Teacher Information

Rationale: The main focus of fourth grade Social Studies in Nebraska is the study of the four United States regions. Even though there are textbooks that cover the information, some of the information seems outdated and students do not seem to get excited about the topics covered. Students with learning disabilities seem to struggle even more with basic textbook learning. All students seem to be motivated when learning takes place using technology and that includes Special Education students. This webquest will integrate technology with the information provided in the classroom to enhance the learning of each region of the United States . This project is not for one specific region, but to be used throughout the whole year as a tutorial for Learning Disabled students or for extra credit assignments in the classroom. Each activity with the exception of the Road Rally may be interchanged with each region. The questions and map skills for the Road Rally were made specifically for the Southern region, but could be changed, by the classroom teacher for other regions.

Objectives (Social Studies):

1. Students will be able to locate and name the states in each region of the United States .
2. Students will able to describe the agriculture, economy, landforms, climate, and resources of each region of the United States .
3. Students will identify and use essential map elements.
4. Students will use maps to acquire information about people, places, and environments.

Objectives (Technology):

1. Students will be able to use basic research tools to gather information.
2. Students will be able to use a word processing program to create a narrative writing assignment.
3. Students will be able to use Power Point software to create a slideshow.

Objectives (Writing):

1. Students will be able to write a narrative story
2. Students will be able to tell a story and provide important facts and details.

Nebraska Social Studies Standards:

1. Basic map skills
2. Using maps to acquire information
3. Identify the geographic and human characteristics of the regions of the United States .

Nebraska Writing Standards:

1. Tell a narrative story
2. Provide important facts and details in the story

Assessments:

Link to Pit Stop 1 Rubric

Link to Pit Stop 2 Answers

Link to Pit Stop 3 Rubric

Link to Pit Stop 4 Rubric

Credits:

Link to Credits