What is Your State Symbol? (Lesson Plan 3)

What is Your State Symbol?
Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Goal: students will understand how effectively symbols represent the state
National Educational Standards:
History
Standard 3. Understands the people, events, problems, and ideas that were significant in creating the history of their state
Language
Standard 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Standard 1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process


Materials Needed
Paper
Pencil
Poster board
Markers
Crayons
Rulers
Tape
Construction paper

Other Resources
-internet (www.state.(state abbreviation here).us ; http://www.netstate.com/)
-book: The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
-game: Scrambled States of America Learning Game by Gamewright

Objectives
-to gather and use information
-to understand symbols and what they represent
-to learn more about our state
-to learn more about other states
-to understand how effectively symbols represent the state

Procedures
-ask students if they can identify our state slogan, flower, bird, motto, symbol, and flag
-discuss reasons we have state symbols, mottes, etc.
-provide a list of state abbreviation
-guide students in using internet and book to research state symbols (each student will research 3 states and can share some information with the class)
-put students in groups to research one particular state and present their state to the class

Assessment/Verification
-classroom presentation about one state which must include state flag, motto, bird, and flower
-worksheet with facts about our state


Reinforcement/ Expansion Activities
-group project: pick one state and research it. Draw the flag, make a poster showing what the state symbols are. Include any interesting facts about your state that stand out. Present to the class.
-independent project: design your own flag (family flag, club flag, personal flag, etc.) and symbols. Explain why these symbols represent you.
-students can play the Scrambled States Learning Game
-homework: write a report about why our state symbol was chosen and how well YOU think it reflects our state. Think of another symbol we could use and explain why.

Adaptations
Gifted students can do extra research on the states, like the order in which they became part of the U.S., and can write a report on significant historical events or landmarks in a state of their choice


Bibliography: http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/activityDetail.asp?activityID=51