An Introduction to North Carolina

A WebQuest designed for third through fifth grade students.

Created by: Lindy Turner

Adapted from the WebQuest designed by: Carlla Willis, Darlene Killian, Kathy Dunagin, and Pat Langston of Spartanburg School District.

Introduction: You have been hired as a tour guide for the state of North Carolina. Before you can start your job you will need to brush up on some important information about North Carolina. To become the best tour guide you will need to learn about the following: state symbols, history, regions, and government.

Directions: Carefully read each of the tasks below. Write your answers on notebook paper and turn in to your teacher. Be sure to check grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Be sure to have a classmate proofread all papers before turning them in.

Tasks:

1) Choose three state symbols. In writing, on notebook paper, you should do the following:

A) Describe each symbol.

B) Tell why you think the symbols were chosen

to represent North Carolina.

C) Provide a picture of the symbol (either drawn

and colored or printed from the computer).

D) Proofread your paper and have a classmate proofread your paper before turning it in.

Here are two sites to use in your research:

www.secretary.state.nc.us/kidspg/symbols.htm

www.naturalsciences.org/funstuff/ncsymbols/index.html

2) Carefully read the history of North Carolina at this website: www.secretary.state.nc.us/kidspg/history.htm

A) Choose an event from each of the following

sections at the above website: Early History,

1800-1899, and 1900-present

B) Write a description of the event and how the

event played a part in history. Was the event

positive or negative? Did it help or hurt

North Carolina?

3) North Carolina has three distinct regions. Use this website to discover what those regions are.

www.secretary.state.nc.us/kidspg/geog.htm

After reading about the regions of North Carolina, choose one of the options below:

Option A) Choose one region. Illustrate your region on posterboard. Your illustration should be colored using 3 to 5 colors. Write 2-3 paragraphs about your region. You should describe your region and tell why tourists should visit your region. Remember to check punctuation, spelling and grammar before turning in.

Option B) Choose two regions and create a travel brochure for each one. Your brochure should include an illustration of the region (3-5 colors), the region’s location in North Carolina, and why tourists should come to those regions.

4) Write a letter to the Governor of North Carolina telling him how you use technology in your school.

(Examples: Powerpoint, Smartboard) Don’t forget to proofread and have a classmate proofread your letter.

Governor Mike Easley:

Check out this website to learn about the governor.

www.governor.state.nc.us/

Congratulations! You are now on your way to becoming one of the most knowledgeable tour guides for the state of North Carolina.

Conclusion: We hope you have enjoyed your introductory to North Carolina. You should now be familiar with the state symbols, the history, the three regions, and government of this wonderful state.

Check out these sites for fun and games about North Carolina:

www.governor.state.nc.us/Highlights/NCKids/index.html

www2.eprocurement.ncgov.com/asp/subpages/kidspage.asp

www.secretary.state.nc.us/kidspg/

Sources: