Cruisin' USA

You will work with a group of four students to research and gather information on your state.  This information will assist you in creating a brochure to entice visitors to come and explore the exciting state.  As you proceed through each step of the Process, all pieces of your brochure will be completed.  Remember...you are trying to attract visitors.  Make it colorful, attractive, informative and interesting!  

PROCESS

STEP #1-COVER PAGE

 First impressions are important…and this will be the first impression travelers will have of your state, so make it good!  The cover of your brochure needs to attract people to pick it up and look at it.  Think about color, borders, font and pictures that will catch viewers’ eyes and their attention. 

Each cover must contain:

Your State Name must appear on the cover sheet in a prominent position and style.  Think about using large print, maybe in color, bold or a unique font.  Think about where to place the name.  Do you think it looks best at the top of the page or maybe in the middle?  Maybe you want it going down the side of your brochure.  Try some ideas and see which one is easiest to see and looks the most inviting.

The front cover of your brochure must have some sort of picture.  This could be a photograph of a beautiful scene in your state, maybe a clipart of something that represents your state or even an outline drawing of your state’s boundaries would work.  Again, think about placement and color.  You are trying to attract travelers to your state!

Resources:

http://www.50states.com/

http://www.yahoologans.com

http://www.postcardsfrom.com/

Your goal here is to “hook the traveler”.  You want to capture their attention by using a catchy phrase or figurative language about your state.  It can be a simple phrase such as, CALIFORNIA…the Golden State” or something such as California:  A land of gold, sunshine, and movie stars!

Resources:

http://theus50.com/

http://www.students.resa.net/stoutcomputerclass/states.htm

http://educationplanet.com/articles/fiftystates.html

Color, borders, the use of fun fonts is all extra.  Remember your goal, however:  To entice travelers to come for a visit!

STEP #2 FUN FACTS

This page is dedicated to fun facts about your state.  You are trying to make your state seem interesting and  intriguing to the readers.

Ideas for this  page could include:

·        State Flag

·        State Flower

·        State Animal

·        State Nickname

·        Famous Resources

·        Famous People

This page of your brochure must contain 3 fun facts and at least one graphic.  Your graphic will show one of your facts such as the state flag, flower, etc.  Color, borders and fonts are all extra that can help you brochure look great.

Resources:

http://www.netstate.com/arcade.states.html

http://print.factmonster.com/ipka/A0770175.html

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/state/

STEP #3 WEATHER

It is important in the touring business to know about the weather temperatures in the different states.  You would lose business if you sent someone on a cool summer vacation only to discover that it is not cool where you suggested that they go.  Your task is to find the current temperature for the capital city, major cities and some historical sites of the state you have chosen. 

Resources:

http://www.50states.com/

http://www.weather.com

STEP #4 HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

If you are going to be able to give someone a tour, you'll need to have plenty of background information.  You would need to list various historical sites, sites of interest such as missions and museums in your state.  Try not to include any large theme parks, people already know where they are. Use the resources listed below to learn more about any region of the United States.  Keep your eyes open for key information or graphics that may help your project.

Resources:

http://www.ipl.org/youth/stateknow/skhome.html

http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/usa/states

http://www.factmonster.com/states.html

http://www.ca-missions.org/

STEP #5 MAP OF YOUR STATE

For this portion of your brochure you will create a map of your state.  Your map should include the location of the capitol of the state and two other interesting cities. 

Resources:

www.50states.com

http://monarch.tamu.edu/~maps2/ar.htm

http://g-lea.tamu.edu/smap.htm

STEP #6 SUMMARY

The last section of your brochure will be a summary.  In this summary you will answer the question, Why visit this state?  Remember, this is your last chance to convince the traveler that your state is worth visiting. 

STEP #7 TRAVEL CONVENTION

Now it's time to share!  Bring your group and your brochure to present to the class.  This is your chance to share all the exciting information you learned about your state.  Keep it short and simple, but make us want to come for a visit.  

INTERNET RESOURCES

                       www.50states.com

                        http://monarch.tamu.edu/~maps2/ar.htm

                        http://g-lea.tamu.edu/smap.htm

                        http://www.ipl.org/youth/stateknow/skhome.html

                        http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/usa/states

                        http://www.factmonster.com/states.html

                        http://www.ca-missions.org/

                        http://www.weather.com

                        http://www.netstate.com/arcade.states.html

                        http://print.factmonster.com/ipka/A0770175.html

                        http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/state/

http://theus50.com/

http://www.students.resa.net/stoutcomputerclass/states.htm

http://educationplanet.com/articles/fiftystates.html

http://www.yahoologans.com

http://www.postcardsfrom.com/

CONCLUSION                                             TOP

After all is said and done, would you really go and visit your state?  What other states would you consider visiting?  Which state sounds the most interesting?  Did the way the brochure was put together influence your decision?  Who wants to be a travel agent?