With  an emphasis on hands-on learning, elementary students will be gently  introduced to the physical and cultural geography of the United States.   Through very interactive class times, students will gain important  social studies skills, such as how to read a map, how to identify and  distinguish geographical features, how to effectively use an atlas, and  become familiar with longitude and latitude, cardinal (north, south,  east, and west) and intermediate directions (northeast, northwest,  southeast, southwest).  Using games, songs, simulations, and stories,  students will also learn states and capitals, time zones, monuments, and  national parks.  Students will discover the uniqueness of each state  and geographical region in America through exploring flags, landforms,  landmarks, and fun facts.  In addition to short weekly homework,  students will complete two semester projects of their choice, a state  project and a national park project.