The Three Grand Divisions of Tennessee

The goal of this lesson is to teach third graders how to compare and contrast the three grand divisions of the state of Tennessee. They will compare and contrast such things as the landforms found in Tennessee, the various climates, population, natural resources, and major cities found in the three grand divisions of Tennessee. The students will be able to identify the three grand divisions, label them, locate areas where cities and natural resources are found, and also write a short summary comparing and contrasting these things.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will…

  • Identify, compare/contrast, and summarize the unique attributes of the three grand divisions of Tennessee.
  • Create a map depicting Tennessee and include a key labeling different aspects of the three grand divisions (including: climate, population, major cities, natural resources, and regions).
Essential and guiding questions: 
  • What are the three grand divisions?
  • What is unique about each division? Identify major cities, natural resources unique to each division, and the climate.
  • Explain where each division is located on a map and then create a key showing such things as major cities, natural resources, and population.
  • Compare and contrast each division in your own words.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • Tennessee Blue Book (PDFs provided)
    • pg. 539, Physiographic Map of Tennessee (attached)
    • pg. 685, The Three Grand Divisions
    • pgs. 539 – 540 (information on page 539 and first paragraph on page 540 for students to use to cite evidence of climate, natural resources, landforms)
  • Cut out template of the state of Tennessee (attached)
  • Construction paper
  • Glue
  • Markers and writing utensils