Learn on PengiPengi Social Studies (Grade 3)Chapter 1: Geography: Where We Live

Lesson 2: Landforms in Our Region

In this Grade 3 Pengi Social Studies lesson from Chapter 1: Geography: Where We Live, students identify regional landforms such as valleys, coasts, and deserts and compare their local physical environment with other types of communities across California. Students also explore how local climate influences everyday life, including how people dress, play, and build their homes.

Section 1

Landforms Shape Our Community

California has many different kinds of landforms, and your community is built on one of them. Some towns are located near the coast, where the land meets the huge Pacific Ocean. Others are in the large, flat Central Valley, or near tall mountains like the Sierra Nevada. There are even communities in hot, dry deserts.

Water is also a big part of California's geography. Rivers flow down from the mountains, carrying water across the land to lakes and the ocean. These physical features are made by nature, not by people. By looking outside, you can see if you live near hills, flat plains, or water, and identify what makes your region special.

Section 2

Comparing Communities and Climates

Communities can be compared by looking at their similarities and differences. We can understand a lot about two different places by comparing their geography and their climate, which is the kind of weather a place has over many years. For example, living in a cool, wet mountain town is very different from living in a hot, dry desert city.

People must adapt to their environment. This affects how they live every day. In a snowy region, people build houses with steep roofs so snow slides off, and they wear warm coats. In a sunny coastal town, people might wear shorts and work in jobs related to the ocean. Comparing these details helps explain why life looks different in different parts of our state.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

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Section 1

Landforms Shape Our Community

California has many different kinds of landforms, and your community is built on one of them. Some towns are located near the coast, where the land meets the huge Pacific Ocean. Others are in the large, flat Central Valley, or near tall mountains like the Sierra Nevada. There are even communities in hot, dry deserts.

Water is also a big part of California's geography. Rivers flow down from the mountains, carrying water across the land to lakes and the ocean. These physical features are made by nature, not by people. By looking outside, you can see if you live near hills, flat plains, or water, and identify what makes your region special.

Section 2

Comparing Communities and Climates

Communities can be compared by looking at their similarities and differences. We can understand a lot about two different places by comparing their geography and their climate, which is the kind of weather a place has over many years. For example, living in a cool, wet mountain town is very different from living in a hot, dry desert city.

People must adapt to their environment. This affects how they live every day. In a snowy region, people build houses with steep roofs so snow slides off, and they wear warm coats. In a sunny coastal town, people might wear shorts and work in jobs related to the ocean. Comparing these details helps explain why life looks different in different parts of our state.