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Learning Module Activity Guide
Geography & Culture 2
USA
Visual Learning Tools
3-6 SoCiAL
StUdieS
Learning Module Activity Guide
Geography & Culture 2
USA
Visual Learning Tools
3-6 SoCiAL
StUdieS
Learning Activities developed by
Keys to Learning, LLC
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c o n t e n t s
Table of Contents
the Foundation of VariQuest Learning Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Activity 1: UsA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Activity 2: United states of Abbreviated Amer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Activity 3: 50 states & capitals team Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Activity 4: 13 original colonies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Activity 5: characteristics of the northeast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Activity 6: Midwest Rivers and Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Activity 7: come on Down Y’all to the southeast! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Activity 8: southwestern How(dy)-Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Activity 9: Geographic Factors of the West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Activity 10: American Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Additional Activity Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
content List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Work order template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4
The FOUNdATION OF VArIQUeST LeArNINg MOdULeS
VariQuest supports educators by providing countless opportunities to introduce a variety
of visuals and hands-on manipulatives into their classrooms. The use of visuals in the
classroom helps students understand and retain information, specifically abstract concepts.
Visuals can also help bridge the gap for students who struggle with vocabulary and/or
language barriers. hands-on manipulatives create learning experiences in which students
interact with knowledge kinesthetically. research shows that exposing students to a variety
of learning experiences, including visual and kinesthetic, will increase student retention and
help students learn to construct meaningful knowledge from information. The VariQuest
Visual Learning Tools enhance classroom teachers’ ability to provide learning experiences
that meet the learning styles of all students.
The aim of the following Learning Activities is to coordinate the VariQuest Visual Learning Tools
with lessons and activities that incorporate visual and hands-on learning strategies to reinforce
basic skills and provide fun and motivational activities that will supplement your school’s
curriculum. For best practices and additional information on how to customize VariQuest posters,
banners, flashcards, awards, cutouts and manipulatives, review the VariQuest Implementation
guide prior to use.
For the following learning activities, use construction paper for all cutouts unless otherwise
specified. Pre-laminating construction paper using a cold laminator adds durability to cut out
letters, shapes, numbers and collections.
5
geOgrAPhy & CULTUre 2 OVerVIeW
This module focuses on the geography of the United States. Students will understand concepts
related to the five regions, identify each state, and learn its capital city and abbreviation, as well as
important natural and man-made landmarks. In exploring the geography of each region, students will
understand the relationships between geographic factors and society. The learning activity formats
for the different regions (Activities # 5-9) can also be used with other regions. For example, poster
and travel brochure activities can be used for any region. The learning activities in this VariQuest
learning module are designed to meet educational standards in innovative and creative ways. Before
turning to the learning activities, familiarize yourself with general information that will guarantee ease
of use and flexibility.
ASSeSSMeNTFollowing the learning activities, you will find a rubric that can be used to guide you in making
observational assessments of students’ abilities related to the objectives outlined in the learning
activities. It is recommended that you make a copy for each student to guide your ongoing
informal assessments, making anecdotal notes on the back when appropriate.
VArIQUeST CONTeNTyou will find a complete list of all of the content included in this module between the rubric
and Work Order template. The content Id #s (ex. VIS001) for content referenced in the learning
activities are listed in the materials section for each activity and are color-coded to help distinguish
between templates for the Poster Maker (red) and Awards Maker (purple) and cutouts and
collections for the Cutout Maker (gold).
WOrK OrderSyou will also find a work order template on the last page of the Activity guide. This template
can be photocopied and used for placing orders for customized VariQuest posters, banners,
stickers, awards, cutouts and collections. It is designed to be submitted to the primary user of the
VariQuest Visual Learning Tools by those who may not have direct access to them.
A c t I V I t Y o n e
6
ACTIVITy ONe
USA objectives Students will know the location of the current 50 states.
Students will know the relative location of the United States in the
world.
Materials
Preparation Print United States poster (with names). Make 8 ½” x 11” copies, one
for each student.
Make 8 ½” x 11” copies of the United States Blank Map.
Print and display World Map or other world map or globe.
Print USA and USA Flag stickers, one for each student.
Cut USA Book Covers out of 12” x 18” construction paper, four for
each student. Cut 10-14 pages, using USA Book Page 1 or USA Book
Page 2, on 12” x 18” printer paper for each student. Custom-size both
the cover and the pages to “largest possible on page.”
Cut USA Puzzle on 12” x 18” cardstock, custom-sized to 44” width
and place pieces in a large bag. Tip: glue smaller state cutouts such as
hawaii and rhode Island to index cards to avoid losing them.
POSTer MAKer:
United States: ViS033
United States Blank Map: ViS034
World Map: ViS051 (Basic)
AWArdS MAKer:
USA Sticker: StK224
USA Flag Sticker: StK381
CUTOUT MAKer:
USA Book Cover: BKS083
USA Book Page 1: BKS084
USA Book Page 2: BKS085
USA Puzzle: USA236 (Basic)
OTher:
globe or world map (optional)
Stapler
regular and red pencils
Index cards
United States ViS033
United States Blank Map ViS034
World Map ViS051
USA Sticker StK224
USA Flag Sticker StK381
USA Book Cover BKS083
USA Book Page 1 BKS084
USA Book Page 2 BKS085
USA Puzzle USA236
Whole class
review the location of the United States on the World Map or globe. have
student volunteers identify and label the hemispheres (west and north),
bodies of water, and neighboring countries to the north and south of the
U.S. If there are students who were born in other countries, have them
locate and name their country on the world map or globe.
display the United States poster with the state names and pass out copies
to students. have students find your state, and name states, countries, or
bodies of water to the north, east, south, and west. Invite students who
moved to your state from other parts of the country to name and locate
their previous home states.
give students a few more minutes to study the United States map. Then
take down the poster and have students put away their copies.
distribute copies of the United States Blank Map to students. have them
fill in as many state names as they can. Now have them take out their
copy of the United States map with names and distribute red pencils.
have students fill in the names of states they missed in red.
IndividualStudents will begin making USA Books for two different states. distribute
four USA Book Covers, 10-14 USA Book Pages 1 or 2, and a stapler to
assemble the book covers and pages. Also give students USA and USA
Flag Sticker.
Place state puzzle pieces in a large bag.
have students select two at random. These
are the two states students will focus on
for their USA books. Students can glue the
state cutouts to their book covers, attach the
stickers, or otherwise decorate their books.
Then have them list 10-12 questions related
to the geography, population, economy and/
or tourism of their states. Over the course of the module, students will
answer their questions and add information to the pages of their books.
7
UsA
MoDIFIcAtIon
have students pick one state cutout
from the bag to use for a single USA
book.
extensIon
If there are extra state cutouts
not selected, give these students
additional states to research.
8
A c t I V I t Y t W o
ACTIVITy TWO
United States of Abbreviated Amer. objectives Students will name and locate each of the current 50 states.
Students will know the abbreviation for each state name.
Materials
POSTer MAKer:
United States: ViS033
State Abbreviations: ViS049
OTher:
dry erase marker
Timer
Preparation Print United States Map poster, laminate.
Print State Abbreviations poster. Make 8 ½” x 11” copies, one for each
student.
8
United States ViS033
State Abbreviations ViS049
9
UnIteD stAtes oF AbbReVIAteD AMeR.
Whole class
display State Abbreviations poster on the far right side of a classroom
wall. review what abbreviations are and when and where they are used
(addresses: St., rd. or titles: Mr., dr.).
Ask students the abbreviation of your state’s name. discuss how the state
name was abbreviated, for example the first letter of each word, or the
first two letters of each word. Look at the State Abbreviations poster. Find
other state names abbreviated like your state. Identify the abbreviation rule
used for each state name.
On the far left side of the wall from the State Abbreviations poster, display
the United States poster. Point out that this map has state names, but no
abbreviations.
Play Abbreviation Match. Tell students they will race the clock to add state
abbreviations to the map.
how to play:
1. Line students up along the wall opposite the wall with the two
posters on it.
2. give the first student in line a marker. The student will run to the
map, add an abbreviation and then run back and hand the marker to
the next student.
3. Students may consult the State Abbreviation poster, but it will add
time.
4. When all states abbreviations are on the map, stop the clock.
Scoring: The class scores one point for each correct abbreviation.
record the score and time. Then wipe the laminated map clean and
play again later in the week. Challenge students to better their score
and time.
Individualdistribute student copies of State Abbreviations poster. have students add
state abbreviation information to their USA Books begun in Activity One.
MoDIFIcAtIon
On their student copies of the State
Abbreviations poster, have students
circle the letters in the state names that
make up the abbreviation.
extensIon
Challenge students to find a single rule
to abbreviate all 50 states.
9
10
A c t I V I t Y t H R e e
ACTIVITy Three
50 States & Capitals Team Match objectives Students will learn the names of the state capitals.
Students will identify states by their shapes.
Materials:
POSTer MAKer:
State Capitals: ViS254
CUTOUT MAKer:
USA Puzzle: USA236 (Basic)
OTher:
Four large shoe boxes, two for each team
Stopwatch
Index cards
Preparation Print two State Capitals posters, one for each team. Make 8 ½” x 11”
copies, one for each student.
Write the state capital names on 3 x 5 index cards. Make two sets of
state capital game cards. If possible, use a different color index card or
marker for each team.
Cut USA Puzzle on 12” x 18” cardstock,
custom-sized to 44” width. Tip: glue
smaller state cutouts such as hawaii and
rhode Island to index cards to avoid
losing them. Cut two sets of states, one
for each team. If possible, use a different
color cardstock for each team.
State Capitals ViS254
USA Puzzle USA236
11
50 stAtes & cAPItALs teAM MAtcH
Whole class Prior to this activity, you may want to distribute State Capitals charts to
students to study as a homework assignment.
Place the two State Capitals posters on opposite walls of the classroom.
Use one to review the name of the states and the capital cities. Also
review the branches of state and city government. remind students that
the state capital building is where laws for the state are made.
To play Capital Match you will need:
State Capitals posters displayed on opposite walls of the classroom.
Students divided into two teams.
each team will need a large table or floor space and two large
shoeboxes.
Spread out each team’s state capitals game cards face up on their
table. Place the state cutouts in a large shoebox. Place the empty
second shoebox in the center of the table.
how To Play:
1. Teams line up about six feet from their tables.
2. When you say, “go,” start the timer as the first player on each team
runs to their table, takes a state cutout from the shoebox, finds the
matching capital game card and places the pair in their team’s other
shoebox.
3. Students may consult their team’s State Capitals poster, but it will
add time.
4. The player runs back to the end of the line and the next player goes.
Scoring: Teams score one point for each correctly matched state and
capital. The team that finished first gets five bonus points.
Individualdistribute student copies of State Capitals poster. have students add
state capital information to their USA Books begun in Activity One.
MoDIFIcAtIon
Write the state names on state
cutouts. give students 10-12 state
cutouts and the matching state capital
game cards to match or to use for
Concentration.
extensIon
give pairs of students two sets of state
cutouts and state capital game cards
and a stopwatch. have them time
each other matching states to capitals.
12
A c t I V I t Y F o U R
ACTIVITy FOUr
13 Original Colonies objectives Students will identify the 13 original colonies.
Students will locate, describe and judge the significance of the relative
location of a place.
Materials
Preparation Cut 13 Colonies out of 12” x 18” cardstock, custom-sized to largest
possible on page.
Cut the 14 states out of 12” x 18” cardstock, custom-sized to largest
possible on page. Note: you will use Maine as a 14th state because
part of the Massachusetts territory was located in what is now Maine.
Cut out Patriot 1 and Liberty Bell, one of each for each pair.
CUTOUT MAKer:
13 Colonies: USA125
Connecticut: USA080
delaware: USA081
georgia: USA084
Maine: USA093
Maryland: USA094
Massachusetts: USA095
New hampshire: USA103
New Jersey: USA104
New york: USA106
North Carolina: USA107
Pennsylvania: USA112
rhode Island: USA113
South Carolina: USA114
Virginia: USA120
Patriot 1: USA147
Liberty Bell: USA140
OTher:
Poster and art materials
13 Colonies USA125
Connecticut USA080
delaware USA081
georgia USA084
Maine USA093
Maryland USA094
Massachusetts USA095
New hampshire USA103
New Jersey USA104
New york USA106
North Carolina USA107
Pennsylvania USA112
13
1 3 o R I G I n A L c o L o n I e s
Whole classPut away any U.S. maps on display. Spread out the 13 Colonies and 14
state cutouts randomly on a table, then gather students around the table.
have students identify each individual state by its shape and compare it
to the shape of the state when it was one of the 13 original colonies. Then
have the class arrange the states geographically, using the 13 colonies
cutout as a guide. Use a map of the U.S. or a globe to check their work.
Then discuss why these were the original colonies on the Atlantic Ocean,
rather than what became states in other regions.
Partnersdivide students into partners. give each pair of students one of the
states (combine the Maine and Massachusetts cutouts to represent the
Massachusetts colony), one Patriot and one Liberty Bell cutout and poster
materials. have students work with their partner to research 13 facts
about their state and use the information to create a poster. encourage
them to use cutouts and original artwork.
have partners present their work to the class. display posters around
the room. Students can add information they learn from their own
posters and those of their classmates to their individual USA books
begun in Activity One.
MoDIFIcAtIon
Cut out 13 Colonies and print 13
Colonies Sticker: STK307. Attach
the sticker to cardstock to create a
flashcard. Students should use a map
to label each of the 13 colonies on their
cutout, then list several interesting facts
about the 13 colonies that they learn
during presentations on the back of the
flashcard.
extensIon
have students research 13 facts
about the first 13 Colonies that include
the word first, for example: george
Washington from Virginia was the first
president of the United States.
rhode Island USA113
South Carolina USA114
Virginia USA120
Patriot 1 USA147
Liberty Bell USA140
14
A c t I V I t Y F I V e
ACTIVITy FIVe
Characteristics of the Northeastobjectives Students will understand the concept of regions and identify the five
regions of the United States.
Students will identify natural and man-made landmarks and describe
natural resources.
Students will understand relationships between geographic factors and
society.
Students will describe the human characteristics of familiar places and the
varied backgrounds of American citizens and residents in those places.
Materials
Preparation Cut the 11 individual states out of cardstock.
edit the title of the Main Topic detail Web to read
“Northeast U.S.” remove the word “Topic” from the
center circle. Print eleven (11) posters, one for each
small group.
POSTer MAKer:
Main Topic detail Web: oRG011 (Basic)
CUTOUT MAKer:
Connecticut: USA080
delaware: USA081
Maine: USA093
Maryland: USA094
Massachusetts: USA095
New hampshire: USA103
New Jersey: USA104
New york: USA106
Pennsylvania: USA112
rhode Island: USA113
Vermont: USA119
OTher:
Index cards
Trade and reference books,
access to the Internet
glue or tape
Main Topic detail Web oRG011
Connecticut USA080
delaware USA081
Maine USA093
Maryland USA094
Massachusetts USA095
New hampshire USA103
New Jersey USA104
New york USA106
Pennsylvania USA112
rhode Island USA113
Vermont USA119
15
cHARActeRIstIcs oF tHe noRtHeAst
Write each of the Northeast region state names on an index card.
Whole class
Put away any U.S. maps on display and spread out the 11 Northeast
region state cutouts randomly on a table. gather students around the
table and have them identify each state by its shape. Then have the class
arrange the states geographically.
display the Northeast U.S. Web poster. Fill in five of the subtopic circles
with the following subtopics and discuss each. Leave one circle blank.
Geography: how does a state’s location and physical characteristics
impact the lives of its citizens?
Landmarks: What are natural landmarks? What are man-made
landmarks?
Resources: What are examples of natural
resources?
Population: What is the difference between native
populations and immigrants? Why do immigrants
emigrate?
History: What important events happened in the
past? how do they affect the present?
Tell students that they will be working in groups to research and answer
these questions.
cooperative Groupsdivide students into 11 groups. give each group a state name index card
and edited Northeast U.S. Web poster. have students write each subtopic
in one of the circles, leaving the sixth circle blank.
have groups work together to research and record information on their
web. Let groups decide on a subtopic for the sixth circle.
have groups present their work to the class, using their web as a visual.
display webs around the room. Students can add information they learn
from their own posters and those of their classmates to their individual USA
books begun in Activity One.
MoDIFIcAtIon
Cut out Northeast region: USA230
and print Northeast Sticker: STK309.
Attach the sticker to cardstock to
create a flashcard. Students should
use a map to label each of the states
on their region cutout, then pick two
of the following areas to research:
geography, Landmarks, resources,
Population or history for the region and
list a few interesting facts on the back
of the flashcard.
extensIon
give students two states from the
Northwest region to research and
a copy of the Venn Square poster:
Org031 (Basic) to compare and
contrast the states.
16
A c t I V I t Y s I x
ACTIVITy SIX
Midwest Rivers and Lakes objectives Students will understand the concept of regions and identify the five
regions of the United States.
Students will identify natural and man-made landmarks and describe
natural resources.
Students will understand relationships between geographic factors and
society.
Students will describe the human characteristics of familiar places and the
varied backgrounds of American citizens and residents in those places.
Materials
Preparation Cut the 12 individual states out of cardstock.
edit the title of describing Wheel to read “___________
of ___________,” make 8 ½” x 11” copies, one for
each student.
On index cards write subject areas: history, Current
events, Industry, Literature, Population Centers, and
Landmarks, duplicating as needed so there is one card for each student.
POSTer MAKer:
great Lakes Map: ViS050
describing Wheel: oRG015 (Basic)
CUTOUT MAKer:
Illinois: USA087
Indiana: USA088
Iowa: USA089
Kansas: USA090
Michigan: USA096
Minnesota: USA097
Missouri: USA099
Nebraska: USA101
North dakota: USA108
Ohio: USA109
South dakota: USA115
Wisconsin: USA123
OTher:
Index cards
Trade and reference books,
access to Internet
detailed map of the United States
(with rivers and cities labeled)
Art materials
great Lakes Map ViS050
describing Wheel oRG015
Illinois USA087
Indiana USA088
Iowa USA089
Kansas USA090
Michigan USA096
Minnesota USA097
Missouri USA099
Nebraska USA101
North dakota USA108
Ohio USA109
17
MIDWest RIVeRs AnD LAkes
MoDIFIcAtIon
Cutout Midwest region: USA229 and
print Midwest Sticker: STK308 and
The great Lakes Sticker: STK223.
Attach the stickers to cardstock to
create flashcards. Students should
use a map to label each of the states
on their region cutout and list a few
interesting facts on the back of the
Midwest region and great Lakes
flashcard.
extensIon
have students write a 3-5 paragraph
essay about their state based on
the information gathered from their
research and group presentation.
On another set of index cards, write
each of the Midwest region state names,
duplicating as needed so there is one card
for each student.
Whole class
Put away any U.S. maps on display. Spread out the 12 Midwest region
state cutouts randomly on a table. gather students around the table and
have them identify each state by its shape. Then have the class arrange
the states geographically.
display a detailed map of the United States and the great Lakes map.
Identify the great Lakes and major rivers in the Midwest, pointing to the
states they run through. Also note the major cities on the bodies of water.
review the following subject areas with students:
History: the study of the past
Current Events: what is happening now
Industry: business
Arts: books, folktales, visual and performing artists
Population Centers: cities
Landmarks: monuments
Individualdistribute one state name card, one subject area
card and a copy of the describing Wheel graphic
organizer. have students write in the state name
and subject area on their copy of the describing
Wheel, then use trade and reference books and
Internet resources to research their topic, writing
one fact in each space of the graphic organizer.
cooperative Groupsgive students who have the same state, the state cutout used in the
Whole Class activity. have students draw important geographic features
on their state cutout, including major cities and bodies of water. have
students combine some or all of their research for a presentation.
Students can add information they learn from their own research and
the research of their classmates to their individual USA books begun in
Activity One.
South dakota USA115
Wisconsin USA123
18
A c t I V I t Y s e V e n
ACTIVITy SeVeN
Come on Down Y’all to the Southeast! objectives Students will understand the concept of regions and identify the five
regions of the United States.
Students will identify natural and man-made landmarks and describe
natural resources.
Students will understand relationships between geographic factors and
society.
Students will describe the human characteristics of familiar places and the
varied backgrounds of American citizens and residents in those places.
Materials
Preparation Cut the 12 individual states out of cardstock.
Alabama USA074
Arkansas USA077
Florida USA083
georgia USA084
Kentucky USA091
Louisiana USA092
Mississippi USA098
North Carolina USA107
South Carolina USA114
Tennessee USA116
Virginia USA120
CUTOUT MAKer:
Alabama: USA074
Arkansas: USA077
Florida: USA083
georgia: USA084
Kentucky: USA091
Louisiana: USA092
Mississippi: USA098
North Carolina: USA107
South Carolina: USA114
Tennessee: USA116
Virginia: USA120
West Virginia: USA122
OTher:
Topographical map of the U.S.
Trade and reference books,
access to Internet
Assorted travel brochures (to
anywhere), one for each pair
of students
Art paper folded into three
sections, like a brochure
Index cards and bag
Art materials
West Virginia USA122
19
coMe on DoWn Y’ALL to tHe soUtHeAst!
MoDIFIcAtIon
Cut out Southeast region: USA232
and print Southeast Sticker: STK311.
Attach the sticker to cardstock to
create a flashcard. Students should
use a map to label each of the states
on their region cutout, then research
and list a few interesting facts on
the back of the Southeast region
flashcard.
extensIon
have students plan a travel itinerary
for a trip to the Southeast region,
including dates, drive times, lodging,
what to pack and destinations to visit
along the way.
On 12 index cards write these special interest
groups: history buffs, hikers and campers, music
lovers, botanists, farmers, fishermen, zoologists,
folklorists, chefs, artists and architects, geologists,
economists. Place in a bag.
Whole classPut away any U.S. maps on display. Spread out the 12 Southeast region
state cutouts randomly on a table. gather students around the table and
have them identify each state by its shape. Then have the class arrange
the states geographically.
Using a topographical map, have students locate and name: Mississippi
river, Cumberland Plateau, Appalachian Mountains, Atlantic Ocean, gulf
of Mexico and Blue ridge Mountains. discuss how each of these physical
features impacts the history, economy, and culture of the region.
distribute sample travel brochures. have each student look at them with
a neighbor. discuss the kind of information the brochures include. Some
examples may include:
historical sites to see
Sports and activities to do
Places to visit
Special events
Map locating cities and historical sites
Weather/temperature range by season
review the special interest groups and talk about what each group would
want to see or do while visiting this region.
Partnersgive students tri-folded art paper and materials to create travel brochures
for the Southeast region. Place index cards of special interest groups in a
bag or hat. have partners select a card at random. They will create a travel
brochure for the special interest group on the card. Pairs can focus their
brochure on one or more states or the entire region. Provide trade and
textbooks, library and Internet access for student research.
display brochures around the room. Students can add information they
learn from their own research and those of their classmates to their
individual USA books begun in Activity One.
20
A c t I V I t Y e I G H t
ACTIVITy eIghT
Southwestern How(dy)-Do objectives Students will understand the concepts of regions and identify the five
regions of the United States.
Students will identify natural and man-made landmarks and describe
natural resources.
Students will understand relationships between geographic factors and
society.
Students will describe the human characteristics of familiar places and the
varied backgrounds of American citizens and residents in those places.
Materials
Preparation Cut two Wagon Wheel Book Covers out of cardstock and 4-6 Wagon
Wheel Book Pages out of regular printer paper for each student.
Cut the four individual states out of cardstock.
Arizona USA076
New Mexico USA105
Oklahoma USA110
Texas USA117
Wagon Wheel Book Cover BKS109
Wagon Wheel Book Page BKS110
Stagecoach USA157
Totem Pole USA160
Buffalo USA171
Skull USA179
Clay Pot 1 USA180
Covered Wagon
USA183
CUTOUT MAKer:
Arizona: USA076
New Mexico: USA105
Oklahoma: USA110
Texas: USA117
Wagon Wheel Book Cover: BKS109
Wagon Wheel Book Page: BKS110
Stagecoach: USA157
Totem Pole: USA160
Buffalo: USA171
Skull: USA179
Clay Pot 1: USA180
Covered Wagon: USA183
Cowboy 1: USA191
dream Catcher 1: USA198
horseshoe: USA209
Kachina doll 1: USA212
Saddle: USA219
Teepee: USA223
Cowgirl 3: USA241
Cowboy 2: USA247
rodeo 3: USA255
OTher:
Index cards and bag
Assorted how-to books
Stapler
Trade and reference books,
access to Internet
Cowboy 1 USA191
dream Catcher 1 USA198
horseshoe USA209
Kachina doll 1
USA212
Saddle USA219
Teepee USA223
21
soUtHWesteRn HoW(DY)-Do
MoDIFIcAtIon
Cut out Southwest region: USA233
and print Southwest Sticker: STK312.
Attach the sticker to cardstock to
create a flashcard. Students should
use a map to label each of the states
on their region cutout and then
research and list a few interesting facts
on the back of the Southwest region
flashcard.
extensIon
have students use their how-to
booklets to create a script for a related
infomercial product. For example, for a
how-to booklet about cacti, students
might create an infomercial for creating
an indoor cactus garden, or cacti
inspired desk accessory (cactus
prickles holding memo notes).
Cut out the 15 assorted symbols for plants,
animals, crafts, people, etc. from cardstock.
Write the name of each symbol on an index card.
display how-to books from the classroom and
school libraries.
Whole class
Put away any U.S. maps on display. Spread out the four Southwest region
state cutouts randomly on a table. gather students around the table and
have them identify each state by its shape. Then have the class arrange
the states geographically.
display the symbol cutouts and explain that they represent examples of
plants, animals, crafts and people found in the Southwest region. have
students match index card labels to the appropriate cutouts. Then place
index cards in a bag. Leave the cutouts spread out on the table.
review the nonfiction genre of writing directions. read an example
from a how-to book. Point out the characteristics of the genre: listing
materials needed, step-by-step directions, illustrations for each step and
the finished product. Tell students they will write a how-to booklet for the
Southwest region.
PartnersPlace index cards with the names of the cutouts in a bag. divide students
into pairs then have each pair of students pick one at random. have
partners find the cutout that goes with the card. distribute front and back
Wagon Wheel book covers and pages to each student.
give students trade and textbooks and access to the Internet to research
an aspect of their chosen cutout for a how-to booklet. examples for Totem
Pole include: how to carve a totem pole or how to “read” a totem pole.
have students write the title on the first page of their
book, the materials needed on the second page, then
one step on each of the following pages. encourage
students to illustrate each step of their how-to book.
Once finished, have students assemble their books by
stapling the cover and pages together.
Cowgirl 3 USA241
Cowboy 2 USA247
rodeo 3 USA255
22
ACTIVITy NINe
Geographic Factors of the West objectives Students will understand the concept of regions and identify the five
regions of the United States.
Students will understand relationships between geographic factors and
society.
Materials
Preparation Cut the 11 individual states out of cardstock. Cut the Pacific states:
Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska and hawaii out of one color
and the Mountain states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah
and Wyoming out of a different color.
Cut West region out of white cardstock, custom-sized to largest
possible on page, one for each student.
A c t I V I t Y n I n e
CUTOUT MAKer:
West region: USA231
Alaska: USA075
California: USA078
Colorado: USA079
hawaii: USA085
Idaho: USA086
Montana: USA100
Nevada: USA102
Oregon: USA111
Utah: USA118
Washington: USA121
Wyoming: USA124
OTher:
Topographical map of the states
in the West region
Colored pencils
West region USA231
Alaska USA075
California USA078
Colorado USA079
hawaii USA085
Idaho USA086
Montana USA100
Nevada USA102
Oregon USA111
Utah USA118
Washington USA121
Wyoming USA124
23
GeoGRAPHIc FActoRs oF tHe West
MoDIFIcAtIon
Cut out West region: USA231 and
print West Sticker: STK310. Attach
the sticker to cardstock to create a
flashcard. Students should use a map
to label each of the states on their
region cutout and then research and list
a few interesting facts on the back of
the West region flashcard.
extensIon
give students copies of Venn diagram:
Org032 (Basic) to compare and
contrast the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
and/or the Appalachian and rocky
Mountains.
Whole classPut away any U.S. maps on display. Spread out the 11 West region state
cutouts randomly on a table. gather students around the table and have
them identify each state by its shape. Then have the class arrange the
states geographically.
distribute the West region cutouts to students. have them divide the
region into two sections and lightly color the Pacific states (Alaska,
Washington, Oregon, California and hawaii) red and the Mountain states
(Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming) yellow.
Using the topographical map, have students identify the states that border
the Pacific Ocean and those in the rocky Mountains. discuss how each
of these physical features impacts the history, economy, and culture of the
region.
Individualhave students work independently, using a topographical map, to draw
in the geographical features of the states in the West region, including
mountains, canyons, rivers and beaches. Students should use colored
pencils to draw in symbols that represent the different features.
encourage students to add information they learn about the geography of
their states to their individual USA books begun in Activity One.
24
A c t I V I t Y t e n
ACTIVITy TeN
American Values objectives Students will understand the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Students will explore the meanings of key words in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
MaterialsPOSTer MAKer:
Pledge of Allegiance: ViS021
describing Attributes Map: oRG060 (Basic)
OTher:
Marker
Preparation Print and display Pledge of Allegiance poster.
Print six (6) describing Attributes Map posters. Make 8 ½” x 11”
copies, one for each student.
Pledge of Allegiance ViS021
describing Attributes Map
oRG060
25
AMeRIcAn VALUes
MoDIFIcAtIon
give students an 8 ½” x 11” copy of
the describing Attributes Map poster
and have them write one of the key
words from the Pledge of Allegiance in
each circle. Then have students find the
denotation (dictionary definition) only for
each word.
extensIon
give students the Flag Craft collection:
CrF043. have them put the flag
together and paraphrase the Pledge
of Allegiance, rewriting it in their own
words on the stripes.
Whole classrecite the Pledge of Allegiance. discuss what it is and why students
recite it at the start of the school day. display the Pledge of Allegiance
poster and use a marker to circle key words: pledge, allegiance, republic,
indivisible, liberty and justice.
Write “pledge” in the center of one of the describing Attributes Map
posters. In the six surrounding circles have students use a dictionary,
prior knowledge and other resources to explore the meaning of the word
in six different ways: 1. denotation (dictionary definition), 2. usage in the
Pledge of Allegiance, 3. a class-composed sentence, 4. examples of other
contexts where the word is used (i.e. weddings, commencement, scouts),
5. connotations (what it makes you think of, how the word makes you
feel), and 6. synonyms (other words with similar meaning).
cooperative Groupsdivide the class into five groups. Assign one of the remaining key words
(allegiance, republic, indivisible, liberty and justice) to each group.
distribute describing Attributes Map posters and 8 ½” x 11” copies to
students in each group. have students take notes about what their word
means on their individual copies of the map, then combine the information
onto the group describing Attributes Map poster. have groups present
their work to the class.
26
ADDIt IonAL ActIV It Ies
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
VALUeS ANd BeLIeFSPrint and display the Fundamental Beliefs: VIS223 poster. Print 8 ½” x 11” copies of
Fundamental Beliefs and describing Attributes map: Org060 (Basic), one for each student.
Write each belief on an index card: life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, common good, justice,
equality, diversity, truth, popular sovereignty, and patriotism. Place cards in a bag. have
students select a card at random, write the word in the center of a describing Attributes
Map and put the card back in the hat. group students who chose the same concept for
their maps. have them work in small groups using classroom and library resources to
explore the concept as they complete the map.
PIN The LANdMArKS, SyMBOLS, ANIMALS ANd ICONS ON The MAP Print two United States: VIS033 posters and display on opposite sides of the room. Cut
out the following 25 landmarks, symbols, animals and icons: Alamo Landmark: SOC378,
Buffalo: USA171, Covered Wagon: USA183, Fort 2: USA253, gold Pick: USA054, golden
gate Bridge: SOC386, horseshoe: USA209, Liberty Bell: USA140, Log Cabin: USA141, Mt.
rushmore: USA142, Oil rig: USA144, Old Faithful: SOC067, Paddleboat: USA145, Palm
Tree: USA146, Saxophone Player: USA152, Space Needle: USA154, Stagecoach: USA157,
Statue of Liberty: USA158, Totem Pole: USA160, Paul Bunyan 2: USA250, Teepee:
USA223, Trolley Car: USA161, US Capitol: USA162, Washington Monument: USA167,
White house: USA168. Cut out two sets, one for each team. Use only one cutout for each
student on the team each time you play. Identify and discuss each cutout: what is it, what it
means, how it’s used, in which state or states might you find it?
divide the class into two teams. Teams should line up six feet from their map. Place each
set of cutouts in a shoebox next to a box of pushpins. Start the clock as the first player on
each team takes a cutout and pushpin and places on the correct state and then goes to
the back of the line. repeat until all cutouts are on the map. Scoring: five points for each
correctly placed cutout, extra five points for the team that finished first.
27
cate
gori
es
cri
teri
aValu
eM
inim
al
basi
cP
rofi
cie
nt
Adva
nced
Identi
fies,
locate
s and d
esc
ribes
the
50 U
nit
ed s
tate
s
Stu
dent
can
iden
tify
the
Uni
ted
Sta
tes
on a
wor
ld
map
and
a fe
w o
f the
indi
vidu
al s
tate
s on
a U
.S.
map
.
Stu
dent
can
iden
tify
the
Uni
ted
Sta
tes
on a
wor
ld
map
and
mos
t of t
he
indi
vidu
al s
tate
s on
a U
.S.
map
. Stu
dent
can
des
crib
e
som
e of
the
feat
ures
of
som
e of
the
stat
es.
Stu
dent
can
iden
tify
the
Uni
ted
Sta
tes
on a
wor
ld m
ap
and
all o
f the
indi
vidu
al s
tate
s
on a
U.S
. map
. Stu
dent
can
give
a b
rief d
escr
iptio
n of
the
feat
ures
of e
ach
stat
e.
Stu
dent
can
iden
tify
the
Uni
ted
Sta
tes
on a
wor
ld m
ap, a
ll of
the
indi
vidu
al s
tate
s on
a U
.S.
map
and
exp
lain
the
sign
ifica
nce
of th
e re
lativ
e lo
catio
n of
bot
h.
Stu
dent
s ca
n pr
ovid
e de
tails
abou
t the
feat
ures
of e
ach
stat
e.
Locate
s, d
esc
ribes
and judges
the
signifi
cance o
f th
e
rela
tive
locati
on o
f a p
lace
Stu
dent
str
uggl
es w
ith
loca
ting
spec
ific
plac
es
on a
map
and
des
crib
ing
thei
r re
latio
nshi
p w
ith o
ther
plac
es.
Stu
dent
can
loca
te s
peci
fic
plac
es o
n th
e m
ap a
nd g
ive
a br
ief d
escr
iptio
n of
the
loca
tion
rela
tive
to o
ther
plac
es.
Stu
dent
can
loca
te s
peci
fic
plac
es o
n a
map
and
giv
e
a de
taile
d de
scrip
tion
of
the
loca
tion
rela
tive
to o
ther
plac
es.
Stu
dent
can
loca
te s
peci
fic
plac
es o
n a
map
, giv
e a
deta
iled
desc
riptio
n of
the
loca
tion
rela
tive
to o
ther
pla
ces
and
expl
ain
how
the
rela
tive
loca
tion
affe
cts
the
plac
e.
Identi
fies
geogra
phic
al
featu
res
of
a r
egio
n
Stu
dent
iden
tifies
few
geog
raph
ical
feat
ures
of a
regi
on.
Stu
dent
iden
tifies
the
geog
raph
ical
feat
ures
of a
regi
on.
Stu
dent
iden
tifies
and
desc
ribes
the
geog
raph
ical
feat
ures
of a
regi
on.
Stu
dent
iden
tifies
the
geog
raph
ical
feat
ures
of a
regi
on
and
expl
ains
how
thes
e fe
atur
es
affe
ct th
e re
gion
.
Unders
tands
rela
tionsh
ips
betw
een
geogra
phic
facto
rs
and s
ocie
ty
Stu
dent
doe
s no
t
unde
rsta
nd h
ow g
eogr
aphi
c
fact
ors
affe
ct s
ocie
ty.
Stu
dent
und
erst
ands
how
som
e ge
ogra
phic
fact
ors
affe
ct s
ocie
ty.
Stu
dent
und
erst
ands
how
geog
raph
ic fa
ctor
s af
fect
soci
ety
and
can
give
spe
cific
exam
ples
.
Stu
dent
und
erst
ands
how
geog
raph
ic fa
ctor
s af
fect
soc
iety
,
givi
ng e
xam
ples
and
com
parin
g
the
effe
cts
of d
iffer
ent f
acto
rs o
n
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f the
soc
iety
over
tim
e.
Desc
ribes
the h
um
an
chara
cte
rist
ics
of
a r
egio
n
Stu
dent
can
des
crib
e
few
det
ails
of t
he h
uman
char
acte
ristic
s of
a re
gion
.
Stu
dent
can
des
crib
e
deta
ils a
bout
the
hum
an
char
acte
ristic
s of
a re
gion
.
Stu
dent
can
des
crib
e sp
ecifi
c
deta
ils a
bout
the
popu
latio
n
and
cultu
re o
f a re
gion
.
Stu
dent
can
des
crib
e de
tails
abou
t the
pop
ulat
ion
and
cultu
re o
f a re
gion
, and
dra
w
com
paris
ons
betw
een
the
hum
an c
hara
cter
istic
s of
diffe
rent
regi
ons.
tota
l:
ge
Og
rA
Ph
y &
CU
LTU
re
2 r
UB
rIC
N
ame
(Ple
ase
note
that
all
have
per
mis
sion
to re
prod
uce
this
rub
ric p
age.
)
R U b R I c
28
Poster Maker ID name Activities
rCg017 Let your Spirit Soar
SCh106 Star Spangled Banner
VIS021 Pledge of Allegiance 10
VIS033 United States 1, 2, Additional
VIS034 United States Blank Map 1
VIS049 State Abbreviations 2
VIS050 great Lakes Map 6
VIS217 democratic Values
VIS223 Fundamental Beliefs Additional
VIS254 State Capitals 3
Awards Maker ID name Activities
STK191 Pledge of Allegiance Sticker
STK192 Star Spangled Banner Sticker
STK223 The great Lakes Sticker 6
STK224 USA Sticker 1
STK307 13 Colonies Sticker 4
STK308 Midwest Sticker 6
STK309 Northeast Sticker 5
STK310 West Sticker 9
STK311 Southeast Sticker 7
STK312 Southwest Sticker 8
STK381 USA Flag Sticker 1
cutout Maker ID name Activities
BKS083 USA Book Cover 1
BKS084 USA Book Page 1 1
BKS085 USA Book Page 2 1
BKS109 Wagon Wheel Book Cover 8
BKS110 Wagon Wheel Book Page 8
CrF043* USA Flag 1 Craft 10
SOC067 Old Faithful Additional
SOC378 Alamo Landmark Additional
SOC386 golden gate Bridge Additional
USA054 gold Pick Additional
USA073 United States Map 1
USA074 Alabama 7
USA075 Alaska 9
USA076 Arizona 8
USA077 Arkansas 7
USA078 California 9
geOgrAPhy & CULTUre 2 CONTeNT LIST
c o n t e n t L I s t
29
c o n t e n t L I s t
cutout Maker ID (cont.) name Activities
USA079 Colorado 9
USA080 Connecticut 4, 5
USA081 delaware 4, 5
USA082 district of Columbia
USA083 Florida 7
USA084 georgia 4, 7
USA085 hawaii 9
USA086 Idaho 9
USA087 Illinois 6
USA088 Indiana 6
USA089 Iowa 6
USA090 Kansas 6
USA091 Kentucky 7
USA092 Louisiana 7
USA093 Maine 4, 5
USA094 Maryland 4, 5
USA095 Massachusetts 4, 5
USA096 Michigan 6
USA097 Minnesota 6
USA098 Mississippi 7
USA099 Missouri 6
USA100 Montana 9
USA101 Nebraska 6
USA102 Nevada 9
USA103 New hampshire 4, 5
USA104 New Jersey 4, 5
USA105 New Mexico 8
USA106 New york 4, 5
USA107 North Carolina 4, 7
USA108 North dakota 6
USA109 Ohio 6
USA110 Oklahoma 8
USA111 Oregon 9
USA112 Pennsylvania 4, 5
USA113 rhode Island 4, 5
USA114 South Carolina 4, 7
USA115 South dakota 6
USA116 Tennessee 7
USA117 Texas 8
geOgrAPhy & CULTUre 2 CONTeNT LIST (cont.)
30
c o n t e n t L I s t
geOgrAPhy & CULTUre 2 CONTeNT LIST (cont.)
cutout Maker ID (cont.) name Activities
USA118 Utah 9
USA119 Vermont 5
USA120 Virginia 4, 7
USA121 Washington 9
USA122 West Virginia 7
USA123 Wisconsin 6
USA124 Wyoming 9
USA125 13 Colonies 4
USA135 gateway Arch
USA140 Liberty Bell 4, Additional
USA141 Log Cabin Additional
USA142 Mt. rushmore Additional
USA144 Oil rig Additional
USA145 Paddleboat Additional
USA146 Palm Tree Additional
USA147 Patriot 1 4
USA149 Pentagon
USA152 Saxophone Player Additional
USA154 Space Needle Additional
USA157 Stagecoach 8, Additional
USA158 Statue of Liberty Additional
USA160 Totem Pole 8, Additional
USA161 Trolley Car Additional
USA162 US Capitol Additional
USA167 Washington Monument Additional
USA168 White house Additional
USA171 Buffalo 8, Additional
USA179 Skull 8
USA180 Clay Pot 1 8
USA183 Covered Wagon 8, Additional
USA191 Cowboy 1 8
USA198 dream Catcher 1 8
USA209 horseshoe 8, Additional
USA212 Kachina doll 1 8
USA219 Saddle 8
USA223 Teepee 8, Additional
USA225 Wagon Wheel
USA229 Midwest region 6
USA230 Northeast region 5
31
cutout Maker ID (cont.) name Activities
USA231 West region 9
USA232 Southeast region 7
USA233 Southwest region 8
USA241 Cowgirl 3 8
USA247 Cowboy 2 8
USA250 Paul Bunyan 2
USA253 Fort 2 Additional
USA255 rodeo 3 8
c o n t e n t L I s t
geOgrAPhy & CULTUre 2 CONTeNT LIST (cont.)
*Indicates Cutout Maker collection
32
W o R k o R D e R
VArIQUeST WOrK Order TeMPLATeThis template can be photocopied and used for placing orders for customized posters, banners, stickers, awards, cutouts and collections.
date Order Placed: __________________________________ Order #: _________________________________________
date Order Needed By: ______________________________ date Completed: _________________________________
Staff Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
room #: _________________________ Phone #: ___________________________________________________________
e-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
special Instructions:
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