Introduction
Pennsylvania
Did you know that the first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh in 1909 or that Hershey is considered the chocolate capital of the United States? While completing this WebQuest, you will explore Pennsylvania's past to unlock some other intriguing facts about our state.
By: Miss Nasser
Pennsylvania History WebQuest designed for 5th Grade.
Task
Pennsylvania Project
Throughout the WebQuest you will record your research in the Pennsylvania Packet. Then, you will create a brochure about Pennsylvania. Your job will be to persuade people from around the country (your classmates) to visit Pennsylvania. Be sure to follow the rubric.
You will begin by working independently (by yourself). You will fulfill each role. The roles are: Scholar, Political Scientist, Anthropologist, Travel Agent, and Navigator. After you have collected all of the research, you will work as an advertising team in groups of 2-3 to determine which facts will convince citizens from around the country to visit PA. Then, you will create your brochure.
Process
Step 1:
Complete each role.
Scholar
1. Complete the "PA Symbols" Worksheet. Use the following website to research the information.
2. Complete the "Be a Fact Finder!" Worksheet. Use the following websites to research the information.
Political Scientist
1. Complete the “Pennsylvania Democracy” Worksheet. Use the following websites to research the information.
- History of Pennsylvania's Constitutions
- Length of Terms of Governors
- Pennsylvania's Executive Branch of Government (Elected Officials) (Statewide offices)
- Pennsylvania State Senate (Number and Length of Term)
- Pennsylvania House of Representatives (Number and Length of Term)
- Pennsylvania Senators and Representatives in the Federal Government
2. Complete the “Where Does Your State Fit In?” Worksheet. Use the following websites to research the information.
Anthropologist
1. Complete “The Amish in Lancaster County, PA” Worksheet using the following websites.
Travel Agent
1. Fill in the information under each category on the "Things to Include in aTravel Brochure" worksheet
2. If you have time, explore:
Navigator
1. Complete the “Keystone State Features” Worksheet in your packet. You only need this worksheet to answer the questions. You do not need the internet or any websites to complete this map page.
2. Complete the “Pennsylvania Reading Questions” worksheet using the book provided by your teacher.
Step 2:
Advertising Executive
Plan and Create your Brochure
1. Determine the most important facts. Take notes.
2. Fold the sheet of paper provided by your teacher into three parts.
3. Create a Travel Brochure that catches the eye of fellow Americans and makes them want to visit the state of Pennsylvania. Each of the columns needs to have the following information and a picture.
First column:
3 Places to visit and 2 historical sites with their historical significance.
Second column:
A picture of a significant historical person with an explanation of why they are important.
Third column:
The title of the brochure, a picture, and your name.
Fourth column:
The climate and overall weather conditions along with some outdoor recreation activities.
Fifth column:
Modes of transportation.
Sixth column:
Information about foods.
Evaluation
Pennsylvania WebQuest Rubric
Packet
PA Symbols ______/3
Be a Fact Finder ______/3
Pennsylvania Democracy ______/3
Where Does Your State Fit In? ______/3
The Amish ______/5
Keystone State Features ______/4
Pennsylvania Reading Questions ______/5
Travel ______/2
Project:
3 Places to Visit ______/3
(City, Museum, Theater)
2 Historical sites/Landmarks ______/2
(Describe history of the place)
1 Historical Figure ______/1
(Tell why he/she was important)
2 Recreation/Outdoor Activities ______/2
(Parks, Sports, Water)
Climate/Overall Weather Conditions ______/2
3 Modes of Transportation ______/3
2 Foods From PA ______/2
1 Colored picture for each of the 6 sections ______/6
(At least 1 picture must be hand-drawn and colored)
Teamwork ______/3
Neatness ______/2
Paragraph
1 Important reason ______/1
Reason is fully supported ______/1
Includes all parts of a paragraph ______/1
Grammar, mechanics ______/1
Total: ______/58
Conclusion
Now that all your research is complete, it is your opportunity to convince people from across the USA of the most important reason they should visit Pennsylvania. You will write a well-organized, well-supported paragraph defending your choice of the most important reason people should visit Pennsylvania. Be sure to include a topic sentence, supporting details, and a conclusion.
Credits
Clipart from: http://classroomclipart.com/clipart-search/all-phrase/magnifying+glass/
Permissions
We all benefit by being generous with our work. Permission is granted for others to use and modify this WebQuest for educational, non-commercial purposes as long as the original authorship is credited. The modified WebQuest may be shared only under the same conditions. See the Creative Commons Attribution • Non-Commercial • Share-Alike license for details.