Materials

• Physical and political maps of Russia and Central Asia
• Video on the physical features of the region, and a related, teacher-developed viewing guide
• Unlabeled physical/political outline maps of the region
• A list of the physical characteristics, countries, and cities to be located (see list on pp. 121–123)
• Student geography notes for the region (Attachment F)

Instructional Activities

1. Display a physical map of the region, and instruct students to analyze the physical features by reading the key and interpreting the map. Have the students answer the following questions:
   • What physical feature separates Europe from Asia? (Ural Mountains)
   • How many time zones does Russia span? (11)
   • What oceans border Russia? (Arctic and Pacific)
   
   Discuss the answers to the questions, using the maps to demonstrate.
   
   
2. Show a video on the physical features of Russia and Central Asia, and have students answer questions based on the information in the viewing guide. Discuss student responses to the questions.
   
   
3. Distribute physical/political outline maps of Russia and Central Asia and the list of the physical features, countries, and cities to be located. Direct students to complete their maps, using the student geography notes for the region (Attachment F). Alternatively, assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.
   
   
4. Have students practice locating countries of the region, using free map puzzles and games found at the following site: Owl and Mouse Educational Software. <http://www.yourchildlearns.com/owlmouse.htm>.