All About Our Community

Part of the third grade social studies curriculum is the study of our city both historically and currently. They must identify local physical characteristics of the environment, describe changes in the community over time, identify local government buildings, explain how the local community is an example of a market, and compare some of the cultural practices and products of various groups of people who have lived in the local community including; artistic expression, religion language and food.
Using digital cameras we could let the students take photographs in their neighborhoods and as they travel around the city. They also could take the digital cameras on field trips they take as part of this semester long unit to the historical society and on their bus trip around town.
Once they have their photographs we would place them in the shared server folder for all to access. Pictures would be chosen to write about in their slide show highlighting the culture, physical characteristics, government, economic and leading them to explore the changes in Elyria over the past 190 years and what makes their community a great place to live. It will encourage them to take an interest in the projects since they will be taking the photographs themselves and to get family involvement. Using their own photographs will give them a personal stake in the project.
Students will share their slide shows with parents and community members and print their slides making a booklet highlighting their community, the history and changes over time and what they have learned.