Southeast State Fair

Submitted by: Melissa Bolland and Courtney Butler
Collaborators: Suzanna Panter and Jessica DelMonte
School: Dumbarton Elementary

Summary

The purpose of our Henrico 21 project was to introduce the Southeast region by having our students take on the role of tour guides. Not only did students explore the region in which they live, they also applied many language arts and geography skills. Students from two classes formed teams to examine one of the 12 Southeast states. The first task was for the students to formulate a list of questions in which they were interested in researching. The teachers helped guide the students in incorporating questions that went beyond the basic facts of their state. Students worked as a team to collect information from various websites, online databases, and print resources. They were encouraged to reflect on their research findings to draw new conclusions which would help them to plan and design their project. After choosing which digital tool would best represent their state, the group designed and created a project to share with their peers and members of the community to encourage them to visit their state. Students planned a State Fair at which they presented their multi-media projects. The students were given the opportunity to evaluate each other and themselves using a rubric.

TIPC Ratings

Ideal/target: Students identified and selected appropriate digital tools and other print resources such as books and travel guides. Students evaluated credible websites, databases and other information sources related to their state. Students accomplished real world tasks by requesting additional information by writing to state tourism departments. Not only did these letters permit students to collect addition print resources, but the lesson also lent itself to discussion on the economic advantages of tourism. Students were provided the opportunity to reflect on the credibility of each resource.

Ideal/target: Students were encouraged to collaborate within their group to complete their multi-media projects. Through the State Fair and a blog, students were able to share their knowledge with others. Students communicated in real and non-real time beyond the classroom by using a Wiki to interact with the ITRT and by writing letters to travel agents across the Southeast. Because of our diverse population, students formed collaborative teams of varying ability levels and ethnicities to create original works. The groups evaluated their achievement as a team using a rubric made on Rubistar.

Ideal/target: Students chose from multiple resources to draw research conclusions about their state. Students used resources to solve real-world problems for example, students realized how tourism is effected by the changing economy. Students reflected on their research. When needed, teachers prompted the students’ thinking using guiding questions that encouraged higher order thinking and for students to find their own answers.

Ideal/target: Students applied innovative thinking to create original work. Students researched beyond the basic facts. After organizing their research, students developed a multi-media project of their choice. They worked collaboratively to produce products designed to showcase their state and reveal its cultural and natural characteristics. The final projects were displayed to their peers and community at a State Fair.