Part of an articulated curriculum for grades K-12, this fifth grade resource unit, the first in a series of regional studies, provides an overview to the study of geography of the U. S. Program descriptions, course objectives, teaching strategies, and an explanation of format are presented in the teacher's guide, ED 062 226. Students, emulating the skills of the geographer, examine and compare a series of map patterns in the United States and work out a system of four regions according to selected criteria. Then, in the subsequent units, pupils focus on case studies rather than on a detailed study of each region. Emphasis is upon students developing map skills and, further, upon drawing inferences from a comparison of different map patterns. Activity units are suggestive rather than prescriptive, and the teacher is encouraged to add other activities and materials and to consider the ability, previous experience, and interests of the class. Related documents are ED 061 134, ED 062 227, and SO 002 732 through SO 002 741. (Author/SJM)