Introduction
Our class has spent a lot of time learning about the different regions of the United States. Now, boys and girls, we have moved to the Southwest! What do we know about the Southwest so far? We have learned there are four states in the Southwest region: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. We have seen videos on landforms and places to visit, and we have even made our own book about Southwestern landforms.
Now, you're about to learn even MORE through the research you're going to do as a group. Each group will be given one state to research, and then we will all share at the end. This journey will be fun and exciting, and will make you all experts on the states of the Southwest!
Good luck. I can't wait to travel through the Southwest with all of you!
-Miss Tinkham :)
Task
As I said before, each group will be assigned one of the states in the Southwestern region (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, or Oklahoma).
Each group will need to use the websites given to research their state.
In case you forget, here are your groups:
ARIZONA: Jenny, Drew, Jessica
NEW MEXICO: Chase, Jillian, Emma
TEXAS: Nic, Landon, Jolynne
OKLAHOMA: Madalyn, Connor, Finnley
As a group, you will need to research many different things as a group, and then research some things on your own. After you research, you need to talk as a group about WHY your state is the BEST state to live in! It is your job to convince your classmates from other groups why your state is the coolest place to live. Think outside of the box and be convincing! SELL IT!
Each group will get a sheet to record all of their research.
Once we have finished researching, we will share our projects with the class!
Good luck. I know each group will do a great job. :)
Process
Use these websites to do your research. As a group, play around on the websites for a minute! Click on your state and click on the many features of your state. For website #1, read the blurbs on the side of the map and talk about what you learn as you go. For website #2, click on the name of your state and read the facts.
http://mrnussbaum.com/united-states/southwest/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/
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Please take out your sheet of paper called "Facts about _________." (1 per group)
Use the given website to fill this paper in as a group. EACH person in the group has to write at least one thing down on the sheet.
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Once this sheet is filled out, each person should take out their packet.
In this packet, you will see three sheets:
1. TOUR GUIDE: Landforms and places to visit
2. WEATHERMAN AND CONSERVATION SCIENTIST: Climate and natural resources (you will find this under "economy"). "Conservation" means the a
ction of conserving something. It is protecting the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife (Google definitions).
3. FARMER AND CHEF: Crops grown there and foods they like to eat.
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Look back on the "task" page at the list of groups/who is in each group. The first person listed will do #1, the second person will do #2, and the third person will do #3. If there are any problems or questions, please ask a teacher.
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Now, unstaple your packets and give each person the sheet of paper they need to complete their job. Fill the sheet out by using this website:
Click on the website and then click on the state you are researching.
On the left of the screen, there are different things you can click on!
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After you're done researching, we will talk about the cool way in which we will present our information to the class. Stay tuned! Great work so far!
Conclusion
Stay tuned for what's to come! We will be creating something to show to the class. You have all worked so hard on your research and now I want to give you the chance to SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
-Miss Tinkham :)
