TRAVEL THROUGH THE REGIONS

OF THE GOOD OL' USA

A WebQuest for Fourth Grade

Designed by
Shirley Carlson

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion l Credits l Teacher Page

Introduction

For many people the chance to travel throughout the United States is a rare opportunity.  Many people never leave the state they live in, let alone travel to many different states.

You have been given the chance to take a virtual tour of the USA.  As you travel from region to region, you will work in groups to collect information that will enable you to make maps, design pamphlets, and prepare informative presentations for the rest of the class.

In the virtual challenge, should you choose to accept it, you will have the chance to prepare a vacation package to one of the states you have visited on your virtual tour.

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare to be awed by the wonder and beauty that is found throughout the GOOD OL' USA!!!!!!!!

The Task
 

You and the members of your group will become experts on the states you have the opportunity to visit.
Your group will be responsible for sharing the information you have gained throughout your virtual tour.

Map Source National Geographic

Your group's job is to complete the following tasks for each state assigned.  The group will consist of four specialists:  Architect, Producer, Human Resources, and Management.  The jobs of each of the specialists is given in the chart below.
 
 

Architect Map Research: Research the landforms of the state.  Be sure to include major rivers and any mountains. Locate these on the map using appropriate symbols. Pamphlet Design: Research the history of the state.  Write three or four paragraphs summarizing the history of the state.	Producer Map Research: Research major products (agricultural as well as manufactured) and any natural resources. Locate these on the map using appropriate symbols. Pamphlet Design Research the state symbols (motto, bird, flower, tree, animal, song, flag, nickname, dance, etc.)
Human Resources Map Research: Research at least five large cities, including the capitol. Locate these on the map using appropriate symbols.  Pamphlet Design: Research at least three famous people.  Write a paragraph about each person researched.	Manager Map Research:  Research five places of interest in the state. Locate these on the map using appropriate pictures. Pamphlet Design: Research at least three places of interest to visit in your state.  Write a paragraph about each place.

Design a map of your state that includes the following information.

• Landforms, including major rivers and lakes
• State capitol and major cities.
• Natural Resources, manufactured products, and agricultural      products.
• Places of Interest.

You have three sources for your blank map:

• Draw your own
• Check with your teacher
• Print a map from the internet.

Prepare a visitor's guide for your state which contains the following sections:

• Cover representative of the many state symbols
• Famous people from the state
• History of the state
• Interesting places to visit.

A good place to start is the US Map above.  By clicking on the state you are researching, you will go to a home page for that state.

Prepare a presentation for the class.  As a group, you will decide the following:

• How your group will present the information to the class.
• What each member's responsibility will be.

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ON-LINE Stately Knowledge Postcards from .... Capitals.com National Parks Fact Monster

OFF-LINE HBJ Social Studies Textbook Encyclopedias and/or Encyclopedia   Software Atlases and Atlas Software State Books

Evaluation

For this project, you will receive two different grades.  Each member will be evaluated on their individual section of the webquest pamphlet and map.  The group will also be evaluated on the presentation to the class.
The rubrics are available as a word document that can be printed for use by your teacher.
 
  

Through this webquest you have become an expert on different states throughout the United States.  Sharing your expertise with your classmates has helped them to become more knowledgable about the great country we live in.
Wouldn't it be awesome to plan a trip to one of these states?  How about the chance to really go there and visit?  If you have enjoyed the virtual tour of the United States, perhaps you are up for a Virtual Challenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With all of your newfound knowledge of the Good Ole USA, you should have no trouble choosing a great state to visit!!!!!
 

The interactive map used on the web page was borrowed from the webquest Our United States.

A big thanks to Pam Olivito.  Without her expertise and help, this web quest would not have been possible!!!!!