Missouri Symbol Studies Unit

published on: 2/28/2003

Contributing Teacher(s): Calene Cooper

Subject Area: Science/Life

Grade Range: Middle Grades (6-8)

Materials Needed: See each lesson for materials needed.

Process Standards:

• Goal 1.1 develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research
• Goal 1.2 conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas
• Goal 1.3 design and conduct field and laboratory investigations to study nature and society

Content Standards:

• Science 1. Properties and principles of matter and energy
• Science 3. Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
• Science 5. Processes (such as plate movement, water cycle, air flow) and interactions of earth’s biosphere, atmos...

  Time Allowance: See each lesson for time allowance.

  Description: This lessons six lesson unit deals with several Missouri Symbols (hawthorn, catfish, paddlefish, galena, mozarkite, and black walnut) from a scientific viewpoint.

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  Classroom Component: Teacher Note: This lesson is a part of a complete unit. Click on the links below to view other individual lessons. Lesson introduction page State Flower--Hawthorn State Fish--Catfish State Aquatic Animal--Paddlefish State Mineral--Galena State Rock--Mozarkite State Tree Nut--Black Walnut

  This is written as teacher information with any lessons that coordinate following. This information covers six of the symbols in detail, and later we will be submitting other information on additional Missouri symbols.

  Scientifically the Missouri symbols can be studied leading to further research. By providing teacher background information as to the science behind the symbols, we hope to show that studying the symbols can be used in the science classroom as well as the traditional social studies class. Usually the state symbols are studied in the fourth grade, however the information we are providing shows that such research and study can be carried on in higher grade levels. We hope that interest in our state and the scientific viewpoint can lead to more sophisticated research, career studies and science projects.

  We have also included current websites that we have reviewed and found to be relevant and appropriate for further studies on these topics. Some general state symbol information can be found at the following sites.

  Missouri Symbols information: http://mosl.sos.state.mo.us http://www.thepoint.com/~stbar/tours/us/mo/mo.html http://tiger.bpa.missouri.edu/research/centers/bparc/SAM95/missfact.html http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/mo_symb.html http://www.geobop.com/World/NA/US/MO/ An interesting trivia game on state symbols can be found at: http://www.geobop.com/Quiz/

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  For additional information contact :
  Calene Cooper
  West Jr. High
  Columbia 93
  (573) 886-2760
  EMAIL: ccooper@mail.coin.missouri.edu