1. Assessment #1 My Two States Step 1: Claim two states on the map, maybe the two that you think are most different from each other. Step 2: Look at the items you need to try and find out about your states. Step 3: Use any resource available to you to learn about your two states. Step 4: Create a visual and oral presentation that you will present to the class about your states. It must include an element of audience participation.

2. List of Required Components The following should be somewhere in your presentation:  State shape/outline  Capital city  Major population centers (more than 20% of overall population)  State population and its % of overall US population  State land mass and its % of overall US land mass  At least three major state resources  Major industries  Important geographical features  Folktale, myth, or legend from that state  Demographic breakdown by race and/ or ethnic group  Seasonal climate  Landmarks or historical sites  State symbols and sayings  What’s it known for, if anything  Interesting facts (ex. Origin of the state name, nickname, celebrities)  Important people  Economy – agrarian or industrial?  Any professional sports teams

3. Reminders: Whatever visual aids you use need to be large enough for the audience to read. Be sure all conventions are correct. You will have to present in front of the class so practice (you cannot use note cards) Time limit – it must be between 5-10 minutes There must be some type of audience participation in your presentation (discussion, questions, quiz, game) Your presentation will also be evaluated by your classmates What you can do: Posters Electronic presentation (Powerpoint, Prezi, etc.) Video Ask if you have any other ideas

4. Class Evaluation Areas Information – quality and quantity of information, not enough or too much, relevance Presentation – visual and graphics, pleasing to watch, engaging, audience participation Oral Skills –fluency, eye contact with audience, articulation, understandability, confidence 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 Perfect Good Acceptable Needs Work Poor

6. Timeline You will have two weeks to complete this assignment. Due date ____30 October 2014________ (Can be turned in physically or electronically) Oral presentations will start on 3 November. Presentation order will be random. Two class help days will be identified and posted. You can come and schedule time for extra help. No extra help within two days of the due date. Don’t wait until the last minute. No late work accepted on this assignment.

7. Resources Landform Atlas of the United States http://fermi.jhuapl.edu/states/states.html Here you can find maps of the states and links to other state site information. Related Map Sites: 2) 50 Views of 50 States from M.D. Adamiker's TruFlite 3) Download Maps from Rand McNally 4) Google Earth 5) Map (U.S.) 6) Maps of the United States from U.S. Geological Survey 7) MapQuest 8) National Atlas 9) TerraServer 10) United States Climate Page from NOAA-CIRES Climate Diagnostics Center 11) The United States Maphttp://fermi.jhuapl.edu/states/states.html50 Views of 50 StatesDownload Maps Google EarthMapMaps of the United StatesMapQuestNational Atlas TerraServerUnited States Climate Page The United States Map State Governments http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtml Explore the state government resources. Links are provided to each state website. Related Websites: State Government Information from Library of Congress http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtmlState Government Information United States from The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html Basic statistical information about the United States. https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html U.S. Census Bureau - http://www.census.gov/ Here you can find state and country facts. Related Websiteshttp://www.census.gov/ State Facts Sheets from the USDAState Facts Sheets http://www.infoplease.com/states.html http://www.netstate.com/state_geography.htm http://www.americanfolklore.net/ss.html http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/social/states/ http://www.americaslibrary.gov/ http://www.50states.com/