American History

Climographs are a graphic way of displaying climate information; specifically, average temperature and precipitation. They are a valuable tool in studying climate, but also can be used to infer connections between climate and human conditions. In this lesson by National Geographic, students learn about how to read, analyze, and construct climographs.

In the lessons provided on this web site, students will learn about one of the greatest challenges facing an ever-growing population: feeding everyone. As populations grow, food production must also increase, leading to innovative advances in agriculture.

Through this lesson examining the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, students will understand the social and economic effects of the 1930s drought on American farmers; analyze the effects of human modification of landscapes; use knowledge of climate and weather to explain geographic phenomena; use a variety of media to display data.

These essays by leading scholars address a variety of themes that enable teachers to show their students how the forces that shaped the American landscape also shaped America’s Past.