Activity Overview
Iowa has so many wonderful places to visit, and postcards are a fun way to let others know about where you’ve been! Using the 2 cell poster template provided, students will create a postcard from Iowa. The written part must include at least one fact about the landmark, and the picture must accurately depict the location. Some examples of tourist attractions in Iowa include the Maquoketa Caves State Park, the Bridges of Madison County, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the “Field of Dreams” movie site, and the West Bend Grotto.
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 landmark in Iowa.
Student Instructions:
- Click on “Start Assignment”.
- Create a 2-cell storyboard or use the template provided.
- In the left cell, create an image that depicts the landmark or the state in general using an appropriate scene, characters, and items. Be sure to include the state name somehow.
- In the right cell, write a note to a friend or family member describing the landmark that you have "visited". You must include at least one fact about the landmark.
- On the address lines provided, make up a creative address for the recipient.
- Create a fun stamp in the box in the upper right corner.
Requirements: Appropriate illustration of a landmark and a written component with at least one fact about the landmark.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
Activity Overview
Iowa has so many wonderful places to visit, and postcards are a fun way to let others know about where you’ve been! Using the 2 cell poster template provided, students will create a postcard from Iowa. The written part must include at least one fact about the landmark, and the picture must accurately depict the location. Some examples of tourist attractions in Iowa include the Maquoketa Caves State Park, the Bridges of Madison County, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the “Field of Dreams” movie site, and the West Bend Grotto.
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 landmark in Iowa.
Student Instructions:
- Click on “Start Assignment”.
- Create a 2-cell storyboard or use the template provided.
- In the left cell, create an image that depicts the landmark or the state in general using an appropriate scene, characters, and items. Be sure to include the state name somehow.
- In the right cell, write a note to a friend or family member describing the landmark that you have "visited". You must include at least one fact about the landmark.
- On the address lines provided, make up a creative address for the recipient.
- Create a fun stamp in the box in the upper right corner.
Requirements: Appropriate illustration of a landmark and a written component with at least one fact about the landmark.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 Tos about Iowa Landmark Postcard
Organize a classroom Iowa landmarks postcard exchange
Foster authentic communication by having students send and receive their landmark postcards with classmates. This real-world exchange motivates engagement and strengthens writing skills as students read, respond, and celebrate Iowa's unique places together.
Pair students to exchange and read each other's postcards
Encourage students to swap postcards with a classmate, allowing them to read and learn about a new Iowa landmark from a peer’s perspective. This builds reading comprehension and broadens knowledge of the state's attractions.
Guide students to write a friendly reply to the received postcard
Have students draft a short response to the postcard they received, practicing friendly letter writing and asking a question about the landmark. This reinforces social-emotional skills and keeps the exchange interactive.
Display exchanged postcards on a classroom Iowa map
Pin both postcards (original and reply) on a large classroom map of Iowa at their corresponding locations. This creates a collaborative visual of learning and helps students connect geography with their creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iowa Landmark Postcard
What is the Iowa Landmark Postcard activity for students?
The Iowa Landmark Postcard activity is a creative project where students design a postcard featuring a famous Iowa landmark. They illustrate the landmark, write a note including at least one fact about it, and address the postcard to a made-up recipient—helping them learn about Iowa's attractions in a fun way.
How do I create a postcard from an Iowa landmark for a classroom assignment?
To create an Iowa landmark postcard, use the 2-cell poster template. Draw or select an image of a landmark in one cell and write a note describing the landmark, including a factual detail, in the other. Add a creative address and a fun stamp to complete your postcard.
What are some examples of Iowa landmarks students can use for their postcard project?
Popular Iowa landmarks for the postcard project include Maquoketa Caves State Park, the Bridges of Madison County, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the Field of Dreams movie site, and the West Bend Grotto.
What should be included in the written part of an Iowa landmark postcard?
The written section must feature a note to a friend or family member describing the landmark and sharing at least one interesting fact about it. Creativity in addressing the postcard and designing a stamp is encouraged!
What are the main requirements for the Iowa Landmark Postcard classroom activity?
Students must illustrate a landmark accurately, include the state name, write a brief note with at least one fact about the site, create a fun address, and add a unique stamp on the postcard template.
More Storyboard That Activities
Iowa State Guide
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