Assessment
Student teams will design and construct a model of the state delineating the five geographic regions. They will also create a written response explaining some of the characteristics of each region. An exemplary model should include:

1. Clear representation of regional delineations 
2. Elevation changes visible as viewed from the side
3. A written response, in complete sentences, describing average temperature and precipitation values for each region, the elevation, precipitation and basic geology of a particular region and how these physical factors might dictate which animals and plants can survive in that region.

Scoring Rubric (Out of 10 Points)

• Clear representation of regional delineations (1 point)
• Elevation changes visible as viewed from the side/profile (2 points)
• Average temperature and precipitation values for each region listed in accompanying written response (2 points)
• Descriptions of the elevation, precipitation and basic geology of a each region in accompanying written response (3 points) 
• Descriptions of how these physical factors might dictate which animals and plants can survive in that region (2 points)
• Total: (10 points)

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Cross-Curricular Extensions
Language Arts Extension
Written by South Carolina Aquarium master teacher Derenda Phillips 3^rd grade teacher at E.P. Todd Elementary School. To access this activity, click here.

Social Studies Extension 
Construct another map that delineates the different regions with salt dough so that elevation differences are clearly shown. Have students use herbs to represent different wildlife communities found in the state and a key to show what each herb symbolizes (For example: Dill could represent salt marsh communities). Students can also use different colors of food-color dye to show where the different major watersheds are found in South Carolina.

Language Arts Extension
Have students write letters to other classes in the other regions of South Carolina. In the letters, students should describe what the physical features are of their region and what some of the wildlife communities in their region are like. Students should ask the other classes to send back descriptions of the region they live in, as well as any materials they can send, such as soil samples, rocks, leaves, etc.

Art Extension
Divide class up in teams by the South Carolina regions. Have each student team research the indigenous flora and fauna of their region and create a diorama.

Math Extension
Activity
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CLIMATE DATA ANALYSIS

Summary
Students will review data about South Carolina’s climate and make graphs, charts and maps illustrating annual climate information and will record climate measurements or extreme climatic events. Climate data for South Carolina from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Office of South Carolina Climatology (web addresses are included below).

1. Divide students up into climatologist groups of three to four students.
2. Have each group use the entire data set or assign a portion of the data set to each group.
3. Students review the data by reading the included climate information or retrieving information off of the internet at the Department of Natural Resources web pages listed below.
4. Each group should represent the climatological data in the form(s) of graphs, charts and/or maps. Each illustration should be well labeled and easy to understand. For example: a graph can be made showing the average and record annual precipitation for the different regions of the state.
5. The graphs and other illustrations should be displayed and/or presented to the rest of the group.
6. Discuss the results of the climate data analysis with the students and compare the results with the results from the mapping exercises. Are there trends in the climate data that correspond to the state’s geography?

Website references 

• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources climate data for South Carolina by county: http://water.dnr.state.sc.us/climate/sco/products/maps/
  counties/countyfrm.html
• South Carolina Office of Climatology: http://water.dnr.state.sc.us/climate/sco
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: http://water.dnr.state.sc.us
• Data from: South Carolina Office of Climatology: http://water.dnr.state.sc.us/climate/sco