Our Fifty States

This course is a project-based, full-year social studies class for elementary or early middle school students. Using Professor Wise’s Expedition Guide to Our Fifty States, an out-of-print curriculum written by Debra Bell, students become Discovery Corps Scouts. Scouts earn points by completing weekly assignments and projects about all 50 states. Scouts that earn a minimum of 1000 points will receive a certificate of completion, and scouts that go above and beyond will earn medals: bronze (1125 points), silver (1300 points), or gold (1475 points). This is considered a social studies course, but through completing various projects, students will use numerous English skills, improving their reading and writing along the way.

Students will:

• Read short passages about each state in our text, completing comprehension questions.
• Learn new vocabulary words, as each passage will include 4-6 vocabulary words.
• Complete a visual project with basic facts about all 50 states divided into regions.
• Prepare a “States and Capitals” map. Additional points can be earned for also creating a state landmark map showing the three largest cities (by population) of each state, major rivers and bodies of water, major mountain ranges, and top U.S. landmarks, including national parks and historic places of interest.
• Read nonfiction books or watch documentaries about specific states, completing a book or media report for each. (At least one must be completed for the certificate, but additional reports will earn students even more points.)
• Write at least one short research paper on a specific state or from the list of general topics. Paper length will be 1-2 pages, depending on the grade of the student. (Additional papers will earn even more points toward the top rewards.)
• Prepare and present at least one oral presentation on a specific state or from the list of general topics. (Additional presentations will earn even more points toward the top rewards.)
• Prepare and share one creative project, such as a scrapbook, poster, game, or script for a skit on a specific state or from the list of general topics. (Additional presentations will earn even more points toward the top rewards.)
• Optional: Prepare a “My State Notebook” or slide presentation (such as PowerPoint) with information about the state where the student lives; this notebook/slide presentation will be shared in class.
• Students can also earn points by completing “field work” in which they visit a historical site such as a state museum, state historical site, or state natural resource or geographical site and then write a field work report. This can earn additional rewards, or also substitute for the paper, speech, and project with parental permission.
• Optional: Reviews for vocabulary and the states are provided for each section, with an option to take a vocabulary quiz or regional states test. Note: Students can substitute any project with parental permission for one of equal point value.

Course Structure

A typical lesson consists of reading a passage about a state in the text, answering comprehension questions related to it (either as a worksheet the parent prints or directly on Canvas) and also preparing an entry for that state on the state visual project.  Additional time will be spent on the various projects, but can be done to suit the student’s schedule.  Optional reviews and tests in vocab and social studies are also provided.

Who should enroll?

This class is open to all 5th through 6th graders (4th graders with instructor approval) who want to study history and geography through learning about our fifty states.

Technology Requirements

• High speed, broadband Internet
• Headset and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

The majority of work in the class is based on effort, as students earn points for completing work rather than percentage grades. Feedback is given on all projects so that students can learn from their mistakes, but usually full credit is earned for projects. Optional tests and quizzes are the only assignments that earn percentage grades. A student that completes “stellar work” in both quality and quantity may earn a “gold star of distinction” in addition to their medal.

Communication

Parents are welcome to contact me via email with questions before registering, but it is not necessary before enrolling a student. Once I know a student has registered, the family will receive a welcome packet with additional information about the course. I maintain regular contact with parents and students through Canvas with updates on how the student is progressing through the modules. Also, I will contact parents if there is a concern that a student is not keeping up with the class.