MODULE 1 Chapter 1

Module 1 Chapter 1

Student Page

Idaho's Boundaries---a Map Activity

Hi Students!

The purpose of this activity is to help you learn about:
    a) Idaho's state boundaries.
    b) Our neighboring states.
    b) The natural features that separate us from our neighboring states.

Geographers find Idaho an interesting state because it has two types of boundaries:
a) grid lines.
b) natural features.

A boundary is a line that separates one state or country from another. When we drive across Idaho's boundary line into a neighboring state, we usually call it the "state line." Boundaries may be based on (a) grid lines, (b) natural geographic features, or (c) both.

Grid lines. Look at a wall map of the United States. You will see straight lines running north and south, and others that run east and west. These are grid lines. Grid line boundaries are always straight lines that usually (but not always) run parallel to the grid lines on the map.

Natural Features. Study the map again. This time look for mountains, lakes, rivers, and oceans. These are examples of natural geographic features. These features do not form straight lines; therefore, boundaries based on natural features are not straight lines.

INQUIRY ACTIVITIES

1. Find at least 2 states that are formed completely by grid lines. Which states are they?

2. Find at least 2 states that have at least one natural feature boundary. What natural features have been used?

3. One state is formed completely by natural feature boundaries. Which state is it?

4. How many grid lines are used to form Idaho's boundaries?

5. Which states share these boundaries with Idaho?

6. Which Idaho boundaries are formed from natural features?

7. Which states share natural feature boundaries with Idaho?

8. What natural features are used to form these boundaries?

9. Why do you think people would choose to use natural features for state boundaries instead of using grid lines?

10. Why do you think people would choose to use grid lines for state boundaries instead of using natural features?

11. Describe where Idaho is located in the United States.

12. Tell the country, continent, hemisphere, planet, solar system, and galaxy where Idaho is located.

Top of page Module Menu Home Page