United States and Regions - Grade 4

Introduction:   The United States is a vast land made up of many regions. For this webquest we are using the following regions: the West, Midwest, MidAtlantic, New England, Southwest, and South.   Each region has its own special features that it shares with the rest of the country.  Each region is made up of many states which share certain characteristics.  

Task:  After researching a state from your region, you will use Microsoft PowerPoint to design a slide show which you will present to your class.  The slide show will inform viewers of geographical features, climate, recreational and cultural attractions, state history and symbols, and job and educational opportunities found in that state.   (Research questions)   (Research chart)   

Process:

1. After you have been assigned a state, you will begin your research. To find information you may click on the region above where your state is located  OR refer to the references listed in General Resources below.

2. Fill out your research form as you go. Turn it in to your teacher on the due date announced in class.

3. After receiving teacher approval, you will plan your slide show  by folding a blank piece of paper into 4 sections. You are to write the exact text on this so you won't have to think about it as you  type. You can draw a box to represent a picture.  Turn this in to the teacher to check.

4. When this plansheet is returned to you, use it to help create a slide show using Microsoft Power Point.

General Resources

	Map of all the states with links to each state's homepage. Be sure to look at your state's page and follow links that have information about geographical features, climate, recreational and cultural attractions, and job and educational opportunities.
	Library resources:

	From Sea to Shining Sea Book Series
	America the Beautiful Book Series
	Encyclopedias
	Reference Books

A Puzzle of Regions site
Regions Lesson Plan
State Maps
50 States

Student Assessment and Learning Advice:

For an A you will need the following elements:

	Slide show format is followed
	Required research is completed by the due date
	Info in slide show includes elaborate and relevant details
	Slide show uses readable fonts that are varied in size and color which make the show attractive
	There are few errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and word usage.
	Bibliography includes at least 1 internet source, 1 book, and 1 encyclopedia (see how)

For an B you will need the following elements:

	Slide show format is followed
	Required research is completed by the due date
	Info in slide show includes only the required details
	Font and color choices may prevent the slide show from being easily read
	There are some errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and word usage
	Bibliography includes at least 1 internet source, 1 book, and 1 encyclopedia (see how)

For an C you will need the following elements:

	Slide show format is followed
	Required research is completed by the due date
	Info in slide show includes most relevant info, but is missing some details
	Font and color choices may prevent the slide show from being easily read
	The slide show may have some or many errors
	Bibliography includes 1 internet source, 1 book, and 1 encyclopedia (see how)

Conclusion: We hope that you have enjoyed using technology to learn about your state and region.  View your classmates' slide shows to learn more about other states and regions. You can follow the links in this webquest to find out more information on your own.

Academic Expectation and Skills addressed:

2.19 - People's Relationship to the Geographical Environment Compare regions and identify similarities and differences Describe the connection between people and their environment and can make predictions Understand and use developmentally appropriate geographic vocabulary Use geographical tools appropriately, i.e. maps, atlases, computer databases

Technology Standards:

	2.1.    Extract information appropriately and record citations
	3.1     Use proper citations
	4.4.2.3  Access and navigate web sites using hyperlinks
	4.4.5   Locate and use video and audio information
	4.5.     Navigate within an operating system or software
	4.7       Locate information from application software
	5.1      Use proper keyboarding with speed and accuracy relative to the task
	5.2       Evaluate information using electronic references
	5.3       Evaluate information from the Internet
	5.6       Enter and edit word processing information
	6.4      Use a Word Processor to present information

Developed for Rosa Parks by: Fourth grade teachers:  Missy Evans, Jerone Hoosier, Nicole Kirkbride, Patti McCord, along with Barby Hardy, Technology Resource Teacher. Edited by Joni Maloney on 02/25/04 for use at Julia R. Ewan Elementary.

This page was last updated on 02/25/04 .