Come, See My Great State!

A State Report for the Digital Age

Susan Hughes, Brandon School

Unit Overview

Come, See My Great State!” is a unit that allows students in fourth through sixth grade to imagine that they are a part of a state department of tourism and that they will be promoting their state for visitors.  They become experts in the geographic, economic, and historical aspects of their state in order to provide persuasive information to attract a specific audience.  The basic template is adaptable to include the range of states in the United States.

 To prepare persuasive information, students will choose sites according to a matrix which will include historical, economic, tourist, and national park information for the 4 geographical regions of their state.  They will also decide on a specific audience for their presentation.  The audience may include:

• School aged students

• Businesses looking to expand into the state

• Travel agents

• Families

• Retired travelers

• Educators

Students will create a multimedia presentation (virtual tour), and present an oral presentation to their parents.  Virtual tours will be posted on the school web site.