Activity Overview
Webs are an excellent tool to help students organize facts in a systematic and visual manner. Students will research California and use the blank template provided to show what they have learned. They will then create a 6 cell web that includes the state motto, flower, tree, and bird, capital and other major cities, a famous citizen, date of statehood, nickname, and an interesting tourist spot for California. This activity could be used as part of a Regions of the United States unit, or as part of an informational research unit.
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 6 cell web that includes the state motto, flower, tree, and bird, capital and other major cities, a famous citizen, date of statehood, nickname, and an interesting tourist spot for California.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write the state name in the middle space.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading (Cities, State Motto, etc.) using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | All five cells have thorough information about the state. The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | Three or four of the cells have information about the state. The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | Two or less cells have information about the state, or information is inaccurate. The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Webs are an excellent tool to help students organize facts in a systematic and visual manner. Students will research California and use the blank template provided to show what they have learned. They will then create a 6 cell web that includes the state motto, flower, tree, and bird, capital and other major cities, a famous citizen, date of statehood, nickname, and an interesting tourist spot for California. This activity could be used as part of a Regions of the United States unit, or as part of an informational research unit.
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 6 cell web that includes the state motto, flower, tree, and bird, capital and other major cities, a famous citizen, date of statehood, nickname, and an interesting tourist spot for California.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write the state name in the middle space.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading (Cities, State Motto, etc.) using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | All five cells have thorough information about the state. The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | Three or four of the cells have information about the state. The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | Two or less cells have information about the state, or information is inaccurate. The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about California Facts and Information Activity
Engage Students with an Interactive California Web Gallery
Showcase student work by creating a classroom display or digital gallery of their California webs. This encourages pride and sparks interest in research projects.
Set clear expectations for web quality
Share a rubric or checklist so students know what to include and how their work will be evaluated. This helps students focus and ensures all key elements are covered.
Model creating a sample California web
Demonstrate each step on the board or projector, explaining your choices for illustrations and summaries. Seeing the process helps students understand expectations and eases anxiety.
Encourage research using multiple sources
Guide students to use books, reputable websites, and videos to gather facts about California. Diverse sources build research skills and deepen understanding.
Facilitate peer review and feedback
Pair students to exchange webs and offer compliments plus one suggestion for improvement. This builds editing skills and classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about California Facts and Information Activity
What is a 6 cell web for organizing California facts?
A 6 cell web is a visual graphic organizer with six sections, each dedicated to a different topic about California, such as its state motto, flower, tree, bird, capital cities, famous citizens, statehood date, nickname, and tourist spots.
How can I teach students to research and present facts about California effectively?
Guide students to gather key facts about California, organize them using a web template, add short summaries, and illustrate each fact. This makes learning more engaging and helps with information retention.
What are the main components to include in a California state facts activity for elementary students?
Include California's state motto, flower, tree, bird, capital and major cities, a famous citizen, date of statehood, nickname, and a notable tourist destination to provide a well-rounded overview.
Why use spider maps or webs in teaching state research projects?
Spider maps help students visually organize information, making complex facts easier to understand and remember. They also encourage creative thinking and structured research.
What is an example of a famous citizen or tourist spot to include for California?
An example of a famous citizen is Cesar Chavez, a renowned labor leader. A popular tourist spot is Yosemite National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty.
More Storyboard That Activities
California State Guide
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