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4th Grade  Project 2 weeks

"Capitol Chaos: Brain Rot Edition"

Jessica H
4.G.GR.1
Effective Communicator
Empowered Learner
Critical Thinker
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to deepen students' understanding of how geographical features shape human settlement, movement, and resource use across the United States. Through hands-on exploration and collaboration with community partners, students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing real-world data and creating solutions for sustainable resource management. This project fosters effective communication and empowers learners to share their insights through interactive digital presentations, enhancing their ability to engage diverse audiences and apply academic competencies in meaningful ways.

Learning goals

Students will analyze the impact of geographical features on human settlement, movement, and resource use, using maps, photos, and digital tools. They will develop communication skills by presenting their findings to diverse audiences during the Geography Gala and gallery walk. Additionally, students will engage in critical thinking by collaborating with a local environmental organization to explore sustainable resource management solutions. Through reflection and feedback sessions, they will refine their understanding and improve their digital presentations, demonstrating mastery of academic competencies and real-world application.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] 4.G.GR.1 - Analyze how location and regional landforms affect human settlement, movement and use of various national resources, using maps, photos and other geographic representations.
Competencies
  • Effective Communicator - Engages diverse audiences respectfully by exchanging ideas and information responsibly, listening actively, speaking and writing clearly, and using print and digital media appropriately.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.

Products

Students will create an interactive digital map of the United States that highlights each state's geographical features and their impact on human activities. This map will include multimedia elements such as videos, infographics, and photos collected during their collaboration with the local environmental organization. By the end of the project, students will present their digital map at the Geography Gala, showcasing their findings and solutions for sustainable resource management to an audience of parents, community partners, and peers.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive scavenger hunt using digital maps to explore the geographical features of various states. Students will work in teams to identify key landforms and their impacts on human activities, using tablets or computers to access multimedia clues. This activity will spark curiosity and set the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Geography Gala' evening event where they present their interactive digital maps to parents, community partners, and peers. The maps will feature multimedia elements like videos and infographics, explaining how geographical features influence human activities in various states. Following the presentations, a Q&A session will allow students to discuss their findings and propose solutions for sustainable resource management, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work.