America the Beautiful
Introduction
Have you ever thought about where you live on this great planet of ours? On which continent? In what country? In what state? In what city?
Do you know that in our country there is a huge bread basket? A belt made of corn? A mountain full of faces? A very grand canyon? Let's take a trip across this great country of ours to learn some interesting things about where we live! You will be fascinated by some of the sights and information you will discover about our 50 nifty
United States.
Overview
Before beginning your tasks, read through the whole unit. Pay special attention to the evaluation section so you will know how you will be graded.
You will become familiar with the names and locations of the states by playing games on the Internet with a classmate.
You will become a member of the Annunciation Third Grade Department of Tourism for the United States. In order to promote tourism for our great country, you will learn about various states and choose three that you would like to sell.
ResourcesOn this site you'll practice identifying all fifty states.
Explore the StatesOn this site you'll find lots of great information on all fifty states. Click on More Stories for additional information.
U.S. States
This site is full of information about each state.
US States
Enchanted Learning
Fact Monster
Facts on the United States of America, state and city statistics, US history, US government
National Parks in America
Facts and information about all 50 states. There is also information about the size and population of each state, the date each state entered the union, and the state's capital, largest city, bird and flower.
Products by State
Products by State
The Process
1. Get a State Folder from your teacher so you can keep your work safe and sound.
2. To begin learning the names and locations of the states, you and a partner will play Test Your Geography Knowledge. You might be amazed at how much you already know! 1. Get a State Folder from your teacher so you can keep your work safe and sound.
3. To record your progress, use the log in your state folder. Each time you play this game you will see how much you've improved! Play the game three times before you begin the unit. Then, at the end of this unit you will return to this game to see how much you have learned. Be sure to keep your log in your folder. You will earn EXTRA CREDIT for all the states you can locate at the end of this project. You may practice at home if you wish.
4. Now you need to begin looking at the states in the regions shown below. Look at the different regions. Find the states in the region are interested in. Find out as much as you can about the states that interest you.
The regions and the states are as follows:
Great Plains
| Western Pacific
|
New England/Mid Atlantic
| Southeast
|
Great Lakes/North Central
|
You may take notes or write down sites that you like. You may visit these sites at home and show your parents what states you are interested in.
You may wish to use the links listed above for research. You may also use any reference materials in the classroom or school library to research the following information for each of your states. Some of the information you should be gathering is listed below. Pay particular attention to red notes by topic. If there is any other topic about your state that you are interested in, you may also research that.
6. Once you have looked at our United States, choose three states you would like to promote this year. Circle your FIRST CHOICE. Hand it in to your teacher. Your teacher will let you know which state you will be in charge of promoting this school year.
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When you are ready to test your stately knowledge, get a map from your teacher, take it to your seat, put your name and number on it, and label each state. Remember to keep this in your folder, too.
Before turning in your state folder to your teacher, check to be sure you have included your log sheet, your labeled map, and any information you would like to keep for your project.
Evaluation 1 - Excellent 2 - Very Good 3 - Satisfactory 4 - Needs Improvement 5 - Unacceptable Individual Participation in the Group · Stayed on task · Followed directions · Used time and materials wisely · Knew where to go for help · Behaved appropriately and respectfully toward others · Resolved problems fairly and quickly · Applied technology appropriately · Folder information is neat, organized, and complete · Completed designated portion of task on time |
Knowledge of Names/Locations of the States - EC points
5 - name and locate 46 to 50 states
4 - name and locate 41 to 45
3 - name and locate 36 to 40
2 - name and locate 31 to 35
1 - name and locate 30 or less
Conclusion
Now that you've taken a trip across this great country of ours wouldn't you agree that these are truly 50 Nifty United States?
CONCEPTS WE WORKED ON:
SS 1.2 Recognize major events that shaped the United States
SS 1.8 Use resources for historical information
SS 1.10 Gather, organize, and interpret information using a variety of media and technology
SS 2.3 Locate the 50 states
SS 2.4 Identify political maps: boundaries of state and country
SS 2.5 Recognize landforms on a map: rivers, lakes, and mountains
SS 2.14 Describe how patterns of culture vary geographically
WEBSITES USED:
SS 1.2 Recognize major events that shaped the United States
SS 1.8 Use resources for historical information
SS 1.10 Gather, organize, and interpret information using a variety of media and technology
SS 2.3 Locate the 50 states
SS 2.4 Identify political maps: boundaries of state and country
SS 2.5 Recognize landforms on a map: rivers, lakes, and mountains
SS 2.14 Describe how patterns of culture vary geographically
WEBSITES USED:
1 comment:
THIS WEBQUEST WAS THE BEGINNING OF OUR STATE STUDY. DOING THIS PROJECT HELPED THE STUDENTS LEARN BEGINNING RESOURCE SKILLS, USING THE INTERNET SAFELY, WORKING ON COMPUTERS, WRITING SKILLS, AND COMPLETION OF A PROJECT THAT TAKES ALMOST A YEAR TO WORK ON.
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