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Islands
Authors: Michael Libbee; Michigan Geographic
Alliance
Lesson Overview: In an interactive, hands-on
activity students will distinguish between the
four different types of islands. In addition, they
will locate the 20 largest islands of the world on
a map and brainstorm additional characteristics
of islands. Finally, students will complete an
assessment relating to Mackinac Island.
Essential Questions:
• What are the distinguishing
characteristics of island?
• How are islands different from
continental masses?
• What are some advantages and
disadvantages of an island?
Objectives: Students will be able to:
• Describe the characteristics of islands.
• Locate the world’s 20 largest islands.
• Describe some of the characteristics of
four different kinds of islands.
• Describe some of the advantages and
disadvantages of being an island.
Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations:
• 6 – G1.3.1 Use the fundamental themes of
geography (location, place, human
environment interaction, movement,
region) to describe regions or places on
earth.
• 6 – G1.3.3 Explain the different ways in
which places are connected and how those
connections demonstrate interdependence
and accessibility.
• 6/7 – G2.1.1 Describe the landform
features and the climate of the region
(within the Western or Eastern
Hemispheres) under study.
• Also related to:
o G3 Physical Systems (Physical
Processes; Ecosystems)
o G5 Environment & Society
(Physical & Human Systems
National Geography Standards
• Standard 4: The physical and human
characteristics of places
• Standard 11: The patterns and networks
of economic interdependence on Earth’s
surface
• Standard 15: How physical systems
affect human systems
Subject/ Target Grade: World Geography,
grades 6-8
Duration: one class period
Student Materials: World laminated maps or
atlases; dry erase markers
Teacher Materials Transparencies
Islands PowerPoint Presentation
Michigan Geographic Alliance
Islands
2013
Procedure
1. Introduction: Ask students to write a brief definition of an island. (A body of land surrounded by
water, as opposed to a peninsula.) Have students share in groups of two or three to reach
consensus. Groups report out to class.
2. Guided Discussion: Expand the definition of islands by adding size limits. (Less than continental
size (excludes Australia); above water at all times; large enough to support life.) (Slide 3)
Explain that there are four different types of islands, with different characteristics and causes, and
typical locations.
a. (Slide 4) Continental islands are islands which are part of the continental shelf and are of the
same geologic composition as the continent. However they are separated from the mainland by
water, either through rifts, erosion, subsidence, or a rise in sea level. Continental islands
include most of the world’s largest islands. They tend to be relatively stable and close to the
continent. Madagascar is an example. (Slide 5)
b. (Slide 6) Oceanic islands are those which rise from the ocean floor often through volcanic
action. The Hawaiian Islands are an example. (Slide7)
c. (Slide 8). Coral islands are islands formed in shallow water by the activities of coral, a living
thing. Coral filters seawater for its food, and leaves behind a limestone shell when it dies.
Coral can grow in clear, typically warm water within about 20 feet of the surface where
sunlight can penetrate. The Florida Keys are an example. (Slide 9).
d. (Slide 10). Barrier Islands are those which are formed from mineral deposits, either from
rivers or ocean currents. Barrier islands are often parallel to the coast, made of sand or
silt, and are relatively unstable. The San Padre Islands in Texas are an example. (Slide 11)
3. Laminated Map Activity Present the list of the world’s 20 largest islands. (Slide 12) All of the
islands in column one of Teacher Resource (Can be used as transparency) are classified as
Continental Islands and all of the islands in column two are Oceanic Islands. (Note: Honshu is the
large island in Japan, and Luzon is the northernmost Philippine island, while Mindanao is the
southernmost.)
Working in pairs or groups of three, students underline the names of the 20 islands on the
laminated world map. After most of the groups have finished, ask if there are islands not yet found
by some groups. If there are, have members of other groups give relative location clues that
should allow the missing islands to be located.
Discuss the types of islands that appear on the 20 Largest Islands list. Are there any coral or
barrier islands? Why not? (They are very vulnerable, often times under water or in danger of
being under water, therefore making it difficult to maintain large size.)
4.
Brainstorming Activity: Brainstorm some additional characteristics of islands, especially
characteristics that differentiate islands from continents.
a. (Slide 13) Climate: More influenced by the ocean, which means more moderate temperature,
but not always wet.
b. (Slide 14) Consequences of being surrounded by water: Separated from other land which can
serve as a barrier, leading to:
1. Safety (as in Great Britain)
2. Isolation (as in New Zealand, or even Ellis Island)
3. Cultural distinctiveness (as in Ireland)
Michigan Geographic Alliance
Islands
2013
c. (Slide 15) Transportation and location: Some islands can be useful as a transportation stop
because of their isolated location (Hawaii). Islands often enjoy a location advantage (as in
Manhattan), but also a transportation disadvantage (as in Isle Royale).
d. (Slide 16) Economics: Island economies, especially on small islands, are often fairly
narrowly based, and linked with the island’s strategic location (Guam) or its unique physical or
cultural characteristics (Jamaica). Tourism is typically a major economic activity.
Assessment Options
Working in pairs or groups of three, students outline possible answers to the following:
• Describe the location and characteristics of Mackinac Island.
• State why it is considered an island, and what kind of island it is.
• Describe two advantages and two disadvantages it has (or has had in the past) because of
its status as an island.
Possible answers for assessment:
• Absolute Location: Absolute: 46 degrees north; 85 degrees west
• Relative Location: in the Straits of Mackinac; between the upper and lower peninsulas of
Michigan
Michigan Geographic Alliance
Islands
2013
Transparency 1
Island
• A body of land of less than continental size, surrounded by
water.
• Usually large enough to support life, and be above sea
level at all times.
• 4 kinds of islands, each developed by a different process.
• Continental
• Oceanic
• Coral
• Barrier
Activities:
 Identify the largest islands.
 Identify examples of each kind of island, and generalize about
where they are.
Michigan Geographic Alliance
Islands
2013
Transparency 2
LOCATE THE
WORLD’S 20 LARGEST
ISLANDS
Cuba
Victoria
Ellesmere
Baffin
Greenland
Newfoundland
Great Britain
Ireland
Madagascar
North Island,
New Zealand
Sumatra
Java
Borneo
Celebes
New Guinea
Honshu
Mindanao
Luzon
Iceland
South Island,
New Zealand
Michigan Geographic Alliance
Islands
2013