1. 1. Research Task & Question
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My Nation and My State 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Research Task & Question
You did a great job learning about Maryland! Now it is time to learn about other states in the United States of America.
Select the picture on the right to see a video about the different states in the United States of America.
After watching the video, turn to your neighbor and share your answers to these questions:
How many states besides Maryland have you visited?
How were the states similar or different to Maryland?
Now you and your classmates will research other states to discover:
Video Source: TeacherTube
How are states in the United States of America similar to and different from Maryland?

2. 2. Information Sources Next 1 2 3 4 5 6
You will choose one of the states shown below. You will gather information about the state by clicking/tapping on the icons next to the state. You will need to use this information to complete the state chart on Slide 3. You will look for things that are similar to and different from Maryland.
Key
Geography =
Economy =
Society /Culture =
Political Science =

3. Next
3. Student Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6
You will use the resources on Slide 2 to find out how the state you chose is similar to and different from Maryland.
Click the button below to open your state chart.
On your worksheet, follow these directions:
1. Circle (O) the characteristics that are similar to Maryland.
2. Cross out (X) the characteristics that are different from Maryland.

4. 4. Assessment Activity Geography Economy Society and Culture
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4. Assessment Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6
To record your answers to the assessment, exit out of the PowerPoint slide show by using the esc button on the top left of your keypad and click the down arrow button on your keypad to move to the next slide.
Geography
Economy
Society and Culture
Political Science

5. 4. Assessment Activity: Geography
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4. Assessment Activity: Geography 1 2 3 4 5 6
Part A
The state I researched is . . It is similar to Maryland’s Geography in many ways. For example,
Place the speaker symbol in the green
starburst once your recording is
complete.
The state I researched is . It is different from Maryland’s Geography in many ways. For example,
Part B
Next Assessment Activity: Economy
Need help recording your answer?
Click the speaker

6. 4. Assessment Activity: Economy
Next
4. Assessment Activity: Economy 1 2 3 4 5 6
Part A
The state I researched is . It is similar to Maryland’s Economy in many ways. For example,
Place the speaker symbol in the green
starburst once your recording is
complete.
The state I researched is . It is different from Maryland’s Economy in many ways. For example,
Part B
Need help recording your answer?
Click the speaker
Next Assessment Activity: Society and Culture

7. 4. Assessment Activity: Society and Culture
Next
4. Assessment Activity: Society and Culture 1 2 3 4 5 6
Part A
The state I researched is . It is similar to Maryland’s Society and Culture in many ways. For example,
Place the speaker symbol in the green
starburst once your recording is
complete.
The state I researched is . It is different from Maryland’s Society and Culture in many ways. For example,
Part B
Next Assessment Activity: Political Science
Need help recording your answer?
Click the speaker

8. 4. Assessment Activity: Political Science
Next
4. Assessment Activity: Political Science 1 2 3 4 5 6
Part A
The state I researched is . It is similar to Maryland’s Political Science in many ways. For example,
Place the speaker symbol in the green
starburst once your recording is
complete.
The state I researched is . It is different from Maryland’s Political Science in many ways. For example,
Part B
Need help recording your answer?
Click the speaker

9. 5. Enrichment Activities
Next
5. Enrichment Activities 1 2 3 4 5 6
Now you get to play a game based on the states in the United States of America. Click on the game you would like to play.
*Make sure that you save your PowerPoint! Ask your teacher for directions.

10. 6. Teacher Support Materials1 2 3 4 5 6
Grade 1 Social Studies: Unit 4 My Nation is a Community
Social Studies Standards
SS.1.3.B.1.a - Identify and describe physical characteristics of a place (physical features, climate, vegetation and animal life)
SS.1.3.B.1.b - Identify human characteristics of a place (human-made features, language, political system, how people make a living)
Common Core State Standards
Reading: 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
Writing: 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Standards for the 21st Century Learner Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g. textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations.
ISTE NETS - National Educational Technology Standards for Students
3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
Time Frame: 2 class sessions
Differentiation strategies for this lesson:
Each slide has audio directions in addition to typed directions
Each text resource has a read-aloud feature that students can use.
Notes to the teacher:
This lesson is to be used at the end of Unit 3 to assess students and to assist teachers in meeting their SLO goals.
Students must save the PowerPoint so teacher can check for accuracy. See your Library Media Specialist or STAT teacher for assistance.
Alternative videos to use for Slide 1 can be found here:
Safari Montage: 50 States
Marbles: Brain Beats Tour the States Music Video, Lyrics
Last updated: July Created by Andrew Murray, Social Studies Teacher and School Library Media Cohort intern and Jamie Higgins Shaull, Social Studies Department Chair BCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2014, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. The models may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Lesson module.