Teacher's Page-
This Land is Our Land


Introduction | Components | California State Standards | Resources | Internet Resources | My Lesson Plan | Student Page


Introduction
    Young students don't often get a chance to travel around our country and see historical sites they read about in books. I created this webquest with them in mind. Through this project the students will get a chance to see some pivotal pieces of American history by touching the links on my page.

Students will need:
    a basic knowledge of technology
    to be able to open links and return to previous pages
    have grade level reading and writing skills
    have a working knowledge of the United States and understand the value of historical places
    read a map and find designated places
This project was designed for second through eighth graders, but a first grader working with a big buddy (or working "whole class") should be able to enjoy the project.

Components
     I have designed this unit with two components in mind. Any part of this webquest could easily be made "more challenging" or simplified for younger students.
    The first component of this project is the actual traveling to the various historical sites. Students will use their browser to visit sites and gather the needed information to complete the map. For older students, you as the teacher could formulate goals that might include writing a paper, creating a diorama, or another project which demonstrates the gained knowledge. I have designed a map for the students to use with this component of the project. I have included it as a .gif and as a .doc. I hope that you will be able to make use of them. The instructions for their use is on the student page.

    The second component is for the students to create and complete a diary or journal with illustrations of the sites they have visited. As the teacher you can design the journal to fit your needs. The student instructions call for them to draw a picture of each site in a box numbered like the sites. You would need nine boxes to do this as designed.

California State Standards
     I have included a link to California State Standards for third grade. Check your state standards in social studies for the grade level appropriate for your students.


Resources

Map
Here is the map to use with this activity. Right click (for pc's) and save as.Download this map in a MS Word then open it to view. Print in the landscape version.

During the activity the student is asked to note which city they are visiting by coloring in the dot next to the city name. This makes it quick and easy for you to check their answers.


Photo Journal
Here is the template for the diary or photo journal. Print in landscape with minimal borders.


Resources for Our Land - I have enclosed a big list of lesson plans for the sites students have visited. There are also words and the tunes for some of our American patriotic songs and a list of books on the various sites.

Rubric
I have also copied the rubric found at the end of the webquest into a document if you would like to download it and copy it for your students.


Internet Resources -Links

http://www.danheller.com/sf-ggbridge.html -Golden Gate Bridge
http://www.colorado-ski-vacations.com/aspen-snowmass.htm -Rocky Moutains-Aspen, Colorado
http://www.nps.gov/moru -Mount Rushmore
http://cgee.hamline.edu/rivers/Resources/river_profiles/mississippi.html -Mississippi River
http://www.honeyislandswamp.com/- Honey Island Swamp, New Orleans
http://pilgrims.net/plimothplantation/vtour/index.htm -Plimoth Plantation
http://www.niagara-usa.com/pages/historyfacts.htm -Niagara Falls
http://www.nps.gov/inde/exindex.htm -Indedependance Hall, Philadeplhia
http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/children.html -the White House for Kids

My Lesson Plan
How I plan to implement this project.

1) Discuss local significant landmarks
2) Discuss other national landmarks
3)Begin our Internet adventure to national significant landmarks
 4) Have the students use the website (the first time) to visit the various places and mark them on their maps
 5) The students will (second day) bring scratch paper with them and collect information about the sites by revisiting the locations.
 6) The students will (third day) return to the Internet to view the pictures again. At this time they will have the opportunity to draw the locations.


  Another way to implement this lesson is for the teacher to download/copy the graphics so the students may draw their illustrations offline.


A big thank you to my friend Linda for her support and editing....

I would appreciate any feedback you care to share about how the project worked for you. You can also visit my website for other helpful teacher links and ideas.

Sincerely,
Marcia Goudie
March 2001
Marcia's Lesson Links