Adventures in Time and Place

Adventures in Time and Place
Grade 4: Regions
Infographic #5: Land and Water of the Northeast
Page 150

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1. The 2,167 mile Appalachian Trail stretches from Maine to Georgia. To find out what the trail is like in each of the nine Northeast states that it runs through, go to Hike the Trail.
http://www.atconf.org/hike/index.html

Click A.T. State-by-State.
On the map, click these states to read about their sections of the trail: ME (Maine), NH (New Hampshire), VT (Vermont), MA (Massachusetts), CT (Connecticut), NY (New York), NJ (New Jersey), PA (Pennsylvania), and MD (Maryland).
Read each overview. Take note of the terrain, the difficulty, and any special features.
After you read about a state, click the Back arrow to return to the map.

Online Activity: A Changing Trail
Use the information from the Web site to help you answer the questions. Type your answers in the space provided.

   In which state would you find the trail along ridges of mountains 3,000 to 4,000 feet high? Describe the spring conditions on the trail in this state.


   Which state has gentle hills and lake views along rocky ridges? What is surprising about the trail here?


   Which state features impressive views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers? What historical location is found along the trail here?


   Which state has the most difficult terrain? Explain the features that make the terrain difficult.


   Paper birch and white pine forests can be found along the trail in which state? Why are hikers advised to stay off the trail during April and May?


   Which state is noted for its accessibility to water? What is the name of its highest mountain?


   Which state is has no climb higher than 1,000 feet and is known for its gentle climb? What era of U.S. history can you learn about during this hike?


   This state’s portion of the trail is known for its rocky footing. Explain why sturdy, ankle-high boots with thick soles are recommended here.


   Which state shares more than 150 miles of the trail with a neighboring state? Explain why dense fog, lightning, and thunderstorms are common here.

2. Beaches are busy places. Sand swirls in the wind, forming tall hills and deep valleys. Powerful storms tear at earth and rocks, washing them far into the ocean. Tides move in and out, carrying plants, animals, and debris back and forth between ocean and shore. People bring blankets, build sand castles, and leave traces of their presence everywhere. What affect does all this activity have on our beaches? How does it change them? Take a look and see! Visit Geology and Geography of New York Bight Beaches.
http://everest.hunter.cuny.edu/bight/index.html

Scroll down and read what a bight is. Then click A Brief Geologic History of Raritan Bay to see a map of the New York Bight beaches.
Click the Back arrow. Scroll down and click Beaches and Barriers. Study the drawing to learn about some features of barrier islands. Then go back to the home page.
Scroll down and click Shore Features. Study the images and text on this page. Then go back.
Scroll down and click Anthropogenic Materials. Read the first five paragraphs and look at the pictures to learn about trash found on the beaches.

Offline Activity: Rescuing the Beaches
Newspapers print editorials to express opinions about important subjects that may affect many people. Use what you have learned at the Web site to write an editorial about erosion and other damage to the New York Bight Beaches. Describe what might happen to the plants, animals, homes, and recreation in the area. State your opinion about what can be done to improve the area and keep it safe.