¶
A midwestern state known for the Gateway Arch, rivers, and being the starting point for westward expansion.
Example: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri celebrates the city's role as the "Gateway to the West."
Missouri River¶
The longest river in North America, flowing from Montana to join the Mississippi River.
Example: Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri River on their famous expedition to the Pacific Ocean.
Montana¶
A mountain state in the Northwest known for big sky views, ranching, and Glacier National Park.
Example: Montana is called "Big Sky Country" because you can see so far across the open land.
Mount Rushmore¶
A famous sculpture carved into a mountain in South Dakota showing four presidents' faces.
Example: Mount Rushmore shows the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
Mountain States¶
The states containing parts of the Rocky Mountains: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.
Example: The Mountain States have ski resorts and beautiful national parks.
Mountains¶
Very high landforms with steep sides and peaks, formed by Earth's plates pushing together.
Example: The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range in North America.
National Parks¶
Protected areas of land managed by the government to preserve nature and history.
Example: Yellowstone was the first national park in the world, created in 1872.
Native American Lands¶
Territories where Native American tribes have legal rights and self-government.
Example: The Navajo Nation in the Southwest is the largest Native American reservation in the United States.
Natural Resources¶
Materials from nature that people use, like water, wood, oil, and minerals.
Example: Texas has many natural resources including oil, natural gas, and farmland.
Nebraska¶
A midwestern state known for cattle ranching, corn farming, and wide open prairies.
Example: Nebraska has more cattle than people, and beef is an important product.
Nevada¶
A western state known for Las Vegas, deserts, and mining.
Example: Nevada is the driest state in the country, with most of it being desert.
New England¶
The six northeastern states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Example: New England has beautiful fall colors when the leaves change in October.
New Hampshire¶
A northeastern state known for mountains, fall foliage, and being the first state to vote in presidential primaries.
Example: New Hampshire's White Mountains attract hikers and skiers from across the country.
New Jersey¶
A mid-Atlantic state between New York and Philadelphia, known for beaches and being densely populated.
Example: New Jersey has more people per square mile than any other state.
New Mexico¶
A southwestern state known for deserts, Native American and Spanish culture, and chile peppers.
Example: New Mexico is famous for its green and red chile peppers used in local cooking.
New York¶
A northeastern state with New York City, the most populous city in the United States.
Example: New York City's Times Square is one of the most visited places in the world.
New York City¶
The largest city in the United States, known for the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, and Wall Street.
Example: Over 8 million people live in New York City, more than in most states.
North America¶
The continent that includes the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
Example: The United States takes up a large part of the North America continent.
North Carolina¶
A southeastern state with mountains in the west and beaches on the Atlantic coast.
Example: North Carolina's Outer Banks are barrier islands with historic lighthouses.
North Dakota¶
A northern plains state known for wheat farming, oil production, and cold winters.
Example: North Dakota produces more wheat and sunflowers than almost any other state.
Northeast Region¶
The part of the United States in the upper right corner, including New England and the Mid-Atlantic states.
Example: The Northeast Region has many of America's oldest cities and historical landmarks.
Oceans¶
The five large bodies of salt water that cover most of Earth: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic.
Example: The Pacific Ocean on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east border the United States.
Ohio¶
A midwestern state known for manufacturing, football, and being home to many US presidents.
Example: Ohio has produced more US presidents than any state except Virginia.
Ohio River¶
A major river that forms the southern border of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
Example: The Ohio River was an important route for settlers moving west in early American history.
Oil and Gas¶
Fossil fuels found underground that are used for energy and making products.
Example: Texas produces more oil and gas than any other state in the country.
Oklahoma¶
A southern plains state known for oil, Native American heritage, and being in Tornado Alley.
Example: Oklahoma has more Native American tribal headquarters than any other state.
Oregon¶
A Pacific Northwest state known for forests, mountains, and rainy weather.
Example: Oregon's coast has beautiful cliffs, tide pools, and sea stacks.
Pacific Ocean¶
The largest ocean on Earth, located along the western coast of the United States.
Example: California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii all touch the Pacific Ocean.
Pacific States¶
The states along the Pacific Ocean: California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Example: The Pacific States have diverse geography from tropical beaches to frozen tundra.
Peninsulas¶
Pieces of land surrounded by water on three sides but connected to a larger landmass.
Example: Florida is a peninsula with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.
Pennsylvania¶
A northeastern state known for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and being where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Example: Pennsylvania is called the Keystone State because of its central location among the original colonies.
Phoenix¶
The capital and largest city of Arizona, one of the hottest major cities in the United States.
Example: Phoenix can reach temperatures over 110 degrees in summer, but people still love living there.
Physical Maps¶
Maps that show natural features like mountains, rivers, and deserts.
Example: A physical map uses colors to show that green areas are low and brown areas are mountains.
Plains¶
Large, flat areas of land, often covered with grass.
Example: The Great Plains stretch from Texas to Canada and are used for farming and ranching.
Plateaus¶
Flat, raised areas of land that are higher than the land around them.
Example: The Colorado Plateau is a high, flat area where the Grand Canyon was carved.
Political Maps¶
Maps that show borders, states, countries, and capitals.
Example: A political map of the United States shows all 50 states and their boundaries.
Population¶
The number of people living in a place.
Example: California has the largest population of any state, with about 39 million people.
Population Density¶
How crowded a place is, measured by the number of people per square mile.
Example: New Jersey has the highest population density because many people live in a small area.
Ports¶
Places where ships load and unload goods and passengers.
Example: The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest port in the United States.
Precipitation¶
Water that falls from the sky as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Example: Seattle gets a lot of precipitation because clouds from the Pacific Ocean bring rain.
Prime Meridian¶
The imaginary line at 0 degrees longitude that runs through Greenwich, England.
Example: Places west of the prime meridian, like the United States, are in the Western Hemisphere.
Railroads¶
Tracks and trains used for moving people and goods across the country.
Example: Railroads helped connect the East and West coasts when the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.
Rainfall Patterns¶
The typical amounts and times when rain falls in different places.
Example: The Pacific Northwest has rainfall patterns with most rain in winter and less in summer.
Ranching¶
Raising cattle, sheep, or other animals on large areas of land.
Example: Texas has huge ranches where cowboys care for thousands of cattle.
Regions Definition¶
Areas that share common features like climate, landforms, or culture.
Example: Geographers divide the United States into regions to make it easier to study.
Rhode Island¶
The smallest state in the United States, located in New England.
Example: Rhode Island is so small that you could drive across it in less than an hour.
Rio Grande¶
A river that forms part of the border between Texas and Mexico.
Example: The Rio Grande flows from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico, passing through New Mexico and Texas.
Rivers¶
Large natural streams of water that flow toward an ocean, lake, or another river.
Example: Rivers like the Mississippi provide water for drinking, farming, and transportation.
Rocky Mountains¶
A major mountain range stretching from New Mexico to Canada through the western United States.
Example: The Rocky Mountains have peaks over 14,000 feet tall and are popular for skiing and hiking.
Rural Areas¶
Countryside places with farms, forests, and small towns, away from cities.
Example: Rural areas in Nebraska have more cows than people.
San Francisco Bay¶
A large bay in California surrounded by San Francisco, Oakland, and other cities.
Example: The Golden Gate Bridge crosses the entrance to San Francisco Bay.
Seasons¶
The four times of year with different weather: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Example: Seasons change because Earth tilts as it moves around the sun.
Sierra Nevada¶
A mountain range in eastern California with tall granite peaks including Mount Whitney.
Example: Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Silicon Valley¶
An area in California famous for technology companies like Apple, Google, and Meta.
Example: Silicon Valley got its name from the silicon used to make computer chips.
Snowfall Regions¶
Areas that regularly receive snow during winter months.
Example: The snowfall regions around the Great Lakes get "lake effect snow" that can pile up quickly.
South Carolina¶
A southeastern state known for beaches, history, and being where the Civil War began.
Example: Charleston, South Carolina has beautiful old buildings and famous southern food.
South Dakota¶
A northern plains state known for Mount Rushmore and the Badlands.
Example: South Dakota's Badlands have amazing rock formations carved by wind and water.
Southeast Region¶
The part of the United States in the lower right corner, known for warm weather and southern culture.
Example: The Southeast Region includes states like Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Southern States¶
States in the southern part of the United States, generally known for warm weather and distinct culture.
Example: The Southern States include Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and others known for hospitality.
Southwest Region¶
The part of the United States including Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas, known for deserts.
Example: The Southwest Region has beautiful deserts, canyons, and Native American history.
State Borders¶
The lines that separate one state from another.
Example: The Mississippi River forms part of the state border between many states.
State Capitals¶
The cities where state governments are located.
Example: Each state has one state capital, like Austin in Texas or Albany in New York.
State Flags¶
The official flags that represent each state.
Example: Texas has a state flag with one star, which is why it's called the Lone Star State.
State Symbols¶
Official objects, animals, or plants that represent a state.
Example: California's state symbols include the grizzly bear and the golden poppy flower.
Statue of Liberty¶
A famous statue in New York Harbor that represents freedom and welcomed millions of immigrants.
Example: The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France and stands over 300 feet tall.
Subarctic Climate¶
A very cold climate with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.
Example: Most of Alaska has a subarctic climate where temperatures can drop to 50 below zero.
Suburbs¶
Areas around cities where people live in houses with yards, between cities and rural areas.
Example: Many families live in suburbs where they have more space than in the city.
Technology Hubs¶
Places where many technology companies and workers are located.
Example: Austin, Texas has become a technology hub with companies moving there from California.
Temperature Patterns¶
The typical hot and cold temperatures in a place throughout the year.
Example: Temperature patterns in Alaska are very different from temperature patterns in Florida.
Tennessee¶
A southern state known for country music, Memphis blues, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Example: Nashville, Tennessee is called "Music City" because it's the home of country music.
Texas¶
The second largest state by both area and population, known for oil, ranching, and cowboy culture.
Example: Texas is so big that it takes about 12 hours to drive from one side to the other.
Thematic Maps¶
Maps that show specific information like population, climate, or resources.
Example: A thematic map might use different colors to show how much rain falls in different places.
Time Zones¶
Regions where everyone uses the same time, with the US having six time zones.
Example: When it's noon in New York (Eastern time), it's only 9 AM in Los Angeles (Pacific time).
Topographic Maps¶
Maps that use lines to show the shape of the land, including hills and valleys.
Example: Topographic maps help hikers see how steep a trail will be.
Tornadoes¶
Powerful spinning columns of air that can destroy buildings and trees.
Example: Tornadoes happen most often in "Tornado Alley" in the Great Plains states.
Trade and Commerce¶
The buying and selling of goods and services between people, companies, and countries.
Example: Trade and commerce through American ports bring products from all over the world.
Transportation¶
The systems for moving people and goods from place to place.
Example: Transportation in the US includes cars, trains, planes, and ships.
Tropical Climate¶
A warm, wet climate found near the equator with no real winter.
Example: Hawaii has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round.
United States Location¶
Where the United States is found on Earth, in North America between Canada and Mexico.
Example: The United States location in the middle latitudes gives it many different climates.
Urban Areas¶
Cities and towns with many buildings and people living close together.
Example: Urban areas like New York City have tall buildings, subways, and millions of people.
US Borders¶
The lines that separate the United States from other countries.
Example: The US borders touch only two countries: Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
US Size Comparison¶
Understanding how big the United States is compared to other countries.
Example: A US size comparison shows that the country is about the same size as China or Brazil.
Utah¶
A western state known for red rock canyons, national parks, and the Great Salt Lake.
Example: Utah has five national parks, more than almost any other state.
Valleys¶
Low areas of land between mountains or hills, often with rivers running through them.
Example: California's Central Valley is surrounded by mountains and is great for farming.
Vermont¶
A small New England state known for fall foliage, maple syrup, and green mountains.
Example: Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state.
Virginia¶
A mid-Atlantic state known for American history, being home to many presidents.
Example: More US presidents were born in Virginia than in any other state.
Washington¶
A Pacific Northwest state known for Seattle, rain, and technology companies.
Example: Washington grows more apples than any other state.
Washington DC¶
The capital of the United States, located between Maryland and Virginia.
Example: Washington DC is where the President lives and where Congress makes laws.
Weather vs Climate¶
Weather is what happens day to day; climate is the average over many years.
Example: Today's weather might be rainy, but California's climate is usually dry.
West Region¶
The western part of the United States, including the Mountain States and Pacific States.
Example: The West Region has mountains, deserts, and coastlines with very different landscapes.
West Virginia¶
A state in the Appalachian Mountains known for coal mining and beautiful hills.
Example: West Virginia is the only state entirely within the Appalachian Mountain region.
Wheat Belt¶
A region in the Great Plains where most of America's wheat is grown.
Example: Kansas is in the Wheat Belt and produces wheat used for bread across the country.
Wisconsin¶
A midwestern state known for dairy farms, cheese, and the Green Bay Packers.
Example: Wisconsin makes more cheese than any other state and is called "America's Dairyland."
Wyoming¶
A mountain state known for Yellowstone National Park, ranching, and wide open spaces.
Example: Wyoming has the smallest population of any state but has some of the most famous parks.
Yellowstone¶
The first national park in the world, located mostly in Wyoming, known for geysers and wildlife.
Example: Yellowstone has geysers like Old Faithful that shoot hot water into the air every hour.
Yosemite¶
A national park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, famous for waterfalls and granite cliffs.
Example: Yosemite's Half Dome is a famous rock formation that climbers come from around the world to see.