For each wonder that you study, come up with a creative way to show what you learned. If you would like, create some geography bee style questions. Share your questions and answers in the comments.
Nebraska is the 16th largest state by land area, covering just over 77,220 square miles. The state flower is the goldenrod and the state bird is the meadowlark. This Social Studies Enrichment post has you digging into Nebraska information and history.
1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: # 19: Learn about Nebraska
2. Visit these sites and find 10-15 pieces of information on your recording page about Nebraska. Try to look for details to record you did not already know.
3. Visit National Geographic Kids and read about Nebraska. Record at least one idea from each of the sections on this website. Look for information that you did not already know as you are writing information.
FAST FACTS
HISTORY
WHY’S IT CALLED THAT?
GEOGRAPHY AND LANDFORM
WILDLIFE
NATURAL RESOURCES
FUN STUFF
4. Create an interview between you and the state of Nebraska. Remind your teacher that the answers can be found in the social studies mini spark page.
Sample script
Reporter– Hello, Nebraska Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. What does the name “Nebraska” mean, and which river is it associated with?
Nebraska-Of course, thank you for the opportunity. The name “Nebraska” comes from Native American words meaning “flat water,” referring to the Platte River
You can use these question prompts or choose your own. Include at least 3 questions and answers.
What evidence do archaeologists have that people have lived in Nebraska for at least 13,500 years?
List three Native American tribes mentioned in the text that developed in Nebraska.
What significant purchase did France make in 1803, and how did it affect Nebraska?
Describe the route taken by some of the first settlers arriving in Nebraska. What challenges did they face?
What does the name “Nebraska” mean, and which river is it associated with?
Identify the two major regions of Nebraska mentioned in the text and describe one characteristic of each.
How did the melting glaciers contribute to the geography of the Dissected Till Plains?
What types of wildlife are mentioned as common in Nebraska, and which species is noted for being rare?
How does the High Plains Aquifer contribute to Nebraska’s agriculture?
What is Carhenge, and how does it compare to England’s Stonehenge?
5. Share your social studies mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator
We just recently celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th! How many of you know who St. Patrick is?
This Wonderopolis entry answers that question. Check it out!
Read the article and then test your knowledge by taking the quiz – report your score down below in the comments section, along with the most interesting thing you learned from the article!
If you want to learn even more, History.com has a video and another article about this Patron Saint of Ireland!
Webster’s Dictionary defines “Melting Pot” as 1. a: a place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole b: the population of such a place 2. A process of blending that often results in invigoration or novelty
Spark you thinking!
1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #17: The Great American Melting Pot
2. Trace your heritage back to another country. My family came from Ireland and Germany. It’s fun to find out where our immigrant ancestors came from!
Watch the video below and then tell us in the comments how your family has contributed to this melting pot. Hint: You may have to ask your mom, dad, grandma or grandpa for help on this!
Happy New Year!!!!!! You might be wondering, “Where did the tradition of celebrating the new year come from?” Or, “Why do we celebrate the new year on January 1st?” In this mini spark you will learn about the history of New Year’s Eve and some of the traditions celebrated.
Spark you thinking!
1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #16: New Year’s Eve
2. Watch this introduction video. Record 5-10 details from the video.
3. One of the traditions on New Year’s Eve is the New York Times Square ball drop. Read about this tradition at Wonderopolis. Take the Wonder Word Challenge and the Test Your Knowledge Quiz. Record your score on your recording page.
4. Read the article about New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world. For each location, record 3-5 details.
Spain
Greece
Brazil
Japan
United States
Denmark
5. Which New Year’s tradition do you find most interesting, and why? Provide evidence from the text to support your opinion.
6. Share your social studies mini spark recording page and poem with your teacher/EY coordinator.
It is always a good time to learn more about Geography. Study this geography lesson which is all about state capitals.
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your social studies spark recording page: #13: Geography Lesson-State Capitals
2. Watch this video all of the way through. Go back to the video to find 5 capital/state combos that you don’t have memorized yet. Record the state name, capital, and the image that was drawn in the video.
3. Print or open this list of states and capitals. Choose 10 that you do not have memorized. Type or write all 10 sets on your recording page.
4. Take the 10 states that you picked and make flash cards using note cards. Set your timer and practice for 3 minutes. On your recording sheet, write how many you know after 3 minutes. For example: After 3 minutes I have 5 out of the 10 state/capital combos memorized. 5/10
5. Take this capital quiz one time. Record your score.
6. Find the list of states and capitals from step 3. Set your timer for 3 minutes and read over the list. Take this capital quiz again. Record your score.
7. OPTIONAL: Check out this webpage made by a teacher who found the best way to memorize the states’ capitals. Look it over and see what you think. If you want to try this challenge yourself, take to your teacher about printing a 11X 17 map of the USA so you can make all of the drawings. If want to do this project, you can earn the state savy badge-state capitals edition.
8. Share your social studies mini spark recording page and visual with your teacher/EY coordinator.
Check out the state savvy badge at the EY website.
Thousands of years in the making, the Olympics began as part of a religious festival honoring the Greek god Zeus in the rural Greek town of Olympia. But how did it become the greatest show of sporting excellence on earth? Armand D’Angour explains the evolution of the Olympics.
Below, please view the video about the origins of the Olympics:
For all things Olympic go to Olympic.org, and take a look at the featured athletes, youth development and future Olympic cities. Which city will host the next Olympic games in 2024? Read about how the next Olympic city will be chosen and the process that goes along with it here. After all the festivities and competitions are done, see “What Becomes of Olympic Stadiums.” Interested in following Olympic news on social media? Visit Twitter!
Ever wonder about the meaning behind the Olympic Symbols? What is the meaning of the five rings, the flame, and the motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius.” Read this and find out their meanings. Interested in Olympic Medals? Are they really made of Gold, Silver and Bronze? Learn the truth here!
Finally, think about the following question and respond in the comments section below with your thoughts:
Do the Olympics encourage sporting activity at all levels or just for elite sportspeople?
It is always a good time to learn more about Geography. Study this geography lesson which is all about state capitals.
