This is a geographical webquest designed for 6th graders. This lesson will allow students to discover Mississippi through inquiry-based research. This lesson is designed for students to work with peers and create a final product. This lesson provides hands-on research will allowing students to interact with classmates.
Introduction
Here we go, class! Are you ready to embark on an adventure like none other? Our class will spend this week on a journey through Mississippi while researching in our very own classroom. We will go beyond our city to learn about the many things that make our state a unique place to live. Pack your bags and let's go!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zrFH-hWaXA
Task
Did you know Mississippi has six different geographical regions? Do you know which one we live in? While reading the book, All Around Mississippi, you will discover new cities, places, and people.
Your goal is to learn about the six different regions in Mississippi. You will keep notes and drawings on your findings. You will be divided into six groups. Each group will have a different region. Each group will report their research on the given region to the class.
Group One- The Delta: Kayla, Dylan, Chelsea, James.
Group Two- Red Clay Hills: Lindsay, Hayden, Maggie, Rachel
Group Three- Appalachian Foothills: Emily, Leah, Bailey, Alexa
Group Four- Black Prairie: Anne Caroline, Matthew, Ross, Phillip
Group Five- Piney Woods: Graham, Callie, David, Rebecca
Group Six- Gulf Coast: Ian, Samuel, Ally, Sarah
Process
Remember: This is a group activity. Every group member must be actively participating to receive full credit.
1. Vist http://www.arts.state.ms.us/folklife/view-by-region.php.
2. Explore your assigned region independently. After researching on your own, come together as a group to complete the given questions.
3. As a group, record findings to answer the following questions.
- What type of vegetation can be found in this region?
- How many counties make up this region? (All Around Mississippi)
- Describe the soil type and trees that can be found in this region.
- What traditions are known in this region?
- Do we live in this region?
- Are there any exciting or historical sites found in this region?
- What do you like most about this region?
4. Prepare a visual presentation. You must include pictures of the answers to the questions. Your presentation must include a map with your region shaded.
5. Present presentation to the class. Each group member must contribute to the presentation by speaking to the class.
Evaluation
Group Work:
Group worked together to research and present project- 2 points
Group worked together for some research, but not the presentation- 1 points
Group did not work together and the research was incomplete- 0 point
Organization:
The group remained organized and information was clearly presented- 2 points
The research was organized but the presentation was not clearly presented- 1 points
The group was disorganized and the research was incomplete- 0 point
Visuals:
The presentation is neat, easy to read, and includes pictures and map of region- 2 points
The presentation is includes some pictures but no map- 1 points
There was no visual- 0 points
Conclusion
Congratulations!
You have learned that there is so much more to Mississippi than the city we live in. You are ready to visit the different regions in the state.
Credits
Visit Mississippi
Mississippi Folklife
http://www.arts.state.ms.us/folklife/region.php?map=redclayhills