Social Studies: Landforms and Bodies of Water
Identifying major landforms and water features
Social Studies: Landforms and Bodies of Water
Identifying major landforms and water features
Social Studies - Grade 4-5
- 1
What is a mountain? Describe one main feature of a mountain.
Think about very tall land that stands above nearby areas.
A mountain is a landform that rises high above the land around it. One main feature of a mountain is its steep sides and high peak. - 2
What is a valley? Explain where valleys are often found.
A valley is a low area of land between hills or mountains. Valleys are often found between higher areas of land and may have a river running through them. - 3
A plain is a large area of mostly flat land. Why are plains often good places for farming?
Think about what farmers need to grow crops.
Plains are often good places for farming because the land is flat and easier to plant and harvest. Many plains also have rich soil. - 4
What is a plateau? How is it different from a mountain?
A plateau is an area of high land with a mostly flat top. It is different from a mountain because a mountain usually has a pointed or rounded peak instead of a broad flat top. - 5
What is a river? Describe how a river moves.
Think about where water flows because of gravity.
A river is a large natural stream of flowing water. A river moves downhill from higher land to lower land and often empties into a lake, sea, or ocean. - 6
Explain the difference between a lake and an ocean.
A lake is a body of water surrounded by land, while an ocean is a huge body of salt water that covers much of Earth. Oceans are much larger than lakes. - 7
What is an island? Give a sentence that tells where water is found around it.
Think about land with no land touching it.
An island is a piece of land completely surrounded by water. Water is found on all sides of an island. - 8
What is a peninsula? How is it different from an island?
A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides and connected to the mainland on one side. It is different from an island because an island is surrounded by water on all sides. - 9
A map shows a narrow strip of water between two pieces of land. What body of water might this be called?
It is a narrow water passage between land areas.
This body of water might be called a strait. A strait is a narrow passage of water between two larger land areas. - 10
What is a desert? Describe one challenge for plants or animals living there.
A desert is a very dry landform that gets little rain. One challenge for plants or animals living there is finding enough water. - 11
Name one similarity and one difference between a hill and a mountain.
Think about how they look alike and how they are not the same.
One similarity is that both hills and mountains are raised areas of land. One difference is that mountains are usually taller and steeper than hills. - 12
Why do people often live near rivers, lakes, or oceans? Give two reasons.
People often live near rivers, lakes, or oceans because these places can provide water and food. They can also make travel, trade, and transportation easier.