Activity Overview
Each state in our country has its own unique fun facts that kids will love to discover. For this activity, students will create a 3 cell storyboard that depicts some interesting facts they have learned about Massachusetts. Here are some examples of fun facts:
- Harvard was the first college established in North America.
- The first lighthouse in the United States was the Boston Harbor Light Station, built in 1716.
- The first baseball World Series was played in Boston in 1903.
- Basketball was invented in Massachusetts, and the Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield.
- The first subway system was built in Boston in 1897.
- Volleyball was invented in Massachusetts.
- The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621.
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 3 cell storyboard that describes and illustrates 3 interesting facts about Massachusetts.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a fun fact in each heading.
- In the description box, write a short summary of each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | Three fun facts about the state are included. The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | Two fun facts about the state are included. The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | One or no fun facts are included. 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
Each state in our country has its own unique fun facts that kids will love to discover. For this activity, students will create a 3 cell storyboard that depicts some interesting facts they have learned about Massachusetts. Here are some examples of fun facts:
- Harvard was the first college established in North America.
- The first lighthouse in the United States was the Boston Harbor Light Station, built in 1716.
- The first baseball World Series was played in Boston in 1903.
- Basketball was invented in Massachusetts, and the Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield.
- The first subway system was built in Boston in 1897.
- Volleyball was invented in Massachusetts.
- The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621.
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 3 cell storyboard that describes and illustrates 3 interesting facts about Massachusetts.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a fun fact in each heading.
- In the description box, write a short summary of each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | Three fun facts about the state are included. The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | Two fun facts about the state are included. The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | One or no fun facts are included. 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 Fun Facts About Massachusetts
How to Scaffold Research for Massachusetts Fun Facts
Guide students in gathering engaging, accurate information by modeling how to use kid-friendly resources, take simple notes, and verify facts before adding them to their storyboard. This helps ensure students' work is both factual and original.
Demonstrate Using Reliable Sources
Show students how to find facts from trusted websites, books, or databases designed for kids. Explain why using accurate sources matters for their storyboard project.
Model Note-Taking with a Graphic Organizer
Use a simple graphic organizer (like a three-column chart) to help students jot down each fun fact, its source, and a summary. This keeps their research organized and easy to use when creating storyboards.
Encourage Fact-Checking and Paraphrasing
Remind students to double-check facts by comparing at least two sources. Teach them to rewrite facts in their own words to avoid copying and deepen understanding.
Support Visual Planning with Sketches
Invite students to make quick sketches or jot down ideas for each storyboard cell. This helps them connect their research to creative illustrations and plan their project with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fun Facts About Massachusetts
What are some fun facts about Massachusetts for kids?
Massachusetts is full of fun facts! For example, Harvard was the first college in North America, the first U.S. lighthouse was built in Boston, basketball and volleyball were invented here, and the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth in 1621.
How can I teach Massachusetts facts in a creative way to students?
Encourage students to create a 3-cell storyboard illustrating Massachusetts facts. Each cell should feature a fun fact, a brief summary, and a creative drawing to help students remember key details.
What is a storyboard activity for learning about Massachusetts?
A storyboard activity asks students to choose three interesting Massachusetts facts, write a short summary for each, and illustrate them. This helps with visual learning and makes history more engaging for kids.
Which major inventions or firsts happened in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is known for several firsts: the first college (Harvard), the first U.S. lighthouse, the first subway, and the inventions of basketball and volleyball.
What are easy ways for elementary students to present state facts?
Elementary students can present state facts by making simple storyboards, posters, or digital slides. Using short summaries and colorful illustrations makes the facts easy to understand and remember.
More Storyboard That Activities
Massachusetts State Guide
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
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