State Project

The children will be required to do one project for their state project:
1. Write an ABC State book (some will be done in class).
2. Make a game (Extra Credit).

The children will need to find at least 40 facts about their state. They need to find one fact for each letter of the alphabet. To better organize themselves, I would set up my notebook to alphabetize my facts. So, when it comes time to create the ABC Book all my facts will be organized for me. Remember, to put the facts into your own words, don’t just print them out and use them as your own. Try to use many different sources to find interesting information about your state. I realize you will have extra facts, but this will allow you some flexibility if you also chose to make a game. The following is a list of dates for the children to be aware of for planning their projects:

10 total facts by March 24
20 total facts by March 31
30 total facts by April 7
40 total facts by April 14
Due Dates:
State Game May 5, 2003 (Extra Credit)
State ABC Book May 8, 2003

The children will be given some class time to research their state and find new facts. I will also be checking in on their individual progress periodically. So, they will need to have their facts with them in school at all times. I am willing to stay after school and offer research time for those who might need it. I am available every afternoon except Tuesdays and Fridays (starting the week of March 24). Your child will need to bring in a note giving them permission to stay and that you will be picking them up. I will notify you if a particular day is not good for me.
The children will be spending some time in class organizing their facts for their ABC Book. They will need to have at least one fact for every letter of the alphabet. Once they have organized their facts and selected a fact(s) for each letter, they will then need to plan out their alphabet book. A template will be provided to assist in planning out their ABC Book. I will be giving them some class time to work on their projects. Each letter will also need a picture to go along with it. I have already told the children that they will need to draw most of the pictures. (with colored pencils, They can use pictures (magazines, computer, newspaper, etc.),that relate to or match the alphabet entry. Reminder, the pictures need to be fourth grade quality.
Please do not start the ABC book until after March 31. I will give the children some guidelines and some practice pages to layout their facts and pictures for each letter of the alphabet. Timetable: Starting April 1, if they do one complete page a night, they will be done in 26 days, well ahead of the due date.
As far as the game goes this will be extra credit, the children can make any type of game they want. I have suggested an original board game, a jeopardy type game, something creative, unique and easy to play. You must use the facts that you have found and challenge yourself. Please do not ask questions that no one will know the answer to. If the question is difficult, either give the player choices to select from, or don’t use it. These games are to be a fun and a relaxing way to break up the MCAS tests. We will be playing them during our breaks and learning about 23 states in our country. The children will also need to make a detailed set of directions for playing their game. They have plenty of time to complete this portion of the project, there is no need to rush. I am looking forward to seeing and playing all the wonderful games the children will have created. They will need to be completed before MCAS testing starts.
Once the MCAS tests are over we will be celebrating with a State Tasting Party, details to follow.

Due Dates:
State Game May 5, 2003 (Extra Credit)
State ABC Book May 8, 2003


If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Mr. Lancaster