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Activity Overview


The Southwest is the home of many interesting places to visit, such as the Grand Canyon, the Carlsbad Caverns, and the Alamo. In this activity, students will create a postcard from a Southwest tourist attraction. The written part must include at least one fact about the attraction, and the picture must accurately depict the location.


Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Due Date:

Objective: Create a postcard from a tourist attraction in the Southwest.

Student Instructions

  1. Click on “Start Assignment”.
  2. In the left cell, create an image that depicts the tourist attraction using an appropriate scene, characters, and items. Be sure to include the state name as a real postcard would.
  3. In the right cell, write a note to a friend or family member describing the attraction that you have "visited". You must include at least one fact about the attraction.
  4. On the address lines provided, make up a creative address for the recipient.
  5. Create a fun stamp in the box in the upper right corner.

Lesson Plan Reference

Common Core Standards
  • [ELA-Literacy/W/4/7] Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
  • [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/4] Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
  • [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/7] Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
  • [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/10] By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Postcard
Create a postcard for your assigned location that showcases one or more of its amazing sites and features! Include the name of your location and at least one major point of interest along with an illustration. Add other images to your design that represent attributes of your country such as the flag and/or a stamp that uses the correct currency from your location. Write a letter on your postcard that describes the site and why it is important in at least 4-6 sentences.
Proficient
6 Points
Emerging
4 Points
Beginning
1 Points
Text
Includes location name, name of famous site and 4-6 sentence letter with an accurate description of the site and why it is important.
Missing one element of text.
Missing two or more elements of text.
Design and Illustrations
Illustration depicts at least one major site of importance. Overall design includes attributes from the location with appropriate scenes, characters or items.
Illustration depicts important site. Design and attributes are present but are unclear or incomplete.
Illustration and design do not depict important sites or attributes of the location.


How to Explore Tourism from a Historical Perspective

1

Introduction to Historical Tourism

Begin by introducing students to the concept of historical tourism and its importance in understanding how destinations have evolved over time. Discuss the value of historical context in travel experiences. Provide examples of famous historical tourist attractions and the role they play in preserving cultural heritage and history.

2

Investigating Historical Attraction

Assign students to research specific historical tourist attractions in the Southwest region. Encourage them to explore the historical significance, origins, and development of these attractions. Instruct students to gather historical photographs, documents, and stories related to these attractions to enhance their understanding.

3

Analyzing Change Over Time

Guide students in analyzing how historical tourist attractions have changed over time. Have them compare and contrast past and present states of the attractions, considering factors like architecture, visitor experiences, and cultural relevance. Encourage critical thinking by discussing how historical changes reflect broader social, cultural, and economic shifts in the region.

4

Presentation and Reflection

Have students present their findings about historical tourist attractions to the class. This can be done through written reports, presentations, or multimedia displays. Conclude with a reflective discussion about the importance of preserving and visiting historical attractions, as well as how understanding their historical context enhances the travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about US Regions Southwest - Tourist Attraction

What are the must-visit national parks in the Southwest, and what are the key attractions within each of them?

In the Southwest, some must-visit national parks include the Grand Canyon (known for its breathtaking vistas and hiking opportunities), Zion National Park (renowned for towering red rock formations and trails like Angels Landing), Bryce Canyon National Park (famous for its intricate hoodoos), Arches National Park (home to over 2,000 natural stone arches), and Joshua Tree National Park (known for its unique desert landscapes and stargazing).

What are some storyboard and worksheet ideas for teaching students about the tourist attractions in the Southwest?

Storyboard ideas can include visual depictions of iconic Southwest attractions like the Grand Canyon, Arches, and desert landscapes. Worksheets may involve activities such as creating travel itineraries, researching and presenting on specific attractions, calculating travel distances, and mapping scenic routes. Additionally, students can design posters or brochures to promote Southwest destinations, fostering creativity and engagement in their learning experience.

How can storyboards visually represent the major national parks and their key attractions in the Southwest, and what elements should be included in these visuals to depict these destinations accurately?

To create accurate and engaging storyboards of major national parks in the Southwest, focus on iconic parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Joshua Tree. Design key scenes that capture the parks' distinctive features, such as the Grand Canyon's vast expanse or Zion's towering red rock formations. Incorporate landmarks, depict popular activities like hiking and stargazing, and showcase the unique wildlife found in these parks. Include tourists to convey scale and the grandeur of the parks. Ensure the landscapes reflect characteristic terrain, like the red rocks in Arches or desert flora in Joshua Tree. Use accurate colors and labels for clarity, and provide context by illustrating the park's surroundings. This approach ensures that your storyboards serve as informative and engaging learning tools for students.




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