You will be studying the US by geographic region. The American map is split into the following regions (and so are the A+ lessons):
As you go through the lessons (3 or 4 for each region) you need to be using a map(s) and taking good notes. The map must include the states, the major waterways and other physical features as well as major cities. Your notes should include info that makes that region unique or stand out from the others.
The final map you turn in will have the states color-coded by the region to which they belong - and a key will explain the colors. The map will also include the waterways, physcial featuers and cities - again, use the key or other symbols to help make this readable and neat. Finally, you will write your own description of each region based on your notes. These descriptions should be part of your map, color-coded or labeled to help enhance the map. You might do your drafts on regular-sized maps; consider doing your final draft on a 11x17 paper, or larger.
| A | This map has no errors/mistakes and looks like it is ready for publishing. The professional look comes from well-planned-out use of color, legends and other symbols. The student's attention to detail and creativity shine. The regional descriptions are error-free and provide accurate, interesting information. |
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| B | This map shows some effort towards organizing the information and making a professional map. There are few typos or other distracting errors. Color is used to enhance the map; other extras like different fonts or a key may also increase the visual appeal of this map. The regional write-ups are accurate and have few typos. |
| C | This map shows the regions with color, the states, water, physical features and cities are mostly labeled and regional descriptions are included. The project would benefit from another draft, but this one is accurate and includes no more than 5 distracting errors or typos. |