Map Mashup

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I would use this map with sixth graders to help them understand crops in the United States. This mashup shows the general regions where the five most highly produced crops in the United States are grown (corn, soybeans, hay, wheat, and cotton). In the descriptions there are descriptions, pictures, and links to help the students learn more about each kind of crop and how it is used. In using this in a classroom, I would divide my students into five groups leaving each group responsible for one crop. It would be up to the group to use the resources on the map and any additional resources they want to use to learn about their crop, where it is grown in the US, and how it is used. I would also have the students use their knowledge of US climate to determine what the optimum growth climate for each crop. For example, students could determine that cotton grows better in a hot, dry environment than the other crops do. This will help students learn about a new subject by incorporating prior knowledge.