Who Says Michigan Isn't Interesting?

A Webquest for Fourth Grade
Created By: Jennifer LaTurno and Christie Stanke

    Have you ever been to a new state and wondered what made that state interesting?  Why do people love living there?  Why do you love living in Michigan?  It is now your time to tell others what is so great about Michigan!


Task:
    You have a friend who lives in another state.  It is your job to find interesting facts about Michigan to try to bring your friend to this great state.  After compiling facts for your friend, create a pamphlet to show your friend all of the awesome things in Michigan that make you love to live in Michigan.

Process:
    Day 1
       It is your job on day one to find all of the interesting facts about Michigan that you want to include in       your pamphlet.  You are to find the state capital, motto, reptile, nicknames, and fish.  In addition to these facts find 10 additional interesting facts that you feel your friend would like to know about Michigan.  Write all of these facts into your Facts About Michigan worksheet that you need to pick up from your teacher.

Day 2
       Using the facts about Michigan that you compiled yesterday, create a tri-fold pamphlet for your friend in another state.  Include all 15 facts and pictures that you feel capture the beauty of Michigan.  Remember you are trying to get your friend to move to Michigan, so make your pamphet colorful!  When your pamphlet is complete, turn it in to your teacher.


Resources:

About Michigan
www.dnr.state.mi.us/edu//DNRKidsAbtMi.html

Enchanted Learning
www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/michigan/

Kid's Corner
Click on "Ag City," then click "Crops that Grow in Michigan" to get to the desired page.
www.mda.state.mi.us/kids/index.html

A to Z Kid's Stuff
www.atozkidsstuff.com/mi.html

Go Camping America!
www.gocampingamerica.com/kidspages/states/michigan.html

Michigan Facts and Trivia
www.50states.com/facts/michigan.htm


Evaluation:
    Grading Scale
        Graphic Organizer - 5 points
        Pamphlet - 25 points
            State Motto - 1 point
            Capital - 1 point
            State Reptile - 1 point
            State Nicknames - 1 point
            State Fish - 1 point
            10 Interesting Facts - 10 points
            Overall Layout - 10 points
 
    Total: 30 Points


Conclusion:
    You have now completed a pamphlet about Michigan with several interesting facts.  Not only have you helped others to learn what a great state Michigan is, but you also found new reasons that Michigan is such a terrific place to live!