The perfect reference guide for students in grades 3 and up - or anyone! This handy, easy-to-use reference guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which includes West Virginia basic facts, geography, history, people, places, nature and miscellaneous information. Each section is color coded for easy recognition. This Pocket Guide comes with complete and comprehensive facts ALL about West Virginia. Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! West Virginia Basics section explores your state's symbols and their special meaning. West Virginia Geography section digs up the what's where in West Virginia. West Virginia History section is like traveling through time to some of West Virginia's greatest moments. West Virginia People section introduces you to famous personalities and your next-door neighbors. West Virginia Places section shows you where you might enjoy your next family vacation. West Virginia Nature section tells what Mother Nature gave to West Virginia. West Virginia Miscellaneous section describes the real fun stuff ALL about West Virginia.

Exploring West Virginia through Project-Based Leaning includes 50 well-thought-out projects designed for grades 3-5. In assigning your students projects that dig into West VirginiaÕs geography, history, government, economy, current events, and famous people, you will deepen their appreciation and understanding of West Virginia while simultaneously improving their analytical skills and ability to recognize patterns and big-picture themes. Project-based learning today is much different than the craft-heavy classroom activities popular in the past. Inquiry, planning, research, collaboration, and analysis are key components of project-based learning activities today. However, that doesnÕt mean creativity, individual expression, and fun are out. They definitely arenÕt! Each project is designed to help students gain important knowledge and skills that are derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of academic subject areas. Students are asked to analyze and solve problems, to gather and interpret data, to develop and evaluate solutions, to support their answers with evidence, to think critically in a sustained way, and to use their newfound knowledge to formulate new questions worthy of exploring. While some projects are more complex and take longer than others, they all are set up in the same structure. Each begins with the central project-driving questions, proceeds through research and supportive questions, has the student choose a presentation option, and ends with a broader-view inquiry. Rubrics for reflection and assessments are included, too. This consistent framework will make it easier for you assign projects and for your students to follow along and consistently meet expectations. Encourage your students to take charge of their projects as much as possible. As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and guide. The projects are structured such that students can often work through the process on their own or through cooperation with their classmates.