State+Research

‍Objectives:
The students will select and research a state of their choice The students will design and use a template to gather information on their selected state The students will create and present a state project to the class The students will understand the 50 states have many similarities and differences, making them unique

Standards:

 * 7.1.4.B:** Describe and locate **places** and **regions** as defined by physical and **human features.**
 * 8.2.4.A:** Differentiate common characteristics of the **social, political,** cultural, and **economic** groups from Pennsylvania.


 * 1. Creativity and Innovation:** Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
 * 2. Communication and Collaboration**: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
 * 3. Research and Information Fluency:** Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
 * 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making:** Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

Procedure:
1. Students select state to research and create template to gather information 2. Template should include state name, historical info, geographic info, economic info, agricultural, and other headings of their choice 3. Students write letters to state chamber of commerce, examine print resources, and internet sources to complete template 4. Students create state project using tool/product of their choice.

Differentiated Instruction Options:
1. Below level learners can be given a template to complete 2. Students may choose their tool or product for state project

Assessment:
1. Students can gather information on a state of their choice 2. Students can present a state project to the class 3. Students can understand the similarities and differences of each state

Evaluation Tool:
Multimedia Project Rubric

Resources:
Kids.gov - State Websites. Retrieved on July 25 2011 from [] Ben's Guide: Quick Facts About Your State. Retrieved on July 25 2011 from [] KidZone Geography. Retrieved on July 25 2011 from [] Student State Facts. Retrieved on July 25 2011 from [] US States: Facts, Map and State Symbols. Retrieved on July 25 2011 from [] State Travel and Tourism Offices. Retrieved on July 25 2011 from [] Travel and Tourism Sites for U.S. State snd Territories. Retrieved on July 25 2011 from []