Road Trip Across America

Road Trip Across America

INTRODUCTION:

Everyone dreams of taking a road trip across the United States. There is so much history to learn about, see, and visit as one crosses through the states. Our ancestors crossed the U.S. as they came West to settle the new territory. Imagine, if you can, all the adventures they must have had. Now it's time for you to have an adventure of your own. Are you ready to explore one state in the United States?

TASK:

Your task, on this adventure, is to select one state in the Union to explore. During your exploration, you and your partner will find information about your state, record your information, and design a display board about your state. Display boards will be viewed in the halls of our great school for all to see, so do a great job. Display boards will be judged for correct information (facts), design (visual appeal), and neatness (use of technology). A certificate to the book fair will be awarded to the winners of each grade level. HAVE FUN EXPLORING YOUR STATE!!!!

PROCESS:

Before you begin, your teacher will partner you up with a classmate.
During your exploration of your state, please follow the process below:

Step 1

1. Create or bring a folder to keep your web quest work in. You and your partner will not be able to save work on the computer.

2. Print the State Fact sheet in "Related Files" below.

3. Use the web sites listed in "Related Links" below to research the state you selected from the box. Use only the sites linked below to do your research.

4. Take notes and fill out the Fact sheet completely. Do not leave anything unanswered.

Step 2

1. When finished with your Fact sheet, find pictures of as many of the categories you have researched. Copy picture to a word document, size (if possible), and print. There will not be a picture for every category and you will need to combine factual information under appropriate pictures. You and your partner will not be able to save pictures, so print as you go!

Step 3

1. Using your Fact sheet, write an informational description of each of your pictures. Don't forget the titles. Then, using a word processing program, type up your informational descriptions. You and your partner may do this step at home if you want. If you and your partner are working at school, remember to print at the end of your time. You and your partner will not be able to save to the computer.

Step 4

1. Next, complete an example display board on paper. Show how you and your partner want your final project to look. Present this to your teacher.

2. Your teacher will give you and your partner your display board.

3. Your display board should be creative, colorful, informational, and neat. It should include your state's name and all information from your Fact sheet.

4. Please keep in mind that this is not a large group effort. You and your partner will need to keep focused to complete your "Road Trip" on time.

5. Research and display boards must be completed at school. You and your partner may use your home computer to type the category descriptions and labels.

6. Put your name on the back of your display board. When your display board is complete your teacher will ask you and your partner to display it in the hallway.

Conclusion:

1. When on a road trip there are always set backs. You and your partner may run out of gas, have a flat tire, over heat, etc. If you and your partner need help, please ask.

2. Use the "Rubric" below to get the most points possible. For displays receiving full "Rubric" points, creative and neatness presentation will be left to the Judge's discretion. Judge's decision is final.

3. You and your partner will have 2 weeks to complete your "Road Trip". Stay focused! Your Display Board, State Fact Sheet, and Writings are due on Friday, March 21, 2008.

4. Have fun!

SCORING RUBRIC

Categories	4	3	2	1
Informational Facts for each Category	Fact sheet is filled out completely listing as many facts as possible using all links provided.	Fact sheet is filled out completely listing some facts listed on all links.	Fact sheet is filled out completely using a few facts listed on all links.	Fact sheet is filled out completely using 1 fact listed on 1 of the links.
Use of facts in Description	All categories are used in the written descriptions using all facts.	All categories are used in the written descriptions using some facts.	Most categories are used in the written descriptions using a few facts.	Some categories are used in the written descriptions using at least 1 fact for that category.
Use of Pictures	Pictures are used for all major categories: capital building, flower, bird, flag, state seal, map of state.	Pictures are used for 5-6 of the major categories.	Pictures are use for 3-4 of the major categories.	Pictures are used for 1-2 of the major categories.
Display Board	Shows high degree of creativity, color, neatness, and shows a well rounded representation of the state for which it is displaying. Technology: Uses Word Art for all titles, resizing of pictures, use of word processing program: font, size, color.	Shows some degree creativity, color, neatness, and shows a clear representation of the state for which it is displaying. Technology: Uses Word Art for most titles, resizing of pictures, shows use of word processing program: font and size.	Shows a lack of creativity, color, and neatness. Show a moderate representation of the state for which it is displaying. Technology: Uses Word Art for some titiles, has pictures, uses word processing program: font and size.	Shows a lack of creativity, color, and neatnes. A representation of the state for which it is displaying is hard to determine. Technology: Uses Word Art for main title only, has some pictures, uses word processing program.