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Introduction:

Today our 9th grade class will be studying American Geography. Though many students are familiar with the map of the United States, a huge percentage of high-school students cannot identify all fifty states. Everyone will be asked to locate all 50 states and their capitals, other questions regarding the states will also be asked. Each student is responsible for finding information using prompted sources.

 

Task 1: Trying not to use the map in the back of your book, locate all fifty states on the blank map in front of you. Once located, label the state and the capital.

Task 2: The states are not the only important part of American geography. On a separate blank map (also provided) locate the following water bodies and Mountain ranges:

  • Lakes

§         Lake Erie

§         Lake Superior

§         Lake Ontario

§         Lake Michigan

§         Lake Huron

§         Salt Lake

  • Rivers

§         Mississippi River

§         Ohio River

§         Missouri River

  • Oceans

§         Pacific Ocean

§         Atlantic Ocean

  • Gulf

§         Gulf of Mexico

  • Mountains

§         Rocky Mountains

§         Appalachian Mountains

§         Ozark Mountains

  • Ranges

§         Alaskan Range

§         Brooks Range

§         Costal Range

Task 3: The United States is split up into seven different regions; New England, Middle Atlantic, South, Middle West, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific. List the seven regions and all the states that are in each region.

Task 4: Choose one state (Not Michigan, otherwise it doesn’t matter) and research it. Find out the state flower, tree, bird, rock, ect. Write a one page paper about the state.

Task 5: There are several national monuments (man-made or not) such as the Grand Canyon or the statue of liberty. Choose one of those monuments in whichever state and write no more than two pages on how that monument or attraction has changed the states economy.

 

Process:

Task 1: I’ve handed out a blank map of the United States. On this map I would like everyone to name each of the fifty states, a list of states and their capitals is also being handed out. DON’T USE YOUR BOOK!!! I have faith that everyone can do this without using your books. If you truly get stumped and cannot name any more states use the map in the back of your book to help find the state. Once all the states have been named, you can use your book to locate and properly label every state capital.

Task 2: There is a blank map being handed out and along with that there is a page with a list of water bodies, mountains, and ranges. Try not to use your book and label all of the items on the list. If you truly get stumped and cannot find any more, you may resort to your book.

Task 3:A list with all seven regions is being handed out. With each region heading are lines that will amount up to 50. Place each state in the region it belongs.

Task 4: Choose one state other than Michigan to research. I do not care which state. Get online and go to that states homepage. Yes, each state has a homepage. Once on the homepage research the state. Find out what the state flower, rock, tree, bird, ect are. Write at least a one-page paper about the state; include the information previously mentioned and any other information on the state that you find is valuable.

Task 5: Pick a national monument or natural landform. It can be the Rocky Mountains, Statue of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, and any monument/landform that you choose. Once you have chosen a monument/landform start to research that particular item. You can use the Internet, library, your textbook, or any other sources you can find. You must write a paper no longer than two pages on the information you have found. Be prepared to share your information with the class.

 

Evaluation

 

Conclusion

Though finding all the information I have asked of you is tough it is necessary that you know it to become better citizens. In a time where national pride is most important, it is unfortunate that our youth knows so little about our country. The information you have learned (though it may not seem so today) will help you in the long run. Great job and I hope your research taught you something you didn’t know before!

 

Credits

Fundamental Place-Name Geography, Ninth edition. Robert Fusion. WCB/McGraw-Hill companies. 1999.

Webquest News. Bernie Dodge. www.questgarden.com