NYS LANDSCAPES PROJECT

The purpose of this project is to create an informational booklet describing some of the landscapes of New York State. Students will explain how each landscape is formed including the erosional and depositional features from mountains, rivers and glaciers that created New York’s landscapes. New York State has a rich diversity of many different landscapes all created by virtue of tectonic plate activity, weathering and erosion, and deposition.

Requirements:

1)  Informational Booklet (“Booklet”) must contain a cover. The cover must consist of a title and graphics (graphics may be drawn).

2)  The Booklet must devote a separate page(s) to each required landscape. Each landscape must have a heading and graphics explaining its formation.

3)  The Booklet must contain a Glossary (definitions section) and Table of Contents. The Glossary is found at the end of the Booklet and Table of Contents at the front of the Booklet.

4)  The Booklet must contain page numbers and citations.

5)  All information must be cited and paraphrased in your own words to demonstrate your understanding.

Content of Booklet:

1) A general explanation about how the 3 different types of landscapes (plains/lowlands, plateaus, and mountains) form.

2) Then IN THE SAME SECTION identify a specific NYS landscape that falls under the same category and provide a brief history that relies upon the rocks found in the area (refer to your ESRT) and a description of some surface features found within that specific landscape. All words in the glossary should be used and put in bold lettering/underlined for ease of reference.

3) Pick two different types of landscapes and compare and contrast the processes that led to the formation of both. Provide evidence in support.

4) Glossary must include, but may not be limited to, the following words:

a)  moraine

b)  drumlins

c)  weathering

d)  erosion

e)  deposition

f)  glacier

g)  till

h)  U-Shaped Valley

i)  V-Shaped Valley

j)  terminal moraine

k)  kettle lakes

l)  finger lakes

m)  outwash plains

n)  watershed

o)  plain

p)  plateau

q)  escarpment

r)  mountain

For each word please write the definition as well as the PAGE NUMBER that it is found on.

Synopsis:

This project requires critical high-level thinking. It requires students to analyze and interpret maps. It also requires students to conduct research.

Resources:

Aside from what we reviewed in class, the textbook and materials I can show you after school, the USGS is a helpful website.