Introduction
Attention all students! We live in a beautiful country that is made up of 50 states. Yes! 50 states. In this web quest you will be picking one of the 50 states and thinking about all the incredible characteristics that make up the state and what makes the state beautiful and unique.
As an introduction to this activity listen to this song
Task
Now, think of the 50 states you just heard of in the song, which state do you want to learn more about and become an expert of?
You will be creating a poster, powerpoint, or brochure to present to the class and you will teach us about the state you have researched.
You will be able to share facts about the state such as the flag, bird, song, location, and anything else you can find through your research.
You can use books or websites to research your state
Some websites you can use are
Process
Step 1: Pick 3 states to do brief research on and decide from the 3 which one you want to become an expert on.
Step 2: Once you have chosen a state check the sign up list posted in the classroom and sign up for that state. *make sure no one else has already signed up*
-If your first choice has already been signed up for check your second choice
Step 3: Use the websites provided to find as many facts and details about the state you have chosen and take note of the information in your notebook.
Make sure you include:
- The name of your state
- The state capital
- When the state was founded
- State flag
- Nickname
- State bird
- Population
- Where the state is located on the map
- And 3 additional fun facts about your state
Step 4: When you feel you have a good amount of information about the state decide on how you would like to present your state. Choose from creating a brochure, poster, or powerpoint.
Step 5: When creating your project include facts, pictures, and details. Get creative!
Step 6: Present your state to the class. Remember YOU are the expert.
Evaluation
Make sure you include:
- The name of your state
- The state capital
- When the state was founded
- State flag
- Nickname
- State bird
- Population
-State location
- And 3 additional fun facts about your state
| Points | 0 points | 1 Point | 2 Points | 3 Points | 4 Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Name and Capital | Student doesn't include the name and capital of the state | - | - | Student is missing one: Name or Capital | Student provides both state name and capital |
| Year State was Founded | Student does not provide the year the state was founded | - | - | - | Student provides the year the state was founded |
| Sate flag | Student does not include an image of the state flag | - | - | - | Student does include and image of the state flag |
| State Nickname | Student does not include the state nickname | - | - | - | Student does include the state nickname |
| State bird | Student does not include the state bird | - | - | - | Student does include the state bird |
| Population | Student does not include the state population | - | - | - | Student does include the state population |
| Location of the state | Doesn't include location | vaguely states location | - | - | Includes detailed location description with bordering states |
| 3 additional facts | Student does not include any additional facts | Student includes one additional fact | Student includes two additional facts | Student includes three additional facts | - |
| Points | 0 Points | 1 Point | 2 Points | 3 Points | 4 Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organization | Information presented has no organization, missing headers, and information is difficult to follow | Information presented has little organization information is somewhat easy to follow. missing some headers. | Not missing headers, information is slightly disorganized. | Information was neatly presented and organized | - |
| Pictures | No pictures | 1 picture | 2 pictures | 3 pictures | 4+ pictures |
| Spelling and grammar | 10+ spelling/grammar errors | 8-9 spelling/grammar errors | 5-7 spelling/grammar errors | 3-5 spelling/grammar errors | 0-2 spelling/grammar errors |
| Presentation | does not present | briefly reads directly off of their project | moderately describes the information about their state | Thoroughly describes their state | Thoroughly describes and presents their state, is able to answer additional questions about their state, and is an expert |
Conclusion
After completing this project and becoming an expert of the state you chose, think about your favorite facts you learned. What is something you didn't know before this project? Think about the states that were presented to you by your peers, what is one thing you learned from a state you didn't research?
Reflect on what you learned from this activity. Include information from your state that you became an expert on and one state that was presented by one of your peers.
Credits
Teacher Page
Throughout this webquest students will research one of the 50 United States. Students will create a brochure, poster, or powerpoint to display and present the state they became experts of. This is a lesson that can be implemented in a social studies class that is discussing US History or the geography of the United States.This is an activity that can be done in pairs, small groups, or as individuals.
Standard:
1. SS.5.G.1.6: Locate and identify states, capitals, and United States Territories on a map.
Access Points:
SS.5.G.1.In.f: Recognize selected states, capitals, and a United States Territory on a map.
SS.5.G.1.Su.f: Recognize selected states and their capitals on a map.
SS.5.G.1.Pa.f: Recognize that the United States is made up of different states.
2. LAFS.3.W.3.7: Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
Access Points:
LAFS.3.W.AP.7.a: Follow steps to complete a short research project (e.g., determine topic, locate information on a topic, organize information related to the topic, draft a permanent product).
For ELL students in levels 1-2 educators should spend additional time walking through the steps and assisting the students in the research process. These students may also need additional time to complete the assignment.
For ELL students in levels 3-4 if the activity is being completed in pairs or small groups educators can pair the students with students who are not ELLs. If the students are working as individuals educators may need to provide assistance as needed for these students and possibly additional time.
For ELL students in level 5 students may need a limited amount of additional assistance therefore educators should provide this assistance as needed and they may also need additional time which can also be provided as needed.
Subject Area: Social Studies
Grade: 3-5
Body of Knowledge: Geography