Download C-USA Classroom on the Court!

Teaching Guide
for Grades 4-5
Social Studies and Math
2008-09 Classroom on the Court is developed by Geography Insights From Today’s Sports, Inc., a nonprofit organization. Copyright © 2008. All rights
reserved; however, registered teachers may reproduce pages for classroom use. For more information, contact G.I.F.T.S., Inc. - Post Office Box 914,
Chesterfield MO 63006-0914. http://www.sportinggeography.org. Toll-free 1-866-458-1009.
The packet was printed on 10/2/2008.
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Welcome to C-USA
Classroom on the Court!
What’s in this packet?
What is C-USA Classroom on the Court?
Classroom on the Court is a grassroots program
that introduces school children in grades 4 and 5 to
their local Conference USA Women's Basketball
team, as well as the entire league, through
curriculum-based activities. The goal is to motivate
students to learn in a fun way, using sports as the
focus.
Cover, intro and reference ..................................1-3
Answer Key ............................................................4
How does it work?
Teachers can use the reproducible lesson plans in
this packet to engage students in learning about the
cities, regions and states included in Conference
USA. In addition, registered 4th and 5th grade
classrooms receive bar-coded lanyards which get
them complimentary admission into their local
Conference USA women's basketball team's home
games for the 2008-09 season.
Will it fit in with my curriculum needs?
Classroom on the Court lesson plans interrelate
subject areas by using a common theme: sports.
The materials emphasize state requirements and
education guidelines for social studies and math in
grades four through five. The lesson plan materials
also incorporate the National Geography Standards
and place great emphasis on the five themes of
geography: location, place, human environment
interaction, movement and regions. The packet
adapts easily to diverse interests and skill levels
and encourages critical thinking and hands-on
learning experiences for students.
Teacher Guide
Page
Student Reference Pages
U.S. base map........................................................5
Geographic Glossary..............................................6
Geography Pointers................................................7
Conference-USA ....................................................8
Lesson Plans
Conference-USA ....................................................9
Basketball .............................................................10
Team Mascots ......................................................11
Geography of Sport ..............................................12
Statistics in Sports ................................................12
Map the Team ......................................................13
Box Scores ...........................................................14
Greenville, NC ......................................................15
Houston, TX..........................................................16
Huntington, WV ....................................................17
Memphis, TN ........................................................18
Dallas, TX .............................................................19
Hattiesburg, MS ....................................................20
New Orleans, LA ..................................................21
Tulsa, OK..............................................................22
Birmingham, AL ....................................................23
Orlando, FL...........................................................24
El Paso, TX...........................................................25
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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TEACHER REFERENCE
AT THE GAME
FREE Admission to C-USA women’s basketball!
Students in registered 4th and 5th grade classes will receive a bar-coded credential and t-shirt (based on availability)
providing them complimentary admission to their local C-USA women's basketball team's home games for the 200809 season.
Earn Points!
Participants can earn points for their elementary or middle schools by attending their local C-USA women's
basketball team's games and completing game day worksheets.
Gameday participation
Students attending their local Conference USA women's basketball games should:
• Always wear their Classroom on the Court issued credential and lanyard for admission to the arena
• Stop by the C-USA tent/table
• Always be sure to have your credential scanned
• Collect attendance sticker from C-USA tent/table
• Always return completed worksheets to the C-USA tent/table
• Stickers and worksheets are only available 30 minutes prior to tip-off until 30 minutes after tip-off time.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Review this entire packet in advance. This packet provides reproducible masters so be sure to make one copy of
each lesson plan and desk map for all of your participating students. The lesson plans can be done in any order
(preferably when the opponent featured is in town, playing your local team).
Use the Internet as a resource
• Conference USA – www.ConferenceUSA.com – visit this site for scores, updates and player information
• SPORTING GEOGRAPHY® – www.sportinggeography.org – for information about this program’s
publisher
Display a United States or World wall map in your classroom. Don’t forget to display a United States or World
wall map in your classroom. A road atlas of the United States is also recommended as a classroom resource. When
possible, provide a centralized location for your classroom’s geography-related materials such as globes,
magazines, etc.
Recommended classroom materials
• colored pencils (for coloring maps)
• string (for measuring distances)
• extra 8.5”x11” white paper
• U.S. wall map
• rulers (for measuring distances)
• World map or globe
Have students report on the game they attend. Assign students to be a sports reporter. After attending a
Conference USA women’s basketball game, participants can report on the game to their classmates. What a great
way to tie-in math, writing and reporting skills! See the Box Scores lesson plan in this packet for ideas on how
statistics are tracked.
Send us your comments or questions to [email protected].
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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ANSWER KEY
Conference USA
1. 12 schools
2. –
3. 9 states
4. add Irving, Texas to map
5. Tulane
6. UAB
7. Eastern Carolina, Marshall,
Central Florida
8. University of Texas El Paso
9. Marshall
10. One third
Basketball
1. United States
2. Northeastern United States
3. One, Naismith’s students went
home for holidays and summer
breaks. In their hometowns, they
taught the game to all their friends.
And two, once they had graduated,
most of Naismith’s students went to
work for YMCAs all over America,
quickly spreading the fundamental
rules of basketball across America.
4. Peach baskets
5. a. two 20-minute halves
6. Five from each team (10 total)
7. Jump ball – whoever gets it
first
8. November through March
9. Two or three points are scored
depending on where the player is
standing on the court when he/she
shoots the ball. Extra points may be
earned by free throw shots, which
are given to players who have been
fouled by the opposing team.
10. Don’t need a lot of players (like
football does), you can play inside or
outside.
Team Mascots
Answers will vary
Geography of Sport
1. Late 1800s in Springfield, MA
2. Northeast
3. For basketball, you don’t need
a lot of players to play
4.– 7. Answers will vary
Houston … PCT = .484
East Carolina … PCT = .433
UCF … PCT = .333
Map the Team
Answers will vary. Most teams will
show strong local representation.
Box Scores
1. UTEP
2. UTEP
3. Izabela Piekarska
4. Jareica Hughes
5. Natasha Lacy
6. Timika Williams
7. SMU
8. SMU
9. SMU
10. SMU
Greenville, NC
1. 34°50’N 82°20’W
2. Eastern
3. Eastern
4. Eastern time zone
5. Coast was often pirated in the
1700s
6. –
7. –
8. Coastal Plain
9. Southwest
10. 1,740 miles
Houston, TX
1. 29°45’N 95°20’W
2. Southeast
3. Central time zone
4. Gulf of Mexico
5. Tulane/New Orleans
6. Coastal Plain
7. Discovery of oil
8. Greenville, NC
9. 1,175 miles
10. Atlantic Ocean
Huntington, WV
1. –
2. –
3. West
4. East
5. Ohio River
6. Eastern time zone
7. These rivers are on the west
side of the Appalachian Mountains
8. –
9. A majority of the state is
mountainous
10. The player from Durham,
England
Memphis, TN
1. 35°N 90°W
2. Southwest
3. Southeast
4. Central time zone
5. Mississippi River
6. –
7. New Orleans
8. Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain
9. Latitude
10. –
Dallas, TX
1. Northeast
2. Central time zone
3. 6 million
4. –
5. 45 years ago (based on 2008)
6. North
7. –
8. Central Plains & Hill Country
9. About 11
10. Southeast
Hattiesburg, MS
1. 88°80’W
2. Southern
3. Southern
4. Central time zone
5. Arkansas and Louisiana
6. Gulf of Mexico
7. Cotton, rice and soybeans
8. Coastline eroded, animal
habitats destroyed & animals killed
or displaced
9. UTEP
10. 1,000 miles
New Orleans, LA
1. 30°N 90°W
2. South
3. South
4. Central time zone
5. Hurricanes
6. –
7. Orleans
8. South
9. This is the entrance to the
Mississippi River providing easy
access via shipping to the interior
U.S.
10. Greatest: UTEP, least: Tulane
Tulsa, OK
1. Northeast
2. South central
3. Central time zone
4. Transportation hub
5. Red River
6. –
7. –
8. 88 years ago (based on 2008)
9. Creek name Tullahassee
meaning old town
10. 37 wins, 25 losses
Birmingham, AL
1. 33°30’N
2. North central
3. Southeast
4. Central time zone
5. The athlete from Lancaster, SC
6. –
7. Marshall is located in the
Appalachian Plateau
8. Florida, Georgia, Tennessee,
Mississippi
9. Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw,
Alabama and Choctaw Native
Americans
10. Mobile Bay/307 years ago
(based on 2008)
Orlando, FL
1. Central
2. Eastern time zone
3. Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean
4. Answers will vary
5. 1.5 million
6. Retirees, Climate, Agriculture
7. Orange and grapefruit
8. St. Augustine
9. Latitude
10. About 50 miles
El Paso, TX
1. Western
2. Mountain time zone
3. No, the rest of Texas is in
central time zone
4. Rio Grande
5. –
6. Mexico
7. Ciudad Juarez
8. Answers will vary
9. 87.5%
10. –
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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GEOGRAPHIC GLOSSARY
BASIN: a depression in the earth’s surface; it
can be dry or filled with water.
BAY: a body of water that is partially
surrounded by land; it is similar and usually
smaller than a gulf, but not always.
BUTTE: a tall, steep-sided tower of rock;
formerly part of a flat section of mesa. Usually
occur in arid regions, such as the southwest.
CAPE: a point of land that extends into a river,
a lake or the ocean.
CONFLUENCE: the point where two or more
rivers or streams meet.
DELTA: a flat, low-lying plain that sometimes
forms at the mouth of a river.
DESERT: an area that receives ten inches of
rain or less each year.
FALL LINE: the geologic line that joins the
points on parallel rivers where waterfalls and
rapids begin.
FAULT: a break in the earth’s crust where
there has been movement.
FLOODPLAIN: the flat area located along a
stream or river, where sediments are deposited
after a flood.
GLACIER: huge mass of ice that moves slowly
over land.
HILL: land that rises above its surroundings;
rounded summit; smaller than a mountain. One
of the four major landforms.
KEY: small, low island on a coral reef platform.
MORAINE: rocks and debris left behind by a
glacier.
MOUNTAIN: land rising 1,000 feet or higher
that usually has a wide base and narrow peak.
One of the four major landforms.
MOUTH: place where a river enters a lake, a
larger river or the ocean.
PENINSULA: piece of land that extends out
into a lake or ocean.
PLAIN: flat land, often covered with grasses.
One of the four major landforms.
PLATEAU: flat area that stands above
surrounding land. One of the four major
landforms.
REGION: an area of the earth having one or
more common characteristics.
SEA: part of the ocean that is enclosed or
partially enclosed.
TOPOGRAPHY: the shape of the surface
features of a geographic area.
WETLAND: an area of land that is covered by
water for long periods of time.
GULF: part of the ocean that is partially
surrounded by land.
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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GEOGRAPHY POINTERS
FIVE THEMES IN GEOGRAPHY
LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
LOCATION: Knowing where you are. Location can
be described as an absolute place with latitude and
longitude, and by how one place relates to another.
Houston is located at 29°45'N 95°20'W, and its
elevation is 50 feet above sea level. The city is located
along the Texas gulf coastal plain, near the Gulf of
Mexico.
Latitude and longitude are defined in degrees,
minutes and seconds. Each minute has 60
seconds, and 60 minutes equals 1 degree.
Degrees are shown with °, minutes are shown
with ', and seconds are shown with ".
Latitude is the distance north or south of the
equator. The United States is located north of
the equator. Therefore, all U.S. latitudes will be
N°.
Longitude is the distance east or west of the
prime meridian. The prime meridian is the
meridian that runs through Greenwich, England.
The United States is located in the Western
Hemisphere. Therefore, all U.S. longitudes will
be W°.
When studying maps with lines of latitude and
longitude, remember that these lines are
indicators of direction for north, south, east and
west.
PLACE: A description of physical and human
characteristics. Houston is situated along the coast
of Texas and has a humid, subtropical climate. Nearly
40% of the city’s population is of Hispanic descent.
The city is the world center for oil and natural gas
technology.
HUMAN ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION:
Relationships between places. Houston became a
commercial center in the late 1800s because railroads
connected the inland cotton farms to the coastal ports
via Houston. A second major wave of growth came
after the construction of the Houston ship canal in
1914. This canal connected Houston to the Gulf of
Mexico, allowing refineries to easily transport
petroleum products.
MOVEMENT: The movement of people, goods and
ideas. Americans moved into Texas during the 19th
century. At the time, most of Texas was controlled by
Spain and then Mexico. Texans rebelled from Mexican
rule and independence came in 1836. The Republic of
Texas was formed, and it functioned as a nation until
1845 when it joined the Union. Texas continues to
have a strong Hispanic population and culture, and
close ties to Mexico.
REGIONS: Areas that have the same
characteristics. Geography helps us understand how
regions are formed and why they change. An example
of a physical region would be the High Plains, an
elevated region of the Great Plains that extends
across parts of Texas and other central states. A
human region would be oil wells that dot the Texas
landscape, and its associated industry that dominates
Houston’s economy.
TIME ZONES
The world is divided into 24 time zones (the U.S.
has six). Each time zone is one hour later than
the zone to the west of it. For example:
When it is 9 p.m. in Orlando
(Eastern Standard Time),
it is 8 p.m. in Houston
(Central Standard Time),
7 p.m. in El Paso
(Mountain Standard Time),
6 p.m. in Los Angeles
(Pacific Standard Time),
5 p.m. in Anchorage
(Alaska Standard Time),
and 4 p.m. in Honolulu
(Hawai’i-Aleutian Standard Time).
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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CONFERENCE USA
Conference USA was formed in 1995. Its 12 member institutions include about 5,000 student-athletes. The league is
headquartered in Irving, Texas, and the commissioner is Britton Banowsky. Conference USA sponsors competition
in 19 sports - nine for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and indoor and outdoor
track and field) and 10 for women (basketball, cross country, golf,
softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track
and field and volleyball).
SUCCESS ON THE COURT
Conference USA is among the top conferences in the nation. Women's basketball successes include 40 NCAA
Tournament appearances, 28 WNIT appearances, one team in the NCAA Sweet 16, and two WNIT semifinalists.
SUCCESS OFF THE COURT
C-USA member institutions are among the nation's best in academic performance among student-athletes. C-USA
student-athletes have a higher graduation rate than the general student population. In the past 12 years, more than
13,000 student-athletes have been named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll or received the Commissioner's
Academic Medal, indicative of outstanding achievement in the classroom.
East Carolina University Pirates
Location: Greenville, NC
Founded: 1907, Enrollment: 21,797
Colors: Purple and Gold
Website: ecupirates.com
University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Location: Hattiesburg, MS
Founded: 1910, Enrollment: 15,259
Colors: Black and Gold
Website: southernmiss.com
University of Houston Cougars
Location: Houston, TX
Founded: 1927, Enrollment: 30,757
Colors: Scarlet and White, with Navy trim
Website: uhcougars.com
Tulane University Green Wave
Location: New Orleans, LA
Founded: 1834, Enrollment: 12,676
Colors: Olive Green and Sky Blue
Website: tulanegreenwave.com
Marshall University Thundering Herd
Location: Huntington, WV
Founded: 1837, Enrollment: 16,551
Colors: Green and White
Website: herdzone.com
University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Location: Tulsa, OK
Founded: 1894, Enrollment: 4,100
Colors: Old Gold, Royal Blue, Crimson
Website: tulsahurricane.com
University of Memphis Tigers
Location: Memphis, TN
Founded: 1912, Enrollment: 20,332
Colors: Blue and Gray
Website: gotigersgo.com
University of Alabama Birmingham Blazers
Location: Birmingham, AL
Founded: 1969, Enrollment: 16,693
Colors: Forest Green and Old Gold
Website: uabsports.com
Rice University Owls
Location: Houston, TX
Founded: 1912, Enrollment: 4,785
Colors: Blue and Gray
Website: riceowls.com
University of Central Florida Knights
Location: Orlando, FL
Founded: 1963, Enrollment: 48,897
Colors: Black and Gold
Website: ucfathletics.com
Southern Methodist University Mustangs
Location: Dallas, TX
Founded: 1911, Enrollment: 10,038
Colors: Red and Blue
Website: smumustangs.com
University of Texas El Paso Miners
Location: El Paso, TX
Founded: 1914, Enrollment: 18,542
Colors: Dark Blue, Orange and Silver accent
Website: utepathletics.com
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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CONFERENCE USA
Using the information on page 8 (C-USA) and a blank copy of the U.S. base map, answer the following:
1.
How many teams are in Conference USA?
6.
Which Conference USA institution is the
youngest?
_________________________________
_________________________________
2.
3.
Using an atlas or wall map for reference,
map all Conference USA teams on your
U.S. base map.
7.
_________________________________
How many states does Conference USA
encompass?
8.
_________________________________
4.
5.
Conference USA is headquartered in this
city, a western suburb of Dallas. Add this
city to your U.S. base map.
Which Conference USA institution is the
oldest?
_________________________________
Which Conference USA teams are located
in the Eastern Time Zone?
Which Conference USA team is located at
the westernmost longitude?
_________________________________
9.
Which Conference USA team is located at
the northernmost latitude?
_________________________________
10. What percentage of Conference USA
teams are located in Texas?
_________________________________
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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BASKETBALL
HISTORY
The game of basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in
the late 1800s. Naismith was a physical education teacher in
Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Naismith invented the sport of
basketball so that his students could play a game and exercise at
the same time! In designing how the game would be played,
Naismith believed that there should be no rough tackling. The ball
was designed for easy handling and passing between players.
Naismith also believed that the emphasis should be on accuracy
rather than force. Therefore, he designed a high, level basket for
the goal. The first baskets were peach baskets and were
suspended from the balconies at either end of the gym.
The first game of basketball was played in December 1891. The
sport of basketball spread quickly for two reasons. One, Naismith’s
students went home for holidays and summer breaks. In their
hometowns, they taught the game to all their friends. And two, once
they had graduated, most of Naismith’s students went to work for
YMCAs all over the country. These graduates quickly spread the
fundamental rules of basketball across America. Naismith also
promoted the sport by touring the United States and organizing
leagues. In 1892, Senda Berenson, a gymnastics instructor at
Smith College, adapted Naismith’s rules for women.
The first intercollegiate game was played in Minnesota in 1895,
but Yale University led the way in spreading the sport among
colleges and universities. The first women’s intercollegiate
basketball game took place in San Francisco between Stanford
University and the University of California, Berkeley in 1896.
In the early 1900s, the sport was popular in large cities, where it
was easier to play basketball on a small playground than to try and
find a football field, and in rural areas, where people lived so far
apart that it was difficult to get enough of them together to make up
two football teams.
HOW TO PLAY
Basketball is an American-invented game played by two teams
with five players each. The object of the game is tossing a round
ball through one of the two, 10-foot-high baskets at opposite ends
of the regulation court that spans an area 50 feet wide by 94 feet
long. In accordance with the rules of the game, players can pass,
dribble, shoot, bounce or roll the ball.
The game starts with a jump ball. Two or three points are scored
depending on where the player is standing on the court when he or
she shoots the ball. Extra points may be earned by free throw
shots, which are given to players who have been fouled by the
opposing team. Each regular-season collegiate game has two
halves of 20 minutes each and a 15-minute halftime. The regular
NCAA® basketball season begins in November and ends in March.
1.
Basketball was invented by James
Naismith, a P.E. teacher in
Massachusetts. In which country
was basketball first
played/organized?
2.
Locate the state of Massachusetts
on your desk map. Describe where
this state is located.
3.
What two reasons helped the
popularity of basketball spread
quickly in its early years?
4.
In the formation of the game of
basketball, what were early
baskets made of?
5.
An NCAA® basketball game
consists of …
a. two 20-minute halves
b. four 12-minute quarters
c. three 20-minute periods
6.
How many players, from each
team, are on the basketball court
during a game?
7.
How is the game started? Who has
first possession of the ball?
8.
What is the typical season (month
range) for college basketball?
9.
How is the game of basketball
scored?
10. What are some of the advantages
of playing basketball, over other
organized sports?
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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TEAM MASCOTS
Collegiate nicknames and mascots quite often reflect a connection to the place or region where the team is
located. The college or university name quite often has a connection to the place or region where it is located.
The school name may include the state in which it is located, or in many cases, it may be named after a
famous person from that region. Rice University is shown in the example below.
PART 1.
Select one C-USA team for this project (any team but not the example below).
Tulane is hosting the 2009 C-USA Women’s Basketball Championship game.
PART 2.
PART 3.
Research the team’s nickname and/or mascot.
Find out the team mascot and describe its
significance, if any, to the region where the team
comes from.
Research the team’s school name.
Find out the background/history of the school
name. Is the school/college named after a
geographic region, a famous person, or both.
Below is an example of one school’s mascot
history…
Below is an example of one school’s name
history…
Featured team: Rice University
Nickname/Mascot: Owls
Featured team: Rice University
Nickname/Mascot: Owls
The owl was chosen as Rice University’s mascot
because it symbolized intelligence. The mascot
designer knew he wanted to include a bird in the
design because several families with the last
name Houston and Rice had birds on their
family’s coat of arms. The owl was selected
because it symbolizes the owls of Athena, which
appear on an ancient Greek coin. The mythical
Greek goddess Athena was known for her
artistic and intellectual genius.
Rice Institute was founded by William March
Rice in 1891. In 1960, it was renamed William
Marsh Rice University, but most people just call
it Rice University. The first class started in 1912,
and included 48 men and 29 women. Today, it
includes about 5,100 students and 900 faculty.
Rice is a private university, located in Houston,
Texas. Its athletic teams are a member of
Conference USA and NCAA Division I sports.
Share your results with the class.
PART 4.
Many elementary, middle, and high schools around the United States have been named after Presidents, early
settlers and national leaders. To find out information about your own school, you may need to meet with your
principal or a community leader. Share your results with the entire school by displaying a poster, designing a
bulletin board or by writing a story for your school newspaper.
• What is your school name? ____________________________________________________________
• What is your school nickname/mascot? __________________________________________________
• Is it related to the history or geography of your region? Describe the relationship. __________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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GEOGRAPHY OF SPORT
Regions are areas that have the same
characteristics. Geography helps us understand how
regions are formed and why they change. An
example of a physical region would be the Great
Lakes, formed by glacial activity many years ago. A
human region would be the “corn belt” in the Midwest
– a farming region that extends across several
states, where the productive crop is corn.
Certain sports are popular in different parts of the
country. This can sometimes be a historical
connection (where people settled first), or a climate
connection (hockey is popular in cooler climates
where children learn to ice-skate at an early age on
frozen backyard ponds in the winter).
This packet includes a sheet with background
information on the sport of basketball. Use a
separate sheet of paper for your answers.
1.
Where and when did basketball begin?
2.
In what part of the United States was basketball
introduced?
3.
Describe why basketball is popular in certain
parts of the United States.
4.
Describe why certain sports are popular in
certain parts of the World.
5.
Describe which sports are popular in your school
or your community. Can you make conclusions
as to why?
6.
What sports do you play in your neighborhood or
backyard?
7.
What sports do you play in your community?
STATISTICS IN SPORTS
Statistics are used by people every day.
Sports writers and fans across the world
use statistics to compare data between
teams and/or players. The chart shown
here reports the final standings for 200708 Conference USA Women’s
Basketball. There are three blanks in the
winning percentage column for “ALL
GAMES.” Calculate the winning
percentage and write your answer in the
blank provided under the “PCT” heading.
Round your answer to the nearest
hundredth.
The winning percentage (“PCT”) is
calculated by dividing the wins by the
total number of games played.
C-USA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FINAL STANDINGS (2007-08)
TEAM
W-L
UTEP*
16-0
SMU**
11-5
UAB
10-6
HOUSTON
9-7
SOUTHERN MISS 8-8
MARSHALL
7-9
MEMPHIS
7-9
EAST CAROLINA 7-9
RICE
6-10
TULSA
6-10
TULANE
6-10
UCF
3-13
C-USA
PCT H
1.000 8-0
.688 6-2
.625 5-3
.563 5-3
.500 5-3
.438 4-4
.438 4-4
.438 5-3
.375 3-5
.375 5-4
.375 4-4
.188 1-7
A
8-0
5-3
5-3
4-4
3-5
3-5
3-5
2-6
3-5
1-6
2-6
2-6
W-L
28-4
24-9
14-16
15-16
21-14
17-16
10-20
13-17
14-18
11-20
16-14
10-20
ALL GAMES
PCT H
A
.875 14-0 10-3
.727 11-3 9-5
.467 7-6
6-7
____ 8-6
6-8
.600 14-4 4-8
.515 7-5
7-7
.333 6-11 3-8
____ 8-7
4-9
.438 6-5
5-11
.355 8-7
1-11
.533 8-7
6-6
____ 5-12 5-8
N
4-1
3-1
1-3
1-2
3-2
3-4
1-1
1-1
3-2
2-2
2-1
0-0
*C-USA Regular Season Champion, ** C-USA Tournament Champion
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 13
MAP THE TEAM
Let’s study where team players come from. By the end of this exercise, we will have produced a thematic
map – a special-purpose map showing a graphic description about a single theme.
STATE TABLE
Alabama (AL)
Alaska (AK)
Arizona (AZ)
Arkansas (AR)
California (CA)
Colorado (CO)
Connecticut (CT)
Delaware (DE)
Florida (FL)
Georgia (GA)
Hawaii (HI)
Idaho (ID)
Illinois (IL)
Indiana (IN)
Iowa (IA)
Kansas (KS)
Kentucky (KY)
Louisiana (LA)
Maine (ME)
Maryland (MD)
Massachusetts (MA)
Michigan (MI)
Minnesota (MN)
Mississippi (MS)
Missouri (MO)
Montana (MT)
Nebraska (NE)
Nevada (NV)
New Hampshire (NH)
New Jersey (NJ)
New Mexico (NM)
New York (NY)
North Carolina (NC)
North Dakota (ND)
Ohio (OH)
Oklahoma (OK)
Oregon (OR)
Pennsylvania (PA)
Rhode Island (RI)
South Carolina (SC)
South Dakota (SD)
Tennessee (TN)
Texas (TX)
Utah (UT)
Vermont (VT)
Virginia (VA)
Washington (WA)
West Virginia (WV)
Wisconsin (WI)
Wyoming (WY)
Other:
Step 1: Tally How Many Players Come From Each State
Select one Conference USA women’s team and get the team roster
from the athletic department’s Web site. Teams can be found at
www.ConferenceUSA.com. Use the State Table to the left to help
tally the number of players from each state.
Step 2: Chart the State Values
To group the values, use the Chart below to organize states by
their number of players. For example, let's say that four players
come from hometowns in Florida. Place the state name
abbreviation "FL" in column 4 of the NUMBERS OF PLAYERS
chart. Continue for all 50 states. Hint: Most states will fall into row
zero.
S
T
A
T
E
S
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10+
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Step 3: Group the State Values
A common method of grouping is to look for natural breaks in the
Chart data values. For example, your first natural break would most
likely fall after 0. You can use a wide range of groupings,
depending on your data. Once the natural breaks have been
determined, create a classification legend for your map. Your
legend should have symbols or patterns to represent values.
Remember to establish a hierarchy (states with the most players
should be shaded dark, or use a dark colored pencil, or use a
heavy pattern).
Step 4: Map Your Values
Now you are ready to make a thematic map, using the statistical
information you started with and a U.S. base map. Using your
groupings, shade or color each state as it should be represented.
Step 5: Group Discussion
Discuss the results of your thematic map. Which state(s) stand out?
Can you explain why so many players come from certain states?
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 14
BOX SCORES
During a basketball game, team and news statisticians keep track of game details. They use a system to track
how well teams and individual players perform. Using the Box Score below, answer questions 1-10.
1.
Which team came into the 2008
Conference USA Women’s Basketball
Championship with the best season
record?
2.
Which of the two final teams traveled
the farthest distance to play in the 2008
Conference USA Women’s Basketball
Championship?
3.
Which player scored the most points
(TP) in the 2008 Conference USA
Women’s Basketball Championship
game?
4.
Which player made the most 3 pointers
(FG 3-Ptr) in the championship game?
5.
A game is made up of 40 minutes
(Min). Which player played in the entire
game?
6.
Which player had the most rebounds
(Rebounds/Tot)?
7.
Which team had the best game
percentage for field goals (FG%)?
8.
Which team had the best game percentage for 3-point field goals (3FG%)?
9.
Which team had the best game percentage for free throws (FT%)?
10. Which team won the championship game?
Box Score Source: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/c-usa/sports/w-baskbl/auto_pdf/cusachamp08-game11-box.pdf
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 15
GREENVILLE, NC
The Carolinas were named after King
Charles I of England. Both King Charles
I and King Charles II gave large tracts of
land to lords and proprietors faithful to
the crown in the 1600s. The first English
colony to settle in North America was in
what is now North Carolina. Sir Walter
Raleigh founded a colony on Roanoke
Island in 1585, but this first colony
returned to England shortly thereafter. A
second colony simply disappeared. A
permanent settlement did not take hold
until 1660. The early settlements of
North Carolina were located along the
coast. The coast was busy with ships
coming in and out carrying new settlers
and material goods. The coast was
often pirated, the most famous pirate
being the notorious Blackbeard.
Today, North Carolina's economy is
driven by manufacturing, agriculture,
tobacco, and tourism.
North Carolina has three physical
regions: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont
Plateau, and the Appalachian
Mountains. The Coastal Plain of eastern
North Carolina is flat and borders the
ocean. This region includes the
tidewater-wetlands. The Piedmont
Plateau of central North Carolina is a
generally flat area. In the eastern United
States, the Piedmont Region stretches
from the base of the Appalachian
Mountains to the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
The Piedmont is typically good for
farming because the soil is fertile as a
result of sediments being carried down
from the mountains. The Appalachian
Mountains cover western North
Carolina. These mountains were formed
by continental collision and uplift
hundreds of millions of years ago.
These mountains are actually older than
the Rocky Mountains but have eroded
because of weathering over the last 200
million years.
1.
East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North
Carolina. What is the approximate latitude and longitude
for Greenville?
82°N 34°W
40°30'N 79°15'W 34°50'N 82°20'W
2.
In what part of the state is Greenville located?
3.
In what part of the country is North Carolina located?
4.
In which time zone is Greenville located?
5.
How does the East Carolina mascot “the pirates” relate to
the region?
6.
Label the location of the Piedmont Plateau on your desk
map.
7.
Label the location of the Coastal Plain on your desk map.
8.
In which region is Greenville situated?
9.
When East Carolina travels to El Paso to take on the
Miners, in which direction will they be heading?
10. About how many miles did they travel to reach El Paso?
1,740 miles
2,740 miles 3,740 miles
For more information, visit the team’s website at ecupirates.com, or the
University website at www.ecu.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 16
HOUSTON, TX
Houston is located in southeastern Texas,
about 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
Houston’s metropolitan population is 5.5 million.
The city of Houston was founded in 1836 and
named after Sam Houston, a statesman,
politician and soldier. Born in Virginia, Houston
lived in Tennessee, and with the Cherokee
Indians before moving to Mexican-controlled
Texas in 1832. He became Texas’ commanderin-chief during the Mexican War and defeated
Mexican leader Santa Anna on the banks of the
San Jacinto River near present-day Houston in
April of 1836. By September of that same year,
Sam Houston was elected president of the
Republic of Texas. Texas later joined the
United States in 1845. In the years that
followed, Houston served as congressman,
state senator, and governor of Texas. He died
at the age of 70 in 1863.
By the 1860s, Houston had become a
commercial center for cotton. Railroads allowed
Houston to be the connector between inland
Texas (where cotton was produced), and gulf
ports (where cotton was exported). The
discovery of oil at Spindletop near Beaumont in
1901 marked the start of the modern petroleum
industry. Houston has since become one of the
worlds leading centers for oil and natural gas
technology. The city’s growth is largely due to
the completion of the Houston ship canal in
1914. This canal connects Houston to
Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, allowing
refineries and plants to transport their products
easily to the world market.
Houston is located in the Gulf Coastal Plain
region. The flat plain extends inland about 150
to 250 miles. This region covers approximately
40 percent of Texas. Along the coast are many
long barrier beaches separated from the
mainland by lagoons. Galveston is the largest
of the bays.
Houston lies only 50 feet above sea level. It is
characterized by a semitropical climate most of
the year, which includes heat and humidity with
plenty of rainfall.
1.
Both the University of Houston and Rice University
are located in Houston, Texas. What is the
approximate latitude and longitude for Houston?
29°45'N 95°20'W
33°45'N 90°W
95°20'N 29°45'W
2.
In what part of the state is Houston located?
3.
In which time zone is Houston located?
4.
Houston is located about 50 miles from what large
body of water?
5.
Name the other Conference USA team that is
located on this body of water.
6.
The topography of Texas includes plains, hills and
mountains. In which topographical region is
Houston located?
7.
By changing the land, Houston has become a
world center for oil trade and refining. What
development was a major turning point for
Houston?
8.
Which C-USA team is located the farthest distance
from Rice University?
9.
About how far? ______________ miles
10. Houston is located near the Gulf of Mexico. This
Gulf connects to the ____________ Ocean.
For more information, visit the team websites at uhcougars.com or
riceowls.com. The university websites are www.uh.edu and
www.rice.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 17
HUNTINGTON, WV
West Virginia is an interior state
located in the eastern part of the
United States. The state’s
topography contains some of the
most rugged landscape in the
country, and there are few areas of
level ground except along major
rivers. The Allegheny Plateau
covers nearly two-thirds of the state
and contains some of the highest
elevations in the state. The
Allegheny Mountains are located
along West Virginia’s eastern
boundary. These mountains are
part of the Appalachian Mountains
that stretch from New York to
Georgia. The Appalachian
Mountains were once much higher
than they are today, but over
millions of years the elements have
eroded these mountains to where
they stand today.
Coal deposits lie under about
two-thirds of the land, and the state
is a major producer of coal. But the
state’s economy is shifting to
service industries which are
becoming the most important part
of West Virginia’s economy today.
Early explorers to the region
included Walter Austin in 1641 and
George Washington in 1753. The
last battle of the American
Revolution was fought at Fort Henry
in Wheeling, West Virginia. This
battle took place after peace was
negotiated in the east, but the news
had not yet made it to the Fort,
which was located along the Ohio
River.
West Virginia was once part of
the state of Virginia, but when
Virginia seceded from the Union in
1861 (the beginning of the Civil
War), this region split off and was
admitted to the Union as West
Virginia in 1863.
1.
Marshall University is located in Huntington, West Virginia
along the southern banks of the Ohio River where Kentucky,
Ohio, and West Virginia meet. Using an atlas for reference,
add the Ohio River to your desk map.
2.
Huntington is also located near the mouth of the Big Sandy
River. Using an atlas for reference, add the Big Sandy River to
your desk map.
3.
In what part of the state is Huntington located?
4.
In what part of the country is West Virginia located?
5.
West Virginia’s western border is defined by the _________
____________.
6.
In which time zone is Huntington located?
7.
West Virginia’s border with Kentucky is defined by the Big
Sandy and Tug Fork rivers. These rivers flow northwest into
the Ohio River. Why do these rivers flow northwest toward the
Ohio River and not southeast toward the Atlantic Ocean?
8.
Wheeling, site of the last battle of the American Revolution, is
located in northern West Virginia (40°N 80°43'W), along the
Ohio River. Add and label this historic site on your desk map.
9.
West Virginia’s motto is Montani Semper Liberi or
Mountaineers are always free. Why do you think this is their
state motto?
10. Marshall University’s women’s basketball roster from 20072008 included two players from other countries. One from
Durham, England and one from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Which athlete must fly across the Atlantic Ocean to reach
Huntington?
For more information, visit the team’s website at herdzone.com, or the University
website at www.marshall.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 18
MEMPHIS, TN
Tennessee is a southeastern state bounded
by lines of latitude to the north and south, with
natural boundaries to the east and west. Early
inhabitants included the Creek and Yuchi
peoples. The Spanish explored the area as
early as 1541 – arriving from the south via the
Mississippi River. Increased settlement came
during the 1700s as Virginians moved west
through the Cumberland Gap. The state
seceded from the Union in 1861 and was the
site of many battles during the Civil War.
Tennessee has three major topographical
regions: The Appalachian Mountains (which
include the Blue Ridge Mountains and the
Great Smoky Mountains) are located in the
eastern part of the state. These mountains
provide a natural boundary for eastern
Tennessee. The Cumberland Plateau, an
uplifted region, is located in the east-central
part of the state between Nashville and
Knoxville. The western part of the state is
known as the Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain. This
plain includes the Mississippi Plain, a narrow
strip of swamp and flood plain. The
Mississippi River provides a natural border for
western Tennessee.
Memphis is located in southwestern
Tennessee, along the high bluffs along the
east bank of the Mississippi River. Early
explorers to western Tennessee included
Spain’s Hernando de Soto and France’s
Marquette, Jolliet and La Salle. France and
Spain claimed the area, but it was given to
England by treaty. In 1783, the area became
part of the United States. Memphis was
organized as a settlement in 1819 and
became a city in 1826. Memphis’ location has
made it a trade center for interior states. Rail,
truck, bus, and airline transportation facilities
connect Memphis with the entire nation. The
city of Memphis was named after the first
capital of ancient Egypt, which stood near
present-day Cairo. Nothing remains of the
ancient city today, but cemeteries and
pyramids are nearby, reminders of the city’s
importance from 3100 to 2200 BCE
1.
The University of Memphis is located in Memphis,
Tennessee. What is the approximate latitude and
longitude for Memphis?
90°N 35°W
39°N 75°W
35°N 90°W
2.
In what part of the state is Memphis located?
3.
In what part of the country is Tennessee located?
4.
In which time zone is Memphis located?
5.
Memphis is a river city. In prehistoric times, people
lived near rivers because rivers provided water,
food, and transportation, as well as good floodplain
soil for farming. Even today, river cities prosper
because of their location. Along which river is
Memphis located?
6.
Using an atlas for reference, add this river to your
desk map.
7.
Another city with a Conference USA team is also
located along this river. Name the city.
8.
Label the three topographical regions of Tennessee
on your desk map. In which region is Memphis
located?
9.
Tennessee’s northern and southern borders can be
described as lines of ___________.
elevation
longitude
latitude
10. The University of Memphis women’s basketball
roster for 2008-2009 has a freshman guard from
Cameroon. Cameroon is located in West Africa.
Find Cameroon on an atlas.
For more information, visit the team’s website at gotigersgo.com, or
the University website at www.memphis.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 19
DALLAS, TX
Dallas is located in north-central
Texas, near the headwaters of the
Trinity River. Named after U.S. Vice
President George Dallas (1845-1849),
the city is one of the largest
metropolitan areas in the United States,
with a population of 6 million people.
Metropolitan Dallas-Ft. Worth includes
8 counties, four cities with populations
over 100,000 and the large cities of Ft.
Worth and Arlington. They have hot
summers and moderately cold winters.
In the 1700s fur traders made
contact with Native America Anadarko
peoples near present day Dallas. The
beginnings of a city came about in
1841 when John Neely Bryan opened a
trading post along the banks of the
Trinity River and two Native American
trails.
Texas is a large state — second only
to Alaska in square miles. The state of
Texas rises in elevation from the Gulf
of Mexico to its western border. The
Gulf region of Texas is called the
Coastal Plain — a region that is good
for farming. Heading northwest through
central Texas is the Central Plains and
Hill Country. The Edwards Plateau is
located west of Austin, the state capital.
In northwest Texas are the High Plains.
The High Plains are a dry and
windswept region used mostly for cattle
grazing. The highest point in Texas is
Guadalupe Peak in west Texas where
the Rockies reach the upper portion of
the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande
provides a natural boundary between
Texas and Mexico.
Texas is known for its oil, cattle and
livestock. The state also grows a lot of
citrus fruits. Citrus fruits grow best
where there is almost no frost or wind.
Although common in tropical regions,
they produce better fruit in a slightly
cooler climate.
1.
Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, Texas.
In what part of the state is Dallas located?
2.
In which time zone is Dallas located?
3.
Dallas is one of the top 5 largest cities in the United States.
What is the metropolitan population of Dallas-Ft. Worth?
4.
Using an atlas for reference, add the Trinity River to your
desk map.
5.
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in
1963. How many years ago was this tragic event?
6.
Three cities in Texas, Dallas, El Paso and Houston, have
teams in the Conference USA. Is Dallas’ latitude farther
north or south than the two other cities?
7.
Label the topographical regions of Texas on your desk
map.
8.
In which region is Dallas located?
9.
Texas is a large state with 268,581 square miles. The other
states in the Conference USA are much smaller. West
Virginia is only 24,230 square miles. How many times
larger is Texas than West Virginia?
10. On March 9, 2008, SMU played UTEP in the Conference
USA championship game in Orlando, Florida. SMU
defeated UTEP 73-57, winning the conference title. In
which direction did SMU travel to play in Orlando?
For more information, visit the team’s website at smumustangs.com, or the
University website at www.smu.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 20
HATTIESBURG, MS
Mississippi’s topography includes a low
fertile delta in the west-central part of the
state; sandy gulf coastal terraces that rise
to piney woods and prairies; rugged, high
sandy hills in the extreme northeast,
followed by a Black Prairie Belt, Pontotoc
Ridge; and flatwoods in the north central
highlands.
Early inhabitants of Mississippi were the
Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez
peoples. The first European explorers to
Mississippi were Spain's Hernando de Soto
in 1541, and France's La Salle in 1682.
The state’s first European settlement was
at Fort Maurepas (now Ocean Springs)
near present-day Biloxi. The region was
claimed by the French, British, and
Spanish before the U.S. Congress
declared it a territory in 1789.
The state takes its name from the
Mississippi River that forms its western
boundary. Mississippi is a Chippewa
Native American word meaning “father of
waters.”
Before the Civil War, the cotton
plantations of Mississippi were dominant in
the region. Dependent on slave labor,
Mississippi was the second state to secede
from the Union in 1861. The Civil War
followed, with one of the most important
battles fought (and lost) at Vicksburg in
1863. Having lost many Mississippians, the
state recovered slowly after the Civil War.
Today, cotton is still a big crop in
Mississippi. Other important crops include
rice and soybeans. Fishing is big business
to the state. Big catches include catfish,
shrimp, and oysters. Several southern port
cities are known for their shipbuilding.
The city of Hattiesburg, Mississippi was
named for Hattie Hardy, the wife of the
town founder in the 1880s. Hattiesburg is
located in southern Mississippi, near the
gulf coast.
1.
The University of Southern Mississippi is located in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Hattiesburg latitude and
longitude is 33°45'N 88°80'W. Which number refers to
the degree of longitude?
2.
In what part of the state is Hattiesburg located?
3.
In what part of the country is Mississippi located?
4.
In which time zone is Hattiesburg located?
5.
The Mississippi River provides a natural border for
most of western Mississippi. Name the two states
bordering Mississippi to the west.
6.
Name the large body of water that borders Mississippi
to the south.
7.
Name one or more major crops for Mississippi.
8.
Scientists are studying the damage to the ecosystem in
the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. How do you think
strong winds and a high storm surge changed the
coastline?
9. Which C-USA team is located the farthest distance from
Southern Miss?
10. About how far? ______________ miles
For more information, visit the team’s website at southernmiss.com, or
the University website at www.usm.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 21
NEW ORLEANS, LA
The city of New Orleans was
named by the French in 1718.
They named the city “new”
because there already was a city
“Orleans” in France. New
Orleans quickly became a major
seaport on the Mississippi and
became part of the United States
in the Louisiana Purchase of
1803. Today, New Orleans is
one of the nation’s busiest
commercial ports with a
metropolitan population of 1
million people.
New Orleans is located on the
Mississippi River near the delta.
A delta is a flat, low-lying plain
that forms at the mouth of a
river. When the Mississippi River
reaches the Gulf, its flow slows
down. This causes river
sediments to drop. These
sediments build a plain or delta
at the mouth of the river. The
Mississippi Delta is considered a
“bird-foot” delta because it has
many channels that branch out
from the river’s main channel.
Since the Mississippi River
carries a lot of sediment, it forms
a fast-growing delta. Deltas are
important to both people and the
food chain. People find the
region good for farming, fishing,
and trade. Animals feed on the
plant life that grows on the delta
plain.
The Mississippi River flows
into the Gulf of Mexico, the
world’s largest gulf. A gulf is a
part of the ocean that reaches
inland. It is generally surrounded
by land on most sides, and
connects to the ocean by one or
more straits.
1.
Tulane University is located in New Orleans, Louisiana.
What is the approximate latitude and longitude for New Orleans?
30°N 90°W
90°N 30°W
35°N 85°W
2.
In what part of the state is New Orleans located?
3.
In what part of the country is Louisiana located?
4.
In which time zone is New Orleans located?
5.
Parts of New Orleans are actually located below sea level. The
city is surrounded by levees to keep the water back. Lake
Pontchartrain is located to the north and the Mississippi River is
located to the south. Because of its location, New Orleans is
greatly affected by…
earthquakes
tornados
hurricanes
6.
Downstream of New Orleans is the Mississippi River Delta. Label
this delta on your desk map.
7.
Founded by the French in 1718, New Orleans is named after this
city.
8.
The Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico. In which
direction does the Mississippi river flow?
9.
New Orleans is the busiest port in the U.S. ahead of Houston and
New York. Why do you think it is the busiest port?
10. Tulane University will host the 2009 Conference USA women’s
basketball championship tournament. Which C-USA team will
travel the greatest distance to play in New Orleans? Which CUSA team will travel the least distance to play in New Orleans?
For more information, visit the team’s website at TulaneGreenWave.com, or the
University website at www.tulane.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 22
TULSA, OK
Oklahoma is a south central state
located north of Texas. The state’s
topography includes the Great Plains in
the west, and hills and small mountains
– part of the Ouachita Mountains – in
the southeast. In central Oklahoma, the
Canadian and Cimarron Rivers flow into
the Arkansas River. The Red River
provides a natural border between
Oklahoma and Texas.
The Osage Plains are located in
eastern and central Oklahoma.
Southern Oklahoma, along the Red
River is flat, low and sometimes
swampy. The Panhandle is part of the
Great Plains, which stretch from Canada
to Texas. This dry, almost treeless area
is home to the highest elevation in
Oklahoma. Black Mesa is 4,973 feet and
is the remnant of an ancient lava flow.
Today, over three million people live
in Oklahoma. The largest city in
Oklahoma is Oklahoma City. Main
industries include oil and gas
production, agriculture, and
manufacturing.
Tulsa is located in northeastern
Oklahoma along the Arkansas River.
Nearby Tulsa is the Port of Catoosa, a
major hub for transportation. It is an
inland, deep water port and links a
majority of the interior United States to
shipping by way of the Arkansas and
Mississippi Rivers.
In 1836, Creek Native Americans
moved into present day Tulsa and called
it Tulsee Town, from the Creek word
Tullahassee, meaning old town. The
name was changed to Tulsa in 1879.
Non-Native American settlers started
moving in around 1882 with the railroad.
Today, Tulsa has a metropolitan
population of 897,752 and is a
commercial, manufacturing and financial
center for industries in aerospace
equipment, oil field supplies and refined
petroleum.
1.
The University of Tulsa is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Tulsa is situated at 36°N 96°W. In what part of the state is
Tulsa located?
2.
In what part of the country is Oklahoma located?
3.
In which time zone is Tulsa located?
4.
The port of Catoosa near Tulsa is a major
____________________________________ hub.
5.
Which river provides a natural boundary between
Oklahoma and Texas?
6.
The panhandle region of Oklahoma is located in the Great
Plains. It is named the panhandle region because it is
actually shaped like the handle on a pan. Label
Oklahoma’s panhandle on your desk map.
7.
Each year dozens of tornados hit Oklahoma, most during
the spring months. Tornados are created by storms
moving across the state from southwest to northeast.
Draw several arrows on your desk map showing the
direction these storms travel.
8.
Oil and gas were discovered in Oklahoma in 1920,
changing the main economic activity from cattle to mining.
Today, oil drilling equipment can be seen throughout the
state. How many years ago was oil found in Oklahoma?
9.
How did Tulsa get its name?
10. The University of Tulsa’s women’s head basketball coach,
Charlene Thomas-Swinson has a record of 37-25 while at
Tulsa. What does 37-25 mean?
For more information, visit the team’s website at tulsahurricane.com, or the
University website at www.utulsa.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
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BIRMINGHAM, AL
Birmingham is located in north-central
Alabama, in the Jones Valley, near the
southern end of the Appalachian Mountains.
With a population of 229,424, it is the largest
city in Alabama. The area's coal and iron
resources supply its plants and factories that
make Birmingham the leading iron and steel
center in the South. Other industries include
transportation equipment, chemicals, and
textiles. Birmingham is also a trade center,
connected by canal with the Gulf of Mexico.
Birmingham, Alabama is named after Great
Britain’s steel-making center in Birmingham,
England.
Alabama is a southern state that stretches
from Tennessee to the Gulf of Mexico. It is
characterized by long, hot summers and mild
winters. The coastal plains of the south give
way to hills and broken terrain in the north.
Early inhabitants of Alabama were the Creek,
Cherokee, Chickasaw, Alabama, and Choctaw
peoples. The first Europeans to discover
Alabama were Spanish explorers, led by
Hernando de Soto in 1540. The French made
the first permanent settlement along Mobile Bay
in 1701 and claimed control. France later gave
up the entire region to England under the
Treaty of Paris in 1763. Spanish forces took
control of the Mobile Bay area in 1780, and it
remained under Spanish control until U.S.
troops seized the area in 1813. In 1814,
General Andrew Jackson forced the native
Creek Indians to leave their homes in Alabama
and move to Oklahoma. This journey,
commonly referred to as the “trail of tears,”
marked a sad period in American history
because of the terrible treatment the Native
Americans were forced to endure on their
journey.
In 1861, the state of Alabama seceded from
the Union and joined the Confederacy. The first
Confederate capital was located in
Montgomery, Alabama. The capital was later
moved to Richmond, Virginia, at the outset of
the Civil War. The Civil War ended in 1865.
Alabama was readmitted to the Union of United
States in 1868.
1.
The University of Alabama Birmingham is located in
Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham is situated at
33°30'N 86°45'W. Which number refers to the degree
of latitude?
2.
In what part of the state is Birmingham located?
3.
In what part of the country is Alabama located?
4.
In which time zone is Birmingham located?
5.
The UAB women’s basketball roster has two new
freshmen for the 2008-2009 season. One studentathlete is from Greenville, Alabama and the other is
from Lancaster, South Carolina. Which new studentathlete will experience a time change when she
arrives in Birmingham?
6.
Birmingham is located at the southern edge of the
Appalachian Mountains. Using an atlas for reference,
draw in the Appalachian Mountains on your desk map.
7.
Are any other Conference USA teams located within
the Appalachian Mountain chain?
8.
Name the states that border Alabama.
9.
Who are some of the early inhabitants of Alabama?
10. Where was the first permanent European settlement in
Alabama? How many years ago was is it founded?
For more information, visit the team’s website at uabsports.com, or the
University Website at www.uab.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 24
ORLANDO, FL
Florida is located in the southeastern part
of the United States. It is a peninsula that
stretches out 500 miles between the Atlantic
Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is
mostly flat, with its highest elevation located
in the panhandle. The area north of Lake
Okeechobee has a subtropical climate, while
the area south of Lake Okeechobee has a
tropical climate.
Early inhabitants included the Native
American Timucua, Apalachee and Calusa
peoples, followed by the Seminole who
migrated from what is now Georgia. In 1513,
the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon
claimed the Florida region for Spain and
named it Florida – which means flowers in
Spanish. Hernando de Soto also landed at
present-day Tampa in 1539. In 1565, the
Spanish established St. Augustine, the first
permanent European settlement in what
became the United States. Britain gained
control of Florida in 1763 but gave it back to
Spain in 1783. The United States formally
acquired Florida from Spain in 1821.
Congress established the Territory of Florida
in 1822 and it became a state in 1845.
During the last century, Florida’s
population has grown dramatically. Today, it
is the fourth largest populated state in the
United States (behind California, Texas and
New York). It is one of the leading states for
tourism, with about 60 million tourists each
year. Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine
State because it has many sunny days.
Climate is a primary reason why people
choose to vacation and live in Florida.
Millions of older people have moved to
Florida to retire. The state’s economy has
grown as business services expand to
support the increasing population.
Agriculture also plays a big role in Florida’s
economy. Florida farmers grow about 75
percent of the nation's orange and grapefruit
crops. Almost all the frozen orange juice
produced in the United States is processed
in Florida.
1.
The University of Central Florida is located in
Orlando. Orlando is situated at 30°N 82°30'W.
In what part of the state is Orlando located?
2.
Florida extends across two time zones. In which time
zone is Orlando located?
3.
Florida is a peninsula surrounded by water on all
sides except where it is connected to the continent.
The geographic term peninsula comes from a Latin
phrase meaning "almost an island." Name the bodies
of water that surround Florida.
4.
Central Florida has a metropolitan population of
about 2 million. How does this compare to your
hometown? Is your city larger or smaller than
Orlando?
5.
Central Florida’s population grew about 25% from
2000 to 2008. What was the approximate population
of Central Florida in 2000?
1.5 million
2 million
2.5 million
6.
Name some of the factors that have contributed to
Florida’s population increase.
7.
Which agricultural crop is Florida best known for?
8.
The Spanish founded the first permanent European
settlement in what became the United States. Name
this settlement which is located in Florida.
9.
Arriving in Orlando, many teams might experience
warmer weather due to Orlando’s location in…
elevation
latitude
longitude
10. If you lived in Orlando and wanted to visit the beach,
about how far would you have to go?
The University of Central Florida hosted the 2008 C-USA women’s
basketball championship. For more information, visit the team’s
website at ucfathletics.com, or the University Website at
www.ucf.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 25
EL PASO, TX
Texas is named after the Spanish word,
tejas, which means "allies - friendship." The
Spanish named Texas “friendly” because of
the friendly Indian tribes they found in the
region. The Spanish had a strong influence
in Texas’ beginnings. When Mexico broke
away from Spain in 1821, Texas became
part of the Republic of Mexico. Texans then
revolted from Mexico to become the 28th
state in the United States in 1845. The
defeat of Mexico in the Mexican-American
War confirmed Texas’ statehood in 1848.
Texas is a large state – second only to
Alaska in square miles. The state of Texas
rises in elevation from the Gulf of Mexico to
its western border. The Gulf region of Texas
is called the Coastal Plain – a region that is
good for farming. Heading northwest
through central Texas are the Central Plains
and Hill Country. The Edwards Plateau is
located directly west of Austin. In northwest
Texas are the High Plains, also often
referred to as the Great Plains. The High
Plains are a dry and windswept region used
mostly for cattle grazing. The highest point
in Texas is Guadalupe Peak in west Texas
where the Rocky Mountains reach the upper
portion of the Rio Grande.
El Paso is located along the Rio Grande
in a pass through the Franklin Mountains.
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico lies directly across
the Rio Grande from El Paso and the cities
have close cultural and economic ties.
Hueco Tanks State Historical Park is
located in El Paso and is home to an
extremely large rock depression that
collects and stores rain water. This oasis
can be found in pictures dating back some
5,000 years. The Tanpachoa people are the
first known inhabitants of the area. In 1598,
Spanish American explorer Juan de Onate
named it El Paso del Rio del Norte, or The
Pass of the River of the North. Today, El
Paso has a metropolitan population of
736,310.
1.
The University of Texas El Paso is located in El Paso,
Texas. In what part of the state is El Paso located?
2.
In which time zone is El Paso located?
3.
Is this the same time zone as the rest of Texas?
4.
El Paso is located near the ________ _______________,
a river that provides a natural border for southwestern
Texas.
5.
Using an atlas for reference, label and add this river to
your desk map.
6.
Name the country that borders Texas.
7.
Name the city that lies directly across the border from El
Paso. Using an atlas, add this city to your desk map.
8.
El Paso has a sunny, mild desert climate. What’s the
weather like where you live? Is it similar or different from
El Paso? Explain why?
9.
The Lady Miners finished the 2007-2008 season winning
all their conference games, giving them an overall record
of 28-4. What percentage of games did the women win?
(Hint: number of games won divided by number of games
played)
10. Izabela Piekarska, one of UTEP star players from last
year, is now playing for the WNBA on the Sacramento
Monarchs. Using an atlas for reference, add Sacramento,
California to your desk map.
For more information, visit the team’s website at utepathletics.com, or the
University website at www.utep.edu
C-USA Classroom on the Court, Copyright © 2008