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MISSION QUEST ILLINOIS
Grade: 4th grade
Subject: Social Studies, Illinois
Curricular Goal: The students will learn about Illinois's land, history,
resources, and government
Introduction:
You are a commander from Starfleet 95, your planet is on the verge of
destruction. It is imperative that you find a new location where your people can
coexist with the present population. Your other military officers have already
determined that Starfleet 95 (your home planet) is very similar to Earth and
that this is the best planet to begin your relocation. Your leader Captain Lincoln
has instructed your fleet to investigate the state known to the locals as Illinois for
possible colonization. For your people to survive, they need a land that has many
waterways suitable for transportation of your main food source
"doof". You are also concerned that your entire planets population
of 1 million "Fleeters" will fit into your new location. Your leader does
not want you to upset the existing people (he believes in cooperation and does not want to
risk his citizens lives with a civil war) therefore you must find out detailed information
about the existing government and famous people in order to live in peace and
harmony. Your people are very hearty eaters and require lots of vegetables in
their daily diets. The land that you select for your new home must provide your
people with plenty of these vegetables.
Task:
Your mission is to present your leader, Captain Lincoln, with a detailed, oral
report evaluating the pros and cons or colonizing Illinois. Your final product
will include a map, a photo journal, a letter from the governor, a chart of living and
nonliving resources, and a timeline of major historical events. Your will
present a new "Fleeter / Illinoisian" flag and seal during your presentation.
Process:
1. You will be assigned to a team of 5 "Fleeter" Commanders.
2. Each "Fleeter" on the team will be assigned a task to complete for the
mission report.
3. Use the internet sources and the printed resources available to complete your
mission:
MISSIONS
1. Map of Illinois including the major waterways, cities, national parks and major
land forms.
2. A photo journal documenting at least three famous Illinoisians.
3. A letter from Illinois leader (governor) explaining the branches of the Illinois
government and how the government operates.
4. Construct a chart of Illinois' living and nonliving resources.
5. Create a timeline of major events during the last 200 years to be used in a
"Illinois Class" to prepare "fleeter" children.
6. With your whole fleet, Design a flag combining the existing Illinois
flag with your "starfleet 95".
Also, create a seal combing Illinois' seal with the Starfleet 95
seal.
Resources:
Internet resources:
1. http://www.state.il.us/
2. http://www.nps.gov/parklists/il.html
3. http://www.piperinfo.com/state/slil.html
4. http://www.ipl.org/youth/stateknow/
5. http://www.50
states.com/illinois.htm
Books or other resources
1. The World Almanac 1999 or current edition World Almanac Books
2. Awesome Almanac Illinois, created by Jean F. Blashfield
3. Illinois :From Sea to Shining Sea Dennis Brindell Fradin
4. Illinois, in Words and Pictures Dennis B. Fradin
5. Illinois Kathy P. Anderson
Evaluation:
The evaluation is typed here:
Ten possible points are given for each requirement:
General Requirements
1. Completed on time
Information
2. Accurate and correct
3. Properly illustrated
4. Various projects represented
5. Clear, correct language
Presentation / Display
6. Organized
7. Clear visual elements
8. Colorful and creative
Complete Mission
9. Six completed tasks
Conclusion: CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your captain is very pleased
with your findings. You have presented her with valuable information about the
resources, land forms, history, people and government of Illinois. We hope you enjoy
your stay and live peacefully with the people of Illinois or we hope you enjoyed your
visit. If you found Illinois unsuitable for colonization, you must research the rest of
the 50 states in the United States and choose another location. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Authors: CAPTAINS P. Carduff, K. DeLaCruz, R. Fischer, L. Kuczek, J. Lingle
Created: October 8, 1999