Michigan Vegetation, Climate, and Symbols

Michigan Vegetation, Climate and Symbols

Geography of Michigan 1.4

I can...

Use thematic maps to identify and describe the physical and human characteristics of Michigan.

Multiple Choice

Michigan got its unique shape because of

• Glaciers

• Native Americans

• Earthquakes

• Volcanoes

Multiple Choice

True or False: The Porcupine Mountains are in the upper peninsula.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT one of the Great Lakes?

• Lake Erie

• Lake Huron

• Lake Superior

• Lake Mackinac

Multiple Choice

Which of these landforms looks like a mountain of sand?

• Saginaw Bay

• the Grand River

• Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

• Isle Royale

Michigan Vegetation

Michigan is home to many different types of plants, or vegetation. Vegetation is an important natural characteristic of our state.

Open Ended

What are some examples of vegetation you have seen in the state of Michigan?

Michigan Forests

We can find many different kinds of vegetation growing in Michigan forests. As geographers, we can use special maps to learn more about our forests.

Special Purpose Maps

• Look at page 31 and 32 of your workbook. What kinds of maps do you see?

Michigan National Forests Map

Michigan State Forests Map

Michigan Commercial Forests Map

Michigan Orchards

Michigan has its own "fruit belt" along the West coast of the state. Our state is home to amazing fruits from our Southern border all the way to the Northern tip of the lower peninsula.

Michigan's Fruit Belt

• Apples

• Blueberries

• Peaches

• Strawberries

• Cherries

• Pears

• Grapes

In your workbooks...

Turn to page 33. We are looking at our state symbols chart.

State Bird: Robin

State Soil: Kalkaska Soil

State Fossil: Mastodon

State Gem: Chlorastrolite

State Wildflower: Dwarf Lake Iris

Multiple Select

Which two things involve students working to make them symbols?

• State Fish

• State Reptile

• State Gem

• State Game Mammal

Multiple Select

Which two symbols are both related to fossils?

• State Soil

• State Wildflower

• State Stone

• State Fossil

Multiple Select

Which three symbols are examples of the natural characteristic of vegetation or plants?

• State Flower

• State Tree

• State Soil

• State Wildflower

Open Ended

Besides being a beautiful flower, what is another reason you think the apple blossom was chosen as the state flower?

Michigan Climate

The word climate might be new to you, but you have been studying climate since kindergarten as you learned about weather and seasons. How many seasons does Michigan have?

Michigan Winter

Michigan Spring

Michigan Summer

Michigan Autumn

Michigan Average Temperature Map

Michigan Average Precipitation Map

Lake Michigan

Lake Effect Storms

Lake effect storms are large snowstorms that result from the effect that the Great Lakes have on the local weather. As large masses of cold air, usually from Canada, move south, they pass over the huge open waters of the Great Lakes. Compared to the Arctic air above, the waters of the Great Lakes are relatively warm. As warm air rises, clouds form in narrow bands that can produce two to three inches of snow per hour.

Lake Effect Storms

Lake effect snowstorms can be difficult to predict, because they can be affected by many factors. The local geography and the temperature of the surrounding land and water play a role. It's not uncommon for heavy lake effect snow to fall over one area while the Sun shines just a mile or two away.

Open Ended

Exit Ticket: Describe two things you learned about the vegetation of Michigan.