Travel Kit:
Art Sphere’s United States Interactive Map, Pennsylvania coloring page, markers, colored pencils, Keystone handout
Your Destination:
What do you know about Pennsylvania? Do you have a favorite sports team there? Are you a fan of early US history? Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 colonies and a member of the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware). It is recognizable by its odd shape, mostly rectangular with an extra piece on the Northwest corner (top left if you’re looking at a map). It is nicknamed the keystone state for its important role in early American history. A keystone is a wedge at the top of an arch that keeps all the other stones in an arch in place. Without this crucial piece, the arch would fall apart.
On the Path:
Step 1:
Think of any fun facts you know about Pennsylvania. Cut out the Pennsylvania coloring page handout and write your facts down on the state. Color it in.
Step 2:
Next, look at Art Sphere’s interactive map of the United States. See if you can find Pennsylvania. If you have access to a globe or world map, try and locate it there too. What part of the United States is Pennsylvania located?
Step 3:
What do you love about Pennsylvania? Decorate the cut out of the Keystone handout with your favorite Pennsylvania landmarks, historical or famous figures, monuments, colors, sports teams, or whatever other associations you have with the state. Here is a map with some hints. When you’re finished, share with a friend what you drew and explain why.
Group Tour:
As a class, outline the shape of Pennsylvania on a large piece of brown butcher paper (or large white paper). Then stamp your handprint on the outline to signify your participation in the group mural. As the handprints are added share additional facts you’ve learned about the state.
Extend the Journey:
Research additional facts about Pennsylvania (such as famous historical events, key industries, or notable people from the state). Add your findings to the group mural or create a separate poster or report with the new information.
Learn new vocabulary: Keystone, Tri-state
Resources and Visual Aids:
PA Interactive Map Resources
ASI Interactive US map
Keystone Handout
ASI Interactive World map