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1.
What states are in the West Region?
The states are California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon,
Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Hawaii, and Alaska. Hawaii and Alaska
are not connected to the main continent.
2.
What are the natural features of the West Region?
This region varies more than other regions in landscape and climate.
There is much scenic beauty. Many states border the Pacific Ocean.
Then, there are mountain chains that run from north to south. This
causes wet weather in the west and harsher, drier areas in the east.
There are many undeveloped, sparsely populated areas in the West
due to the natural features. These areas are used for fishing,
camping, hiking, boating, grazing, lumbering, and mining.
California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada have
dry, comfortable summers. Most of California has excellent weather
all year round. There are a few places in California that have snow.
Winter months in the other states can be very cold with temperatures
dropping below 0 degree F.
Oregon and Washington are the wettest parts of the country.
Winters are mild around 40 degree F. Summers are pleasantly warm.
Fog is seen quite often along the coast.
Alaska has sunny clear skies and not too cold conditions in late spring
or early summer. From midsummer to fall, it is cloudy, and there is an
increase in precipitation. Weather is clear in the winter but cold.
There is an unusual length of daylight in late spring and early summer.
Hawaii has a rainy winter but the winter is also the time the surf is
the highest for surfing. The temperature is warm and never changes
more than 10 to 15 degrees F. The summer is warm with cool winds.
3.
Who settled the West Region?
The first settlers were the Spanish who created Catholic missions on
the coast. Later, due to people moving hoping to find a better life and
the Gold Rush, immigrants from all other regions settled the region.
Mexican and Asian cultures are dominant over European cultures in
some areas.
4.
What customs or beliefs are distinct to the West Region?
Many people that settled the West Region moved from other regions
to make a new start. Westerners are known for their tolerance,
strong “live-and-let-live” attitude, and being the least traditional
Americans.
5.
What type of industry is in the West Region?
California has the most population and it is famous for agriculture,
movie making, and high-technology industries.
6.
What art is distinct to the West Region?
Famous western artists like Frederick Remington, Charles Marion
Russell, George Catlin, Albert Bierstadt, and Thomas Moran painted
the American West (American Indians, scenery, and the life of a
cowboy).
7.
What literature is distinct to the West Region?
John Steinbeck – Grapes of Wrath
East of Eden
Jack London – The Call of the Wild
Owen Wister – The Virginian
Jack Kerouac – On the Road
8.
Who is a tall tale character from the West Region?
What is special about the character?
Paul Bunyan was a hardworking lumberjack with unusual skills. He was
portrayed as a giant of a man who had adventures with his giant animal
companion, Babe the Blue Ox.
9.
What food is distinct to the West Region?
Sourdough Pancakes, Huckleberry Pie, Salmon, Pan-fried Rainbow
Trout, Northwest Apple Candy, Fish Tacos, California Sushi Rolls,
Cobb Salad, Shave Ice
10.
What are two fun facts you learned about the West Region?
There are many possible answers for this question!
Colorado, Utah, and Nevada are known for their excellent skiing
weather and slopes.
On May 8, 1980, the volcano Mt. Helen erupted in Washington State.
The eruption was so powerful that it blew the top off reducing the
volcano by 1,200 feet.