Process
The first step in the creation of our brochures is research. Students will draw names for which particular area they will be investigating. The 6 areas of investigation for your brochure will be:
1) Geography- Research the state's landforms, rivers, lakes, prairies, etc. Tell about them in a way that would persuade a traveler to come see them. You will also want to include the latitude and longitude of your state's capitol.
2) Culture- Describe the native culture of your state-what Native Americans first lived there? What is their history? Also include information on any tribes that may still be around to this day.
3) Historical Places- Describe to your reader the historical places located in you state. These should be places that have been involved in a significant part of your states history. Tell your reader some intersting historical information about your historical place.
4) Natural Resources- What does the rest of the world rely on your state for? Example: Foods, lumber, minerals, etc. Tell how these resources are culticated and how importatnt hey are to your state economically.
5) State Attractions- Where would you want to go if you were to visit this state? Attractions can include theme parks, malls, parks, museums, theatres, capitol, professional sports teams, etc.
6) State Wildlife- Descirbe to us what wildlife inhabits your state. What region of the state do they live? Are any of them on the verge on endangerment or extinction? What is your state's bird?
Where to find the information for the brochure?
Below are a few links for each state to find the information to include in your brochure.
Minnesota
http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/minnesota/
http://www.archaeolink.com/minnesota_indian_tribes.htm
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g28944-Minnesota-Vacations.html
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/
http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=NorthStar
http://www.50states.com/minnesot.htm
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html
http://www.governor.state.mn.us/
http://www.nativeamericans.com/IllinoisTribe.htm
http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/nat_amer/post/htmls/il.html
http://www.travelwisconsin.com
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org
http://geology.com/state-map/wisconsin.shtml
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_nwr/wi_3.htm
http://www.5hgresources.com/ia/timeline
http://www.kidport.com/reflib/usageography/facts/iowa.htm
http://www.50states.com/travel/iowa.htm
http://www.iowa.gov/state/main/visiting/html
Presentation of Brochures
Once the brochures are completed, students will share key facts about each section of their brochure. Each student will be responsible for sharing their particular part of the brochure. Once all the brochures have been shared, the students will each individually write a response to the question: Which state would you choose to live in and why would you choose that state?