Cantering the Country Unit Study w/ CD-ROM

This unit study takes the hands-on, multi-disciplinary approach of Galloping the Globe and applies it to U.S. geography. This course is intended to teach students about the fifty states and the District of Columbia through six different subject areas and a couple of informational paragraphs. Each subject has a very state-specific application: geography physical and topical forms located in the state; science state trees, birds, flowers, rocks/minerals, and many other science related topics that are important to each state; language arts based on the preamble for each state's constitution; history/biography historical figures, leaders, authors, artists, and others connected to the state; literature set in the states, written by an author from the state, or relating to some other aspect of the state; and Bible using the motto for each state to help in character development. There are also mapping activities and hands-on projects for each state, as well as internet resources that may be useful. A CD-ROM accompanies the book, including over 150 reproducible outline maps, word searches, crossword puzzles, and other puzzles and activities to be used throughout the study. The appendix of the book also contains reproducible forms for character traits (character study and development being an important aspect of this course), state symbols, state science charts, order of statehood, state report, recipes for making maps, biography report, animal report, geography dictionary, state flag pledges, state notebook, and travel & tourism information. As far as teaching tips, the first section contains overviews and tips on each of the subject areas, suggestions for the general activities, website resources, a more detailed language arts guide, teacher preparation points, and ideas for adapting the course for use by older students. Cantering the Country can be adapted to take anywhere from 1 to 3 years. 255 pgs, pb. ~ Zach