Need ideas for my 4th grader's State Map Project.

[moopdog]

She did the majority of the work already (and it looks great, I might add). But now she's down to the "creativity" and labeling part. She outlined the state, put marks for specific bodies of water, rivers, cities and bordering states in pencil. Now for the rest....?? We are drawing a blank. I was thinking an actual gold star for our capitol city. But that's kind of a given and I'm sure the other kids will also do that. Someone suggested outlining the rivers in blue glitter glue, which my daughter likes the idea of doing. But she needs more ideas. We are not creative thinkers and it's 10% of the grade! Help!!

 

[FINFAN]

she could make mini state flag, attach to toothpicks. Then put a small ball of putty on the map and push the toothpick in. Maybe add state bird or humorous things in as well? Kinda like how we call the Mosquito as Fl state bird. Legos always come to mind to me for projects. Here is a link
http://www.weirdus.com/states/pennsylvania/index.php

of weird stuff for your state, lol. I always go for the twisted style of school projects, so bear with me.

 

[TI double-GUH ER]

How big is it? Like a salt map? Or just an 8x11 paper? Is there room to add other things to it? My first thought was to print out state flags big enough that you could cut out the shape if the state from it and paste it on the map (as sort of the background for each state) -- but that might be hard to do if she's already done. Actually, as I think of it, you could print out the flags smaller and put them on toothpicks - and plant them in each state (maybe they could be marking the capitol instead of a gold star?)

If it's small, maybe label the year each state entered the union, if it's bigger you could include state mottos, state birds (or trees or flowers...) You could draw them, do a print and paste or even model them from clay if you're crafty (and have the time). Without knowing the scope of the project it's hard to really make better suggestions.

Hope this helps!!


Edited to add: I misunderstood! I thought it was a map of the STATES, not just your STATE! OOPS!!!! So aside from just taking what I said up there and doing it for 1 state, perhaps you can include something about the governor, senators and representatives from the state, or list state population. Maybe include something about famous people from the state.

 

[laurafergie]

We've always taken the creativity literally. Just give your DD glitter, ribbon, felt, stickers, etc and have her decorate it. Glitter in the rivers or oceans. Rice on the coast line for sand, cotton "snowballs" on top of the mountain ranges.....

 

[cornflake]

Another how big is it?

How about printing pics of landmarks and putting them in? Could even do little 3D ones, like you could print two pics of the Liberty Bell and make them a standup round with glue or staples or attaching them to a cardboard tube or whatever so it's 3D, like the Bell, then put it for Philly, etc.

Could also do products, like print a pic of coal or make 'coal' from something she colours black and glues in a little pile then attach someplace there's a lot of coal mining, etc., for steel, etc.

 

[sissy_ib]

I was thinking along the lines of adding in state flower, tree, bird, fish, state moto. Is see you are in Pennsylvania, what about something with Hershey's? Other things your state is know for.

 

[luckyfin]

what about pictures of the big tourist things across the country- Mt Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, WDW