When we are learning about geography, we are learning about the features of different places such as bodies of water, latitude and longitude, and landforms. There are four main questions that geographers ask when they study a place (which is very similar to what a journalist asks himself or herself when he/she writes an article)-

• Where is this location?
• What is it like at this location?
• How are the lives of people who live there?
• Why is this place located where it is?

Geographers use many tools and methods to tell exactly where a place is located. One, the earth is divided into hemispheres (Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western). Maps are separated into grids, where geographers use latitude and longitude.

Our state of Florida is located in the southeastern United States and is divided into regions. A region is an area that has one or more features in common. There are three "landform regions" in Florida- the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the East Gulf Coastal Plain, and the Florida Uplands.

Atlantic Coastal Plain- This region runs along the eastern coast of Florida from Georgia to the southernmost tip. Lined by southern barrier islands, this region can be remembered easily because the word "Atlantic" is right in the term and the cities in this region border the Atlantic Ocean.

East Gulf Coastal Plain- There are two parts- the northern part covers the Florida panhandle, and the southern part runs along the coast from Tampa to the southernmost tip on the Gulf coast.

The Florida Uplands- This region is the only region that is not a plain because in northern Florida near Tallahassee and throughout parts of Central Florida, there are several low hills. There are large forests and sinkhole lakes.

Houghton-Mifflin Resources
E-Word Game- The Geography of Florida
Florida's Land and Water Interactive Map
Geo-Net from Houghton Mifflin (Another Interactive Site!)

All Other Resources
Around The World in 80 Days- A Geography Adventure
Atlapedia- With Geography Facts From Around The World
Fact Finder- Kids' Corner
Fodors Online Travel Guide
Geo-Globe- An Interactive Geography Site
GeoSpy- from National Geographic Online
Go Places- Explore the World!
How To Track A Hurricane- from FEMA
Hurricanes Bonnie and Charley- 2004 Aerial Maps
Maps of All Kinds
Map Zone- LEARN ALL ABOUT MAPS!- Very Highly Recommended
National Geographic Magazine for Kids
Time For Kids Online- Map Mania