State Economy Maps

Hi, families!  It was quite a fun and unusual week with topsy turvy class time.  I missed seeing those fourth grade faces on Monday through Wednesday.

This week's states and capitals are #28-35 on the list.  AR, LA, AL, MS, TN, KT,WV,VA .

State economy maps are underway and came home with most students today.  We made a large map of their state, then they had all of Thursday to research using class materials. ( We have a lot!)  Many of them were able to find abundant information.  Some are still learning to navigate reference materials (using indices and alphabetical order) so that was a new thing to think about and explore.  Some students went home and looked online to find some great resources.

Here's the criteria:  (Most students have theirs home this weekend.)  This is more of a synopsis since there are multiple details on the page your student has.

1.  Trace the map on a large piece of paper with pencil. (Most are done.)
2. Research to find the major economic resources or  industries
for your state, using the following three headings: manufacturing, agriculture, and mining.
3.  Try to find 8-10 choices in each area.
4.  Choose the top five in each area.
5.  Create an icon for each economic feature (like an oil derrick for oil) and create a rough draft of a legend showing each icon.  Show where your resources or other economic impacts are located in your state by drawing an icon there.  (An example would be fish near Puget Sound in WA).  The legend should have three columns for manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. (Hint: tourism can usually fall under agriculture, don't forget that one!)
6.  Show Mrs. Steele your rough draft of your legend and get good paper for your legend along with mounting paper to "frame" the legend.
7.  Color your icons on the map and create a neat final version of your legend.
8. Title your map in neat Sharpie letters "Economic Map of ________"(insert your state's name here.)
9.  Bring your completed map on Wednesday, February 13, to be paint-washed  or alternately, you may watercolor your map.
10.  Outline the map in black Sharpie marker.