State Report Guide
Mr. Jeannotte’s Fifth Grade Class
You will complete three of these reports over the school year. One will be on a United States state or territory. One will be on a Canadian province, One will be on a South American, Central American or Carribean country.
- Format
The first state report should be produced as a PowerpointTM presentation with the expectation that it will be viewed by the class along with your oral report. After completing the first report, you may select another format such as a traditional term paper, poster, etc. If you choose to use a new format, discuss it in advance with your teacher.
- Collaboration
For the first state report, you must produce your own presentation which is completely unique from anyone else’s. That said, sharing research strategies, web sites, resources, technology tips, etc. is strongly encouraged.
For the second and subsequent state reports, pairs of students may work together to produce one report between them. Understand that expectations are higher for a team effort than a solo one.
- Deadlines
First report due – November 1, 2009
- Research Standards
Cut & Paste
You will likely choose to use the cut and paste feature to take information or images off of a website and put them in your report. Two cautions are in order regarding this good practice. First, immediately cite your source (see Plagiarism below). Second, do not use words that you do not understand. Expect to be asked what every component of your slides mean during your presentation. Impressive information that you don’t understand, or can’t explain reduces your grade dramatically.
Plagiarism
If any image, or three words from any sentence are identical to a known source, but the source is not clearly labeled, you have cheated. Plagiarized work will result in a grade of 1 for the term. This is a minor consequence compared to what happens as you progress through school.
When you use information from a source, immediately identify the source (before you forget where you found it).
Multiple Sources
Identifying the difference between times when one source is adequate and when multiple sources are required is a skill that may determine the difference between a grade of 3, and 4 on your report.
High Quality
Some sources are better than others are. Some images are better than others are. A strong researcher will find similar images and information from many sources, but identify and use the best ones.
- Content
¨ Title Page (name, state, topic)
¨ Dedication Page
¨ Why I Chose this State . . .
¨ Fantasy Trip – How I will travel . . .
¨ Fantasy Trip – Where I will stay . . .
¨ Fantasy Trip – Itemized costs . . .
¨ Fantasy Trip – What I will pack (detailed)!
¨ Fantasy Trip – Three (at least) Adventures (i.e. museum, gallery, college, sports arena, state or national park visits)
¨ Population (Include descriptive comparison of ethnic or cultural groups. Also include major languages spoken and official language).
¨ Government (include key leaders such as Governor)
¨ Major Cities, Geography (Use a sample of photographs of main geopgraphical formations and features)
¨ Transportation (rivers, railroads, highways, airports) How are good and people (maybe even ideas) moved around the country or state
¨ Industry (types) How do people earn money? What goods do they produce?
¨ Agriculture (types) What do people grow (plants) or raise (livestock)?
¨ Climate (include description of all four seasons)
¨ Controversial Issues (i.e. immigration, land use, and social issues) What do people there argue about? For example, we want jobs that industry creates, but we don't want the pollution that industry of causes. Some people focus on the need for jobs. Some people focus on the need for clean air, soil and water. Some search keywords might be and < unemployment> etc.
¨ Best Thing About This State Page
¨ Worst Thing About This State Page
¨ Thank You Page (i.e. classmates who helped get credit here) Be specific. “Thanks to Jody who showed me how to change backgrounds. Thanks to Bobby who helped me find out that polygamy is an issue in Utah”
- Grading
On a four point scale the student will get . . .
One point for visual presentation
One point for oral presentation
One point for research proficiency
One point for completeness
Use your research time well.