Geography Standards

Standard 1 Focus: Map of the U.S. BorderlandsCitation: Transboundary Risk Identification and Mitigation Project. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2015, from http://cees.tamiu.edu/cees/TRIM/english/area_maps/border_map.jpg

Standard 2: Mental Map-This is my journey from my house to the Mexico border at Yuma.Citation: Retrieved February 18, 2015 from http://www.maps.google.com.

Standard 3: Interpreting Geographic Patterns- The border states have the highest percentages of the Mexican Population. Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas all have the Mexican population as 50% of their total foreign-born population. However, Colorado and Idaho share this percentage. This shows that although the Mexican population is mostly a border issue they also live in states away from the border, and in fact 21 of the 50 states have the Mexican population as over 30% of their total foreign-born population.Citation: Map 2. Mexican Born as a Percent of the Total Foreign-Born Population by State, 2006. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2015, from http://www.migrationinformation.org/charts/map2-spot-apr08.cfm

Standard 4: You can see both human and physical traits near the border, in this picture both traits are represented as you can see the population is heavy near the border because of the lack of water.Picture Source: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/05/us-mexican-border/cook-jenshel-photography

Above all the borderlands of the U.S. and Mexico are defined as a formal region. The borderlands are difined both by common human property as well as common physical property. "Border society is an abstract concept compounded of ideas about the sovereignty of nation-states, the intensification of commerce and social discourse, and strategies of cultural representation" ("United States-Mexico Borderlands/Frontera"). There is a very distinct difference culturally between that of the U.S. and that of Mexico. Their religious beliefs are largely Catholic which is seen in the U.S. as well but the U.S. has a much larger religious diversity than that of Mexico. Also the way in which they live out their everyday lives is different. They view family as the number one priority where Americans unfortunately tend to put money above all else. It is also identified by the common physical properties seperating the two countries. First there are rivers creating the border and seperating the two lands. And now there is even a wall and gates seperating the two as well to create a more distinct boundary.

Standard 5:What is the region of the borderlands?

Standard 6: My own culture and experiences shape my view on others. I was raised in Arizona in a Christian home and my dad works with many people from Mexico. Because of my background I have a real love for people and yearning to help the underpriveledged. Because of this I love all people the same and want to help others to view those from Mexico as people who want the same opportunities as everyone else.

Standard 7: Physical systems create both cliff faces and slide rock. Sources: http://www.maps.google.com

Standard 8: Ecosystems help characterize space. Here the Gila River is a perrenial wash that defines land near the border. Source: http://www.gradeify.com/assn/18742/5

Standard 9:This map represents the Mexico population in the U.S. along the U.S.-Mexico border. This is where the immigrants cross the border. This is also the most heavily populated portion of the U.S. where Mexican immigrants settle.Source: http://www.nationalgeographic.com

Standard 10: The border has caused a cross over culture. Mexican food is extremely popular in the U.S. and the study of Spanish in the U.S. has become almost necessary.Sources: http://www.audiovideomedia.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1sm.jpg http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FIoGQDWKL._BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Standard 11: Economic DependenceSource: https://mexicoinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/fb-highlight-6-million-jobs.jpg

Standard 12: Retail stores create commerce and jobs which is a sign of human settlement. Retail Stores are especially popular in San Luis Rio Colorado. Source: http://roxannesbirkenstock.com/images/downtown-slo-int.jpg

Standard 13: Educational Cooperation between the United States and Mexico is an exmple of this standard. The following article discusses this issue: http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18628.Picture Source: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/crop/public/us-mexico-flags.jpg?itok=wnkVACKX

Standard 14: THis shows 3 ways in which we have modified the environment Source: www.maps.google.com

Standard 15: Flash floods are very dangerous to humans.Source: http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200906/what-happens-to-cars-10_1600x0w.jpg

Standard 16: This shows how and air force base is using natural resources through solar panels.Source: http://www.maps.google.com

Standard 17: Geography can be used to help us understand the past.Picture Source: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/new_mexico_territory-1857-atlas-rogers-p3.jpg

Standard 18: I used geopgraphy to pick a future work prospect by distance from my house.Source: http://www.maps.google.com