The A-Maze-ing Food Map

Grade Level:  3-4

Subject: Social Studies, Health, Writing, and Art

Learner Outcomes:
1.  Students will locate states on map.
2.  Students will identify food products from each state.
3.  Students will identify the regions of the US.
4.  Students will recognize the steps that food products follow from the farm to the table.
5.  Students will use the Internet to put together art puzzles of food, fruits, and vegetables.

Duration of Lesson:   three 45 minute periods

Materials:  blank map of USA for each student  (abcteach) ,pencils, colored pencils, a copy of the maze for each student (leafy-greens) , reference materials --encyclopedias and textbook (States and Regions , Harcourt Brace & Co. , Copyright 1997) , and access to a computer with Internet . Prior to lesson, make copies of blank USA map and maze for each student.
 

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Internet

Teacher Notes:

• A student/parent Internet release form must be on file for each student

• A computer with Internet access is needed

• Have the students brainstorm about the different food products each state is known for.
• Divide the class into small groups of three or four.
• Pass out the blank maps of the USA, colored pencils,  and the reference books.  Have the students list the name of each state (abbreviations may be used) on the map.
• Using encyclopedias and textbooks, the students will identify one food product that each state is known  and write it on the map.  Model for students how Georgia is known for peaches.
• Finally, have  the students use colored pencils to shade in each region of the US.

Day 2

• Pass out copies of the maze for each student.
• Students will go through the maze to find the steps fruits/vegetables follow from the farm to the table.
• On a separate sheet of paper, students will write a paragraph explaining the steps .

Modifications:  Modifications will be made to meet the IEP/504 plans in effect.

Enrichment Activities:
Day 3

• Students will use the Internet (harcourtschool.)
• Select a puzzle (food, fruit, or vegetable)
• Select pieces that fit to make picture.

West Virginia Standards:

Grade Four:
Art: 4.16 : Soc. Studies: 4.23, 4.26, 4.43 ; Writing: 4.53 : & Health: 4.13, 4.29

Grade Three:
Art: 3.19. 3.22, 3.23, 3.25 : Soc. Studies: 3.29, 3.30, 3.35 : Writing 3.86 : & Health 3.33
 

National Standards:

Art:
1. Understands connections among the various art forms and other disciplines

Geography:
 Understands the characteristics and uses of maps, globes, and other geographic tools and technologies
 Knows the location of places, geographic features, and patterns of the environment
 Understands the concept of regions

Health:
 Knows the availability and effective use of health services, products, and information
 Knows environmental and external factors that affect individual and community health

Writing:
 Gathers and uses information for research purposes 

References:

• Encyclopedias
• States and Regions-Harcourt Brace & Co., copyright 1997
• abcteach
• leafy-greens
• harcourtschool
• rubric (From Farm to the Table)
• Food Map rubric

AUTHORS: Randa Baisden Kathy Blankenship Dixie Ingles