📚 Learning Goals & Reading

I can...

• Identify the location and physical features of Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador

• Describe cultural traditions and daily life in Andean nations

• Explain how geography affects how people live in these countries

Success Criteria: I will know I'm successful when I can name at least 2 geographic features and 2 cultural practices from each country.

The Andean Nations: Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador

The Andes Mountains stretch along South America's western coast, creating unique landscapes and cultures. Three important nations in this region are Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Chile is a long, narrow country between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. It stretches over 2,600 miles from north to south but is only about 110 miles wide. Chile's geography includes the Atacama Desert (the world's driest desert), fertile valleys, and snowy mountains. People in Chile enjoy empanadas (meat pies), celebrate Fiestas Patrias in September, and many work in copper mining or fishing. The capital, Santiago, sits in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Colombia has coasts on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The Andes Mountains divide into three ranges here, creating valleys where most people live. Colombia is famous for coffee, flowers, and emeralds. Colombian people love soccer, dance cumbia and vallenato music, and enjoy foods like arepas (corn cakes) and bandeja paisa. Bogotá, the capital, sits high in the mountains at 8,660 feet above sea level.

Ecuador gets its name from the equator line that runs through it. This small country has four regions: the coast, the Andes highlands, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands. Many indigenous people maintain traditional ways of life, speaking Quechua and wearing colorful clothing. Ecuador exports bananas, oil, and flowers. People enjoy guinea pig (cuy) as a traditional food and celebrate colorful festivals like Inti Raymi.

🌎 Geography and Culture Questions

The equator runs through _______________.

🗺️ Map Activity & Reflection

Differentiation Support:

EB Learners: Use the reading passage to find answers. Highlight key words. Draw pictures to show your understanding.

Special Education: Work with a partner. Focus on questions 1-5 first. Use the word bank: Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Andes, Pacific.

Advanced Learners: Research one additional fact about each country's economy or indigenous peoples. Compare these countries to Mexico or another Latin American country you know.