Farming & the rural landscape

A Human Geography GeoInquiry from Esri

This GeoInquiry activity explores the different types of land use found in rural landscapes. This page includes: Teacher guide (PDF), an interactive map, and student activities. Want to   learn more about GeoInquiries ?

Target grade band and subject

  • High school AP human geography

AP skills & objectives (CED)

  • Skill 4.D: Compare patterns and trends in sources to draw conclusions. 
  • PSO-5.B Identify different rural settlement patterns and methods of surveying rural settlements.
  • IMP-5.A: Explain how agricultural practices have environmental and societal consequences.

Learning outcomes

  • Students will identify differences in the distribution of arable land on a global scale.
  • Students will use imagery to analyze differences in rural land use and the alteration of the natural environment.

Teachers' guide

A two-page teacher's guide that includes the geographic inquiry instructional activity, learning objectives, C3 links, tech tips, and textbook linkages.

Interactive map

MapMaker screen shot

Launch the map in a new window or tab in your browser by pressing the button below. The image on the right shows the startup appearance of the mapping tool.

You can also provide students with the URL: https://esriurl.com/geoHG10

Resources

Esri produced supplemental resources to support this GeoInquiry.

Vocabulary list

Students or teachers may use this vocabulary list. This resource is useful for note-taking, reinforcement, or quizzes.

Self-check

Students can answer these self-check, multiple-choice questions. No scores are recorded or shared. This resource is ideal for reinforcement of concepts.

Share the URL with students: https://esriurl.com/checkHG10

Worksheet

Download and distribute student worksheets to support independent study, homework, or quizzes. The worksheet questions are aligned to the questions presented in the teacher guide.

Other resources

Collaborator produced resources to support this GeoInquiry.

Undercover Mapper

An introduction to GeoInquiries for students or teachers

Word search puzzle

This word search uses the vocabulary list above. It can be completed online or printed and distributed.

Crossword puzzle

This crossword uses the vocabulary list above. It can be completed online or printed and distributed.

LMS support

Add the student worksheet directly to your Google Classroom. Additionally, you may push the map link directly into Google Classroom.