Name _________________________________________________ Number _______

Objective: Select one of the 50 United States of America to explore and gather
information about. Research the state of your choice and use the information about
your state to write a formal research report including photos and a works cited page.
There are several parts to the State Research Project for 5th Grade. These activities will
take a great deal of effort, so we will spend several weeks completing them. Some work
will be done at home, while some will be done at school.
The following are the various parts of this project (check off when completed). Before
we even begin we need our

Materials: Get a binder (any color) and create a cover sheet to put in the
clear cover of your binder. This binder will be used for the ENTIRE project and
help you organize your materials. The cover sheet for your binder MUST include
the following information: (5 points possible)
State Name (large size, be creative)
Your full name and number (size 16 font Arial or Times New Roman ONLY)
5th Grade (size 16 font Arial or Times New Roman ONLY)
Mr. Sedik (size 16 font Arial or Times New Roman ONLY)
Include an image of the state flag (hand drawn, photo, etc. be creative)

Now that you have your State Report Folder lets get to work!!!
1. Contact your state: Email the state tourism office to request information,
brochures and a map of the state.
I e-mailed the state tourism office of ____________________ (state name)
on _______________________ (date).
2. Required Resources: Gather resources for your research paper. You must
have a minimum of 4 varied resources, including but not limited to the
following: 1 (or more) non-fiction books, 1 encyclopedia excerpt, 1 (or more)
internet sources. If you have other sources such as newspaper or magazine
articles, interviews, etc. make sure they are teacher approved before you use
them. (8 points possible)

My Sources: Minimum of 4 required

1. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Score:

________

__________

8 points possible

3. Fill in the "Facts at a Glance" table with the most current information about
your state. These sites might be helpful in your search: (15 points possible)
http://www.50states.com/
http://awesomeamerica.com
www.infoplease.com/states
http://www.postcardsfrom.com/t1/971013.html

Name _____________________________________________ Number ________

State name
Date entered into statehood
State Abbreviation
State Capitol
State Population (as of
2012)
State nickname
State colors
State bird
State flower
State motto
Current state Governor
People: Historical Figures,
celebrities, etc.
Largest City
Major sports teams
Landmarks, National Parks,
Tourist Destinations

Score:

________
15 points possible

__________

4. Complete an outline for the report (use outline template below - include in final
report). (10 points possible)
STATE REPORT OUTLINE FORMAT
I. Statehood
a. How the state got its name?
b. When the state got it's name?
c. Who named the state?
d. State nickname
i. What is the state's nickname?
ii. How did the state get its nickname?
iii. Who gave the state it's nickname?
e. How old is the state?
f. When did the state become part of the USA?
g. What number state is it? (i.e. Rhode Island was the 13 state of the USA)
II. Historical Facts/Events
a. First known inhabitants
b. Exploration
c. Important events in history
d. Indian Tribes
e. Wars and Battles
f. Historical Events
III. Physical Features
a. Physical Features
i. Highest point
ii. Lowest point
iii. Forests, mountains, plains, deserts, valleys, caverns, caves, canyons,
etc.
c. National monuments
d. National parks
e. Landmarks/Major points of interest
f. Climate
i. Average rainfall
ii. Average temperature
IV. Resources/Economy
a. Natural Resources:
i. Agricultural products
ii. Minerals
b. Manufactured Goods
V. Government
a. State capital
b. Current state governor
c. State representatives
d. Population
e. Largest city

VI. People
a. Historical figures
b. Athletes, Sports Teams
c. Celebrities

Outline/Note
Taking

The outline
reflects
thorough use
of notes
during
research.

The outline
reflects good
use of notes
during
research.

The outline
reflects
somewhat
good use of
notes during
research.

The outline
reflects little
use of notes
during
research.

The outline does

not reflect use of
notes during
research.

Content

Notes are
thorough and
each item on
outline is
addressed

Notes are
good and
most items on
the outline
are
addressed

Notes are
somewhat
good and
somewhat all
of the items
on the outline
are
addressed

Little to no
notes,
majority of
outline is not
addressed.
Mission
several
pieces of
information.

Outline is
incomplete, few to
no notes are given
and the majority of
information is
missing.

SCORE

Score:

________
10 points possible

__________

5. Use your Facts at a Glance and your Outline to write a FIRST DRAFT
research report about your state. Use the graphic organizer provided to help
organize your report. (10 points possible)

STATE REPORT GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

State: ____________________
I. Paragraph #1, Introduction - Brief (do not go into detail)
Thesis (main topic)____________________________________________________
A. ______________________________________________________________
B. ______________________________________________________________
C. ______________________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
___________________________________________________________________
II. Body Paragraphs (Hint: go in order of your outline each heading/roman numeral is
the topic of a paragraph)
A. Paragraph #2, Topic:
________________________________________________________
1. Support #1 ________________________________________________
2. Support #2 ________________________________________________
3. Support #3 ________________________________________________
4. Support #4 ________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
___________________________________________________________
B. Paragraph #3, Topic:
______________________________________________________
1. Support #1 _______________________________________________

2. Support #2 _______________________________________________
3. Support #3 ________________________________________________
4. Support #4 ________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
________________________________________________________
C. Paragraph #4, Topic:
____________________________________________________________
1. Support #1 _______________________________________________
2. Support #2 _______________________________________________
3. Support #3 _______________________________________________
4. Support #4 ________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
______________________________________________________________
D. Paragraph #5, Topic:
____________________________________________________________
5. Support #1 _______________________________________________
6. Support #2 _______________________________________________
7. Support #3 _______________________________________________
8. Support #4 ________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
______________________________________________________________
E. Paragraph #6, Topic:
____________________________________________________________
9. Support #1 _______________________________________________

10. Support #2 _______________________________________________

11. Support #3 _______________________________________________
12. Support #4 ________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
______________________________________________________________
F. Paragraph #7, Topic:
____________________________________________________________
13. Support #1 _______________________________________________
14. Support #2 _______________________________________________
15. Support #3 _______________________________________________
16. Support #4 ________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
______________________________________________________________
III.

Paragraph #8, Conclusion Brief (do not go into detail)

Repeat what you said in your Introduction and Thesis Statement
___________________________________________________________________
A. ______________________________________________________________
B. ______________________________________________________________
C. ______________________________________________________________
Concluding Sentence
___________________________________________________________________

6. Check your work: Have a minimum of 3 people check your rough draft and
make corrections on the draft. Make sure they mark your paper with CB
(corrected by) so that you can go back and ask questions if you need to. Use the
suggested corrections to revise your paper and improve your writing.
Corrected by:
1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________

SCORE

Rough Draft

Fully
discusses
every area of
the outline.

Mostly
discusses
every area of
the outline.

Somewhat
discusses
every area of
the outline.

Discusses
few areas of
the outline.

Does not discuss

the areas in the
outline.

Revision

Additions
have been
made to the
rough draft to
convey
outstanding
creativity.

Additions
have been
made to the
rough draft to
convey high
levels of
creativity.

Additions
have been
made to the
rough draft to
convey fair
levels of
creativity.

Additions
have been
made to the
rough draft to
convey poor
levels
creativity.

Additions have not

been made to the
rough draft to
convey creativity.

Score:

________
10 points possible

__________

7. Required Images: Now that you have all the information lets find some
pictures to match. Images may be found via the internet or may be hand drawn.
Be as creative as possible finding the images for your project and be sure to
include captions explain what each image is. (24 points possible)
Images with captions of the following state related items are to be included
in your FINAL PAPER: (Be creative!)
o State Bird
o State Flower
o State Seal
o State Flag
o Current State Governor
o Famous Person from your state and why they are famous (to be
chosen by you)
One hand-drawn state map that includes the following items drawn and
labeled:
o Compass Rose
o Legend (a key identifying what certain items are i.e. a star might
signify the state capital)
o State capital
o Major cities
o Rivers
o Mountain ranges
o Plains
o Deserts
o Valleys
o Caverns
o Caves
o Canyons
o Major bodies of water
o Major landmarks
Check out http://www.50states.com/maps/ for blank maps

Score:

________
24 points possible

__________

8. FINAL PAPER: Now put all of your resources, information and hard work
together to create a FINAL PAPER. Use the outline below to make sure you are
on the right track and have ALL the elements you need!
Your final paper must be:
TYPED
12 size font
Arial or Times New Roman font ONLY
Double spaced
Include page numbers at the top right corner of every page

State Report
1. COVER PAGE
List the following information on your top cover sheet:
Title
(name of your state)
Name
(your own, first & last) and number
Grade
(5th Grade)
Teacher
(Mr. Sedik)
Date
(final due date)
*Include an illustration of the state flag (may be hand drawn, photo, etc.)
2. FINAL PAPER
Paragraph 1 INTRODUCTION
Write about these using complete sentences:
A. Include the name of your state
B. Briefly describe what you will be writing about and showing in your
report such as interesting facts the reader will learn about (why
should others want to live or visit there)
C. Location, bordering states and/or countries
Paragraph 2 STATEHOOD
How the state got its name, when, by who, state nickname, etc.
Paragraph 3 HISTORICAL FACTS/EVENTS
First known inhabitants, exploration, important events in history
Paragraph 4 PHYSICAL FEATURES
Highest point, lowest points, national monuments, national parks, landmarks,
average rainfall, average temperatures, climate, rivers and bodies of water, any
geographic features unique to the state or region, etc.
Paragraph 5 RESOURCES/ECONOMY
Write about the natural resources/industries/products of your state (crops,
mining, industries)
You must include at least 2 of the following: pictures, maps, or charts

Paragraph 6 GOVERNMENT
Write about the government, the state capital, who the current state governor is,
who the Democratic and Republican state representatives are, the states
population, largest city, etc.
Paragraph 7 PEOPLE
Write about any historical figures from or living in the state, famous people,
famous sports teams, etc.
Paragraph 8 CLOSING PARAGRAPH (CONCLUSION)
Answer these questions using complete sentences for each category.
A. What is the most interesting thing about your state? Why?
B. Why should others want to visit or live there?
C. Tell about three things everyone should know and remember about
your state (you should have already gone into detail about them in
the report.

9. Works Cited: Submit a Works Cited Page about the resources you used to
gather information about your state (to be included in final report). (20 points
possible)
Works Cited
Non-fiction Book Source #1
Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Title __________________________________________________________________
City of Publication _______________________________________________________
Publishing Company _____________________________________________________
Copyright Date ____________

Non-fiction Book Source #2 (Optional)

Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Title __________________________________________________________________
City of Publication ______________________________________________________
Publishing Company _____________________________________________________
Copyright Date ____________

Additional Books (Optional)

Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Title __________________________________________________________________
City of Publication _______________________________________________________
Publishing Company _____________________________________________________

Copyright Date ____________

Internet Source #1
Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Title of Article/Site _______________________________________________________
Copyright Date of Article ______________
Date you accessed the site _______________
Internet address: http://___________________________________________________

Internet Source #2
Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Title of Article/Site ______________________________________________________
Copyright Date of Article ______________
Date you accessed the site _______________
Internet address: http://___________________________________________________

Internet Source #3 (Optional)

Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Title of Article/Site _______________________________________________________
Copyright Date of Article ______________
Date you accessed the site _______________

Internet address:
http://__________________________________________________________

Encyclopedia Source #1
Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Article ________________________________________________________________
Title __________________________________________________________________
Copyright Date _____________

Pages _________

Volume _________

Encyclopedia Source #2 (Optional)

Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Article ________________________________________________________________
Title
______________________________________________________________________
Copyright Date ___________

Pages __________

Volume _________

Interview (Optional)
Full name of person you interviewed ________________________________________
Date of the interview __________________

Magazine Source (Optional)

Title of Magazine _______________________________________________________
Date of Magazine _____________________
Title of Article __________________________________________________________
Author(s) ______________________________________________________________

Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Page Numbers Used _____________________

Volume Number _____________

Newspaper Source (Optional)

Title of Newspaper ______________________________________________________
Date of Newspaper ____________________
Title of Article __________________________________________________________
Author(s) ______________________________________________________________
Editor(s) ______________________________________________________________
Page Numbers Used _________

Score:

________

Volume Number ______

Issue Number ______

__________

20 points possible

10. Publish: Now put everything together IN ORDERyour project is ready to

be turned in. Your folder should include the following components in the
following order: (35 points possible)
Cover Page
Final Draft
Images with Captions
Works Cited
Rough Draft with Corrections (graphic organizer)
Completed Outline
Facts at a Glance

FINAL PROJECT RUBRIC: (35 points possible)

SCORE

Paragraph
Development

Every
paragraph
included a
topic
sentence and
a minimum of
four
supporting
sentences.

Most
paragraphs
included a
topic
sentence and
a minimum of
four
supporting
sentences.

Some
paragraphs
included a
topic
sentence and
a minimum of
four
supporting
sentences.

Few
paragraphs
included a
topic
sentence and
a minimum of
four
supporting
sentences.

Paragraphs did
not include a
topic sentence
and a minimum
of four supporting
sentences.

Spelling and
Conventions

Spelling is all
correct;
capitalization
and
punctuation
are used
correctly
throughout
the entire
project.

Spelling is
mostly
correct;
capitalization
and
punctuation
are used
correctly
throughout
most of the
project.

Spelling is
somewhat
correct;
capitalization
and
punctuation is
somewhat
correct
throughout
the entire
project.

Frequent
spelling
errors;
capitalization
and
punctuation
are often
incorrect.

Project does not

reflect any
attempt at
editing.

Quality,
Neatness &
Format

The project
shows
outstanding
neatness and
organization.
Format
matches
guidelines
exactly.

The project
shows high
levels of
neatness and
organization.
The project is
mostly
formatted
according to
teacher
guidelines.

The project
shows fair
levels of
neatness and
organization.
The project is
formatted
somewhat
according to
teacher
guidelines.

The project
shows poor
levels of
neatness and
organization.
The majority
of the project
is not
formatted
according to
teacher
guideline.

The project does

not show
neatness and
organization.
Format does not
match guidelines.

Photographs
, clipart,
images, etc.

All
photographs
and images
are used
appropriately
and add to
the content of
the project.
All images
include
captions.

Most
photographs
and images
are used
appropriately
and add to
the content of
the project.
Most images
include
captions.

Somewhat all
photographs
and images
are used
appropriately
and add to
the content of
the project.
Some images
include
captions.

Few
photographs
and images
are used
appropriately
and add to
the content of
the project.
Few images
contain
captions.

No photographs
or images are
used
appropriately
and/or none are
included. No
images contain
captions.

Resources

All required
resources
were used in
preparing this
project.

Most required
resources
were used in
preparing this
project.

Some
required
resources
were used in
preparing this
project.

Few required
resources
were used in
preparing this
project.

No required
resources were
used in preparing
this project.

Works Cited

All resources
were
recorded
exactly as
described in
class.

Most
resources
were
recorded
exactly as
described in
class.

Some
resources
were
recorded
exactly as
described in
class.

Few
resources
were
recorded
exactly as
described in
class.

No resources
were recorded.

Folder
Organization

Cover page is
included, all
components
are present
and in order

Cover page is
included,
most
components
are present
and in order

Cover page
is/is not
included and
some
components
are present
and in order

Cover page
is/is not
included and
several items
are missing
and/or not in
order

Cover page is not

included and
most items are
missing and/or
not in order

Score:

________
35 points possible

__________

Name ________________________________ Number _______ State ____________

State Research Report Project

Due Dates and Total Points Possible
Project Component
Materials:
Binder with Cover Page

Due Date and Points

Date Received and Points
Possible
Received
Due: Wednesday, March 26 Points:
Points Possible: 5

Required Resources:
Minimum of 4 Sources

Facts at a Glance:
15 State Facts

Outline
(see rubric)

Due: Wednesday, March 26 Points:

Points Possible: 8
(2 points/source)
Due: Friday, March 28

Points:

Points Possible: 15
(1 point/fact)
Due: Wednesday, April 2

Points:

Points Possible: 10
Graphic Organizer (Revise)
(see rubric)

Due: Wednesday, April 9

Points:

Points Possible: 10
Required Images and
Captions

Due: Tuesday, April 15

Points:

Points Possible: 24
Works Cited

Due: Tuesday, April 15

Points:

Points Possible: 20
Final Project & Folder

Due: Thursday, April 17

Points:

Points Possible: 35
TOTAL POJECT

Points Possible: 127

Points:

Parent Signature: ________________________________________ (3 extra points

if received by Wednesday, March 26)