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Overview
As you can see, Missouri's quarter design combines two historically significant images: the famous explorers Lewis and Clark, and the symbol of their Core of Discovery, the Gateway Arch. Let's take a closer look into Missouri's rich history!
Activity
Separate students into four small groups. Each group will be assigned a different event or aspect of Missouri's history in order to research what contributions this state has made to our country. Students will present their findings to the class. Assign each group one of the following topics: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, Oregon Trail, Pony Express, and Railroad Development.
Have students research their event by using a variety of sources including supervised use of the Internet, history textbooks, encyclopedias, etc. While students research, have them complete the "Ready, Set, Research!" questions to be sure they are finding relevant and important information.
When all groups have completed their research, students can present what they've learned in "expert group" presentations for the rest of the class. Once all presentations are completed, have students write a 5-minute response on what they learned today. Share with the class.
Don't miss additional lesson plans based Missouri's new state quarter issued as part of the 50 State Quarters® Program!
Extension
Require students to create a quarter reverse to accompany their presentation. The quarter reverse should be based upon their opinion of the most important historical event in Missouri's history. Students should analyze the impact of this event on both the state and the country as a whole.
OR
Require each group to produce a simple 3-question mini-quiz based on the information they present to the class. Have each group administer the mini-quiz after their presentation.
Standards
The project described above reflects some of the national standards of learning as defined by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE), and the International Society for Technology in Education. These standards are listed below:
Language Arts Standards
Gather and use information for research purposes: Students will use various methods of research in order to find relevant and important information on their selected topic.
Demonstrate competence in the general skills and strategies for reading a variety of informational texts: Students will select the most important information from all of the information presented in order to answer questionnaire accurately.
Demonstrate competence in speaking and listening as tools for learning: Students will give a presentation on their topic and will be an audience member for other groups' presentations.
Social Studies Standards
Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: Students will learn how a variety of historical events impacted the state of Missouri, and the United States as a whole.
People, Places, and Environment: Students will come to understand the circumstances leading up to these historical events, thereby understanding why historical figures made the choices they did.
Technology Standards
Gather and use information for research purposes: Students will use the Internet to locate information on their topic.
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