Name: Golden, Belinda
E-mail: bgolden@drewcentral.org
Topic: Scout it Out (Geography)
Grade: 4th
Time: 2 - 3 days
Ark. Hist. Framework: 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.9, 2.1.4, 2.1.5
Objective: The student will be able to understand the influence of
geography on a state, the state of Arkansas using critical thinking.
Set: Announce that the class is an official colonial scouting party that
has been hired by a European monarchy to explore the state of Arkansas and
report back on its suitability for colonization. Begin with a review of
geography's role in the development of Arkansas with a group activity.
Materials: Arkansas History Text, Encyclopedias, Atlas of Arkansas, books
about Arkansas, chart paper and colored markers.
Key Terms: geography, scout, monarch, court, physical features,
climate, valuable resources, research, crown, agriculture, area
Key Facts: Geography plays an important role in developing a state.
Physical features limits growth and development. Climate plays an
important role in agriculture and natural resources. Natural
resources can determine the wealth of the economy. Geograpy is the
guiding force that determines the state development.
Activities: Divide the class into six groups. Assign one of the
following topics to each group: physical features, climate, valuable
resources. Give each group several sheets of chart paper and
markers. Then instruct the group to research their topics, using material
provided in classroom, and write the findings of their chart paper.
Closure: On the day the groups are to present their findings, play the role
of a monarch by wearing a paper crown and a large, beach towel robe. Have
each group present their findings to you and your court (the class).
Assessment: After the presentation, ask each student (or group) to write a
letter to you giving his/her recommendations on the following:
Should this be colonized? Why or why not?
What predictions can you make about life in Arkansas?
Resources: From Sea to Shining Sea Arkansas
By Dennis Brindell and Judith Fradin
Childrens Press Chicago
Copyright @1994
Mailbox intermediate
June/July 2002
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