CAPTURING MISSOURI REGIONS
 

A Web Quest for 4th Grade Missouri History

Designed by Merrie Williams Adapted by Pam Lowe


 
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

Introduction


You have been elected to a very important position in the state of Missouri.  The citizens of Missouri have voted for YOU as the new Missouri governor.  As governor, your first task is very important.  In order to showcase the state of Missouri, you have decided that future citizens should have something to look at that will tell about the regions of Missouri.  A time capsule would be perfect!  As governor, you have the honor of choosing the artifacts that best represent one of the four regions of Missouri.  The citizens of Missouri are confident that you will do a great job.  Congratulations and good luck!

Task

The time capsule you will create will contain artifacts that represent one of the regions of Missouri. 

It is important to know what the citizens of Missouri expect of you.  Each time capsule should include the following student made items: 

  • an outline map of Missouri with your region colored and labeled
  • two postcards that illustrate important natural resources of the region
  • a paper doll which has at least two sets of clothing that represents the types of jobs available in the region
  • write an ad that would convince others to move to the region
As you complete each item to be placed in your time capsule, you should choose things that best represent the region.  Once all of your items are complete, place them inside a shoe box that is decorated with words and pictures that describe your region. 

Process

It's time to create your time capsule.  First you will need to make a decision about the region you would like to research.  You may choose from one of the following Missouri regions:
  • Northern Plains 
  • Western Plains
  • Ozark Highlands
  • Southeast Lowlands 
Use Inspiration software to determine the questions you might like to answer as you research your region.  You may want to keep in mind the artifacts that you will need to include in your time capsule as you develop your questions.

Once you have determined the information you are looking for, it's time to start researching.  Use the links below to help you in your research.

General Sights that can be used for all regions: 

Northern Plains
Western Plains
Missouri Department of Conservation
St. Joseph
Northwest Missouri
Independence
St. Joseph
Hannibal
St. Louis Arch
Pony Express
Kansas City
Harry S. Truman State Park
Missouri State Fair
Sedalia
Whiteman Air Force Base
Ozark Highlands
Southeast Lowlands
Old Homes of St. Louis
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Johnson's Shut-In
Elephant Rocks State Park
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Ozark Heritage Region
Lake of the Ozarks
Ste. Genevieve
Trail of Tears State Park
Cape Girardeau
Missouri Mines State Park
New Madrid
Sikeston-Miner

Just a reminder...The items the citizens of Missouri expect to see in these time capsules are listed below.  All items must be student made.

  • an outline map of Missouri with your region colored and labeled
  • two postcards that illustrate important natural resources of the region
  • a paper doll which has at least two sets of clothing that represents the types of jobs available in the region 
  • an ad would convince others to move to the region
Congratulations!  Now that you are finished, you are ready to present your time capsule to Missouri citizens for approval. 

Evaluation


In order to assure that you have completed the requirements for all of the elements of your time capsule, use the checklist above as you complete this project. 

Scoring Guide

Your group's work will be evaluated using the rubric below.  Remember that not only will you receive a score for your work, you will also be evaluated on how well your group works together.
 
 
 
Excellent

4

Good

3

Satisfactory

2

Needs Improvement
1
Score
Required Elements

 

The time capsule includes all required elements as well as additional information. 
The time capsule includes all required elements.
The time capsule includes all required elements but one. 
The time capsule is missing several required elements.
 
Content Accuracy

 

All content in time capsule is accurate.
99-90% of the facts in the brochure are accurate.
89-80% of the facts in the brochure are accurate. 
Fewer than 80% of the facts in the brochure are accurate.
 
Product

 

The time capsule is original and interesting and adequately addresses the topic.
The time capsule is accurate and adequately addresses the topic.
The time capsule is accurate, but it does not adequately address the topic.
The time capsule is not accurate and does not adequately address the topic..
 
Organization

 

The time capsule exhibits exceptional organization of elements.
The time capsule exhibits organization of elements.
The time capsule exhibits acceptable organization of elements though it may appear disorganized.
The time capsule is disorganized.
 
Neatness

 

The time capsule is exceptionally attractive in neatness and design.
The time capsule is attractive in terms of neatness and design.
The time capsule is acceptably attractive though it may be a bit messy. 
The time capsule is messy or very poorly designed. It is not attractive.
 
Participation

 

Student showed great enthusiasm and focused on the task. Was helpful to others, if asked..
Student showed some enthusiasm and focused on the task. Was helpful to others, if asked. 
Student did work, but lost focus or became frustrated. Did not distract others.
Student often lost focus or became frustrated and distracted others.
 

Conclusion

You have received high marks from your fellow Missouri citizens. Not only do Missouri citizens have a time capsule of each region for their use, but you have now become an expert on one region of Missouri.  Who knows, maybe after your term of office is over, the Missouri Department of Tourism will call you with a job offer!  Nice work!



Credits & References


Missouri Region Map 
http://ozarks.smsu.edu/MapPage/PhyRegM.html