Explore Minnesota Mini Unit - Interdisciplinary Social Studies Centers

Download the Preview for a Sneak Peek! :)

Overview:
This "Minni" unit invites students to learn about their home state and discover reasons why it is important to know about the places in which they live. Students will write a postcard from Minnesota, read Minnesota literature, fish for facts, and go on a map-reading scavenger hunt. Optional supplemental activities including "Minnesota Crop Cookie" and "Edible Campfire" are provided as well. This introduction offers a foundation that will aid students in their fourth grade unit on Minnesota history. (Approx. 1 week mini unit)

Learning Objectives:
The students will be able to:
- Identify state symbols.
- Practice map-reading skills by identifying bodies of water, cities, bordering states, and direction.
- Learn writing elements involved in composing a postcard.
- Comprehend facts/information learned from reading literature about Minnesota.
- Measure and record actual length of Minnesota fish in inches.
- Make personal connections to place and the social/cultural systems in Minnesota through centers and discussion.

Mini Unit Contents:
Included in the zip file is a variety of pdf, jpg, ppt, xlsx, and docx documents...
- Explore MN Preview (1 page jpg)
- Explore MN Lesson Guide (5 pages pdf)
- MN Center Signs (5 pages pdf)
- MN Road Trip Journal (4 pages pdf & docx for editing)
- How to Write a Postcard Powerpoint (11 pages ppt and pdf)
- MN Fish Descriptions Teacher Instructions (1 page jpg)
- MN Fish Descriptions (1 page pdf and docx for editing)
- Fish Cutouts (12 pages jpg and xlsx for editing)
- Fishing Facts Center Student Instructions (1 page pdf)
- MN Crop Cookie Activity (2 pages pdf)
- Edible Campfire Activity (2 pages pdf)
- Unit Photographs (9 photos jpg)
- Department of Natural Resources MN Symbols Coloring Book (12 pages pdf)

Please let me know if you are unable to download the zip file correctly. I can either send documents via email or snail mail if easier. The "Fish Cutout" pdf file was too large, so I had to reformat it into an xlsx and a jpg document. I can send the pdf form via email/mail as well. I appreciate any feedback or suggestions!

Thanks and Happy Shopping,
Cortney