Name___________________
State_____________________
5th Grade State Report
The idea behind the state report is to learn how to write a research report. You will write
lots of research reports as you get older. In the coming weeks, you will work in class and
at home to create first your rough draft, then your final draft. This packet contains all of
the necessary information and guidelines for your report. Please take time to read this
packet over with your parents. It will be important that you follow the timeline so the
work doesnt pile up at the end.
Finished State Report is DUE Monday, February 27, 2017.
Your report must be typed or written in cursive.
If typed: Font size should be 12-14 and font must be legible. Parents are
allowed to assist with typing as long as students dictate written work.
Researching your state
There are many ways to acquire information about your state. Listed below are a few
possibilities.
Write to relatives living in your state asking for information.
Visit the public or school library for books, encyclopedia entries, magazine
articles, etc.
Contact your state through the state website requesting free information.
Check out Internet resources. Your teacher will provide you with great sites.
Write personal accounts from a time you visited the state.
Grading criteria for the State Report
Your report will receive three grades.
Content the information you share in your report
Special Additions maps, pictures, drawings, etc.
Mechanics spelling, punctuation, and grammar
You have several weeks to complete this report. Let this be an exciting learning
experience! Stay on top of whats assigned and ask for help if you need it. Be sure to talk
to me if problems arise. Good luck!
I have read over this packet with my child parent signature _______________________
Guidelines
Your state report must include the following items:
1. Title Page with the name of your state, your name, your teachers name, school,
and the date.
2. Dedication page to whom will you dedicate this report?
3. Table of Contents
4. Written Report with Text Features the written portion of your report should
be between 3 and 6 pages long.
The following text features are required:
a. Headings and subheadings throughout report. Example: Heading
Wildlife, Subheadings Black Bear, Bald Eagle, King Salmon.
b. A minimum of THREE embedded text features is required. Ideas include:
i. Glossaries
ii. Tables, charts, graphs
iii. Maps
iv. Illustrations and diagrams
v. Photographs
In addition, students are required to include a minimum of THREE direct
quotes from their research. These quotes will be cited in the bibliography.
5. Special Additions (explained in greater detail in this packet)
6. Bibliography lessons on how to cite sources in a bibliography will be presented
in class (MLA format). A minimum of THREE sources must be cited (book,
Internet, magazine article, personal interview, online encyclopedia, encyclopedia).
At least one book and one Internet resource must be cited.
Written Report
Introduction This is the first paragraph(s) of your report. Tell your readers why you
chose your state and let the reader know what areas youll be focusing on in the report.
Be sure to create an introduction that will hook your readers. You may try including
some interesting facts or tidbits of information.
Body of the Report Create 3-5 separate written sections, or areas of interest. You have
the freedom to pursue the things that interest you about your state. What you research is
entirely up to you. My goal is for you to have fun and learn something new.
Here are some ideas for possible topics:
People and Cultural Festivities
National Parks / Geography
Interesting Places to See and Visit (Attractions)
Agriculture and Manufacturing
Famous People
Wildlife
OR more specific topics like
Idaho the history of the potato
Massachusetts the first English colonies (Pilgrims)
Florida the diverse marine ecosystems
Alaska the oil and fishing industries
Conclusion Wrap up your report. Share some of the highlights from your learning.
Convince your reader that your state is a special place and restate some of the great
reasons they should plan a trip to your state some day. PLEASE DO NOT WRITE THE
END.
Timeline for the Report
Students will have time in class to work on note-taking and rough drafts of each section.
They will be assigned homework since they will not complete all of the work during class
time. Students will bring home rough drafts and will need to spend time turning them into
final drafts. Students may type their report. If a parent wishes to do some of the typing, I
ask that the student dictate the writing to the parent so they stay involved. Reports may
also be completed in cursive. Students should also be reading about their state frequently
(this counts toward nightly reading minutes).
Date __________ Rough Draft of Written Report Complete
Date __________ Read rough draft over carefully and EDIT
Rephrase things you didnt say quite right the first time OR add to ideas
youd like to expand on.
Check Spelling
Check Punctuation Do you have complete sentences with correct
punctuation and capital letters?
Proofread by a parent SIGNATURE ______________________________
Date __________ Write Bibliography
a complete list of all books, Internet, and encyclopedia resources used in
your report. Students must cite at least 3 sources.
Date 2/27/17 Final Draft written in cursive or typed
Future Events
Date __________ Oral State Report more information to follow.
We will fill in the due dates as they come up. Parents should periodically check this
packet to see how their child is progressing. Please keep this packet in your State Report
Folder.
Taking Notes
Lessons on taking notes will be presented in class, but it may still be a challenging part of
research. You will be reading lots of information about your state and will need to jot
down notes to help you remember the important things youd like to include in your
report. You have note-taking paper in your State Report Folder and should have that out
while reading. You may wish to photocopy information so that you can use a highlighter
and write on the text. Here are some things to remember about taking notes:
Notes should be brief.
List only the important facts and main ideas.
Abbreviate any words that you can.
Write neatly so youll be able to read your notes later.
Be sure you have enough information so that youre able to write a
section from your notes.
Special Additions your report must include at least 3 from
the list below.
Making your report interesting is important. You want it to appeal to your audience (you
want others to WANT to read it). There are many ways you can do this. Here are some
ideas.
1. Collect pictures about your subject. Place them in your report. Be sure to include
a caption under each one describing the content of the picture.
2. Prepare a chart (food products of the state, visitors to an attraction in a year, etc.)
3. Draw and color the state symbols (flag, bird, flower, etc.)
4. Include a map of your state with interesting places labeled.
5. Create a travel brochure for your state.
6. Create a crossword puzzle for readers to complete.
7. Create a quiz for readers to take once theyve read your report.
8. Include a few recipes your state is known for.
9. Create a collage of images from your state.
10. Include letters youve received from friends and relatives living in your state.
Enjoy this project! Remember that I am here to help, so be sure to come to me if
problems arise.
