Unit Overview

In this unit, students explore how geography influences where and why people settle, using Tennessee as a foundation and Macon County as a real-world example. Students will examine maps, regions, and physical features such as rivers, hills, and farmland, and consider how these factors shaped early communities. By connecting state-level geography to their own local area, students develop a deeper understanding of how the land impacts human decisions, both in the past and today.

Lesson 1:
Mapping Tennessee

Identify Tennessee on a U.S. map and label major regions and surrounding states

Local Connection:
Locate Macon County within Tennessee and identify nearby counties and region (Middle Tennessee)

Lesson 2:
Regions of TN

Compare west, middle, and east Tennessee and difference in land and climate

Local Connection:
Identify which region Macon County belongs to and compare local landscape to other TN regions

Lesson 3:
Land & Resources

Identify the types of land features in Tennessee and explain how geography effects how people live

Local Connection:
Identify local land features and how they effect the local culture and daily life in Macon County

Lesson 4:
Settling in TN

Explore how land, water, and resources influence settlement and connect it to settlement decisions

Local Connection:
Explain why local settlers chose the region that is now Macon County and what resources it offered to settlers

Lesson 5:
County Case Study

Apply knowledge of settlement and geography and compare to other counties and or regions

Local Connection:
Compare Macon County to other local counties and the resources and decisions of settling Macon County

🗺️ Lesson 1: Mapping Tennessee

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students are introduced to the geographic location of Tennessee within the United States. They will learn how to read and interpret maps by identifying state boundaries, regions, and neighboring states. Students will also locate Macon County on a map, helping them connect statewide geography to their own local community.

✅ Tennessee Standards Alignment

• SSP.01 – Gather information from maps and geographic tools

• SSP.02 – Analyze and interpret visual information (maps, charts)

• SSP.03 – Create and use geographic representations

Learning Goals

Read and interpret a basic map
Identify Tennessee in the US
Locate Macon County

Student Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Identify Tennessee on a U.S. map and abel or recognize neighboring states
Describe it's location within the country and compare to similar states
Locate Macon County and explain its position within the state
Compare local geography to wider state geography

Local Connection

Locate Macon County
Identify its position in Middle TN
Recognize nearby counties

Materials

Detailed Lesson Plan

Teacher Instruction Guide

Printable U.S. Map

TN Map Worksheet

Macon County Map

Regions Reference Sheet

Practice Worksheet

Exit Ticket (Assessment)