Expedition Launch Slides Field Research Expedition
Informative Writing Unit
The 50 States Investigative Report
Embark on an expedition into geography, history, and culture. Become the resident expert on one incredible American state.
1. Investigate
Gather authentic evidence
2. Synthesize
Draft informative prose
3. Publish
Share your state showcase
The Four Research Pillars
Investigation Areas
1. Geography & Land
Physical landforms, climate zones, natural borders, water bodies, and major ecosystems across the state.
2. History & Heritage
Indigenous peoples, European exploration, statehood date & order, pivotal historic events, and leaders.
3. Industry & Economy
Leading agricultural crops, key manufacturing, technological hubs, tourism highlights, and natural resources.
4. Identity & Wonders
State motto, symbols (bird, flower, tree), quirky laws, famous monuments, and cultural traditions.
Every researcher must collect balanced evidence across all four dimensions.
Hunting Credible Sources
Evidence Protocol
Trusted Gold Mines
• Official state government portals (.gov)
• National Park Service & State Historical Societies
• Verified digital encyclopedias & atlases (Britannica, World Book)
• Published non-fiction books & vetted reference texts
Caution Zones
× Open editable forums & unverified community wikis
× Commercial blogs with promotional sponsored content
× Outdated travel brochures from decades past
× Random social media trivia or unverified meme accounts
Golden Rule: Always log the author, publication title, and web address for every fact you uncover!
The Paraphrase Power-Up
Writing Skill
Step 1
Read & Digest
Read the fact carefully. Close or turn away from your screen or reference book so you cannot copy word-for-word.
"Absorb the idea, not the words."
Step 2
Explain Out Loud
Rephrase the fact in your own natural speaking voice as if you are teaching it to an explorer partner.
"How would you tell a friend?"
Step 3
Record in Bullets
Jot down key terms and statistics into your State Dossier using quick, clear bullet points instead of full paragraphs.
"Capture facts, save sentences for later."
Plagiarism Alert: Copy-pasting text from websites without crediting turns research into copying. Put facts in your own words!
Session 1 Action Plan
Today's Goals
1
Claim Your State
Confirm your assignment on the Expedition Roster.
2
Complete Vital Statistics
Identify capital, postal code, admission date, nickname, and population.
3
Begin Dossier Investigation
Gather at least 3 facts per category and cite at least two credible sources.
Open your State Dossier Research Log to begin!
State Dossier Handout 50 States Field Research Record
Official State Dossier
Dossier Page 1 of 2
Lead Researcher
Assigned State
US Geographic Region
Date Initiated
Section 1: Vital State Statistics
Capital City:
State Nickname:
Statehood Date & Order:
Official Motto:
Current Population:
State Bird & Flower:
Section 2: Physical Geography & Climate Patterns
Record specific landforms, water systems & seasonal weather
Major Landforms, Mountain Ranges & Bodies of Water:
Bordering States & Waterways:
Climate Zones & Average Weather:
Highest Point vs. Lowest Point (Elevation & Names):
Section 3: Historical Roots & Milestones
Indigenous heritage, settlement & transformative events
Original Inhabitants / Indigenous Peoples & Early European Explorers:
Path to Statehood & Pivotal Historic Events:
Key Historical Figure or Leader from this State:
50 States Field Research Record
Official State Dossier (Part II)
Dossier Page 2 of 2
Section 4: Economy, Natural Resources & Key Cities
How the state produces goods and where people live
Top 3 Natural Resources or Crops:
Leading Industries & Manufacturing:
Largest Metropolitan Areas (Beyond the Capital):
Section 5: Culture, Famous Landmarks & Surprising Trivia
Unique identities, tourism destinations & unusual facts
Famous Landmarks, National Parks, or Historic Monuments:
Surprising or Quirky Fact / Law:
State Food, Festival, or Tradition:
Section 6: Source Verification & Citation Log
Record at least 3 distinct sources (books, .gov sites, atlases)
Source #1: Type: [ ] Book [ ] Official .gov Site [ ] Encyclopedia [ ] Other
Title or Website Name:
Author / Organization:
Source #2: Type: [ ] Book [ ] Official .gov Site [ ] Encyclopedia [ ] Other
Title or Website Name:
Author / Organization:
Source #3: Type: [ ] Book [ ] Official .gov Site [ ] Encyclopedia [ ] Other
Title or Website Name:
Author / Organization:
Report Architecture Slides Informative Drafting Workshop
Session 2: Report Architecture
Building the 5-Paragraph Report
Transform raw dossier notes into an engaging, cohesive informational masterpiece that guides your reader through your state.
Strong Hooks
Capture interest early
Thematic Bodies
Cluster related facts
Smooth Transitions
Bridge ideas together
The Five-Paragraph Framework
Structural Flow
¶ 1: Introduction Engaging Hook + State Overview + 3-Point Roadmap (Thesis)
¶ 2: Geography Terrain, Climate, Waterways, Natural Wonders & Elevation
¶ 3: History Indigenous Roots, Colonization, Path to Statehood & Key Leaders
¶ 4: Economy Major Industries, Agriculture, Cultural Traditions & Modern Life
¶ 5: Conclusion Restate Thesis + Synthesize Legacy + Final Memorable Takeaway
Each body paragraph focuses strictly on one theme. Do not mix historical dates into geography!
Crafting the Introduction (¶ 1)
First Impressions
1. The Hook
Start with an astonishing fact, an intriguing question, or a vivid descriptive snapshot.
"Did you know Alaska spans over 663,000 square miles?"
2. State Context
Introduce the state's official name, geographic region, capital, and famous moniker.
"Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska joined the Union in 1959."
3. Thesis Roadmap
Provide a single sentence outlining your three body themes in order.
"Alaska is distinguished by rugged geography, Native heritage, and vital energy industries."
A clear roadmap lets readers anticipate the journey ahead.
Anatomy of a Body Paragraph
4-Step Recipe
T - Topic Sentence
Directly state what domain this paragraph examines.
E - Evidence & Facts
Deliver 2-3 specific dates, statistics, names, and geographic details from your dossier.
E - Explanation & Impact
Explain why this fact matters or how it shapes daily life in the state.
T - Transition / Wrap
Close the thought and prepare the reader for the next category.
Pro Tip: Avoid bullet points in drafts—combine ideas using compound and complex sentences!
Transition Word Bridges
Flow & Cohesion
Spatial / Location
• Across the northern border...
Report Blueprint Handout Drafting Architecture
State Report Blueprint
Blueprint Page 1 of 2
Author Name
Focus State
Working Title Draft
¶ 1
Introduction: Hook, Context & Thesis Statement
3 to 4 sentences total
Sentence 1 (The Hook): Question, Surprising Stat, or Sensory Scene Grab Attention
Sentence 2 (Background Context): Official name, region, nickname, capital Establish Topic
Sentence 3 (Thesis Statement / 3-Point Roadmap): Guide the Reader
Stem: "[State] is renowned for its [Geography Feature], its rich [Historical Milestone], and its [Economy/Culture]."
¶ 2
Body Paragraph 1: Physical Geography & Climate
4 to 5 sentences total
Topic Sentence (Introduce the landscape, location, or borders):
Key Detail A (Major mountains, rivers, lakes, or coastlines with proper nouns):
Key Detail B (Seasonal climate, temperatures, weather hazards, or elevation):
Concluding Sentence (How geography shapes who lives there or tourism):
Drafting Architecture
State Report Blueprint (Part II)
Blueprint Page 2 of 2
¶ 3
Body Paragraph 2: Historical Roots & Milestones
4 to 5 sentences
Topic Sentence (Introduce historical era or early native heritage):
Historical Evidence (Statehood story, pivotal battle, or famous leader):
Historical Impact Sentence (How these past events shaped the state today):
¶ 4
Body Paragraph 3: Economy, Culture & Notable Wonders
4 to 5 sentences
Topic Sentence (Focus on industry, production, or cultural identity):
Economy & Culture Facts (Key resources, famous landmarks, food, or quirky trivia):
Concluding Thought (What makes this state economically or culturally vibrant):
¶ 5
Conclusion: Synthesis & Lasting Impression
3 to 4 sentences
Restate Thesis in New Words (Do not copy ¶ 1 verbatim):
Synthesize Meaning (Why this state is an essential piece of America):
Final Memorable Insight / Call to Explore:
Transition Phrase Bank (Use in your draft):
Location: Along the coast, Throughout the region Time: Initially, Following statehood Addition: Furthermore, In addition
Peer Review Checklist Quality Inspection Protocol
Peer Review & Polish Checklist
Revision Guide
Author Being Reviewed
Reviewing Partner
State Subject
Pillar 1
Structural Architecture & Organization
Check each item that applies
The introduction begins with an attention-grabbing hook (question, fact, or scene).
A clear 3-point thesis statement identifies geography, history, and economy/culture.
Each body paragraph begins with an informative topic sentence that signals the theme.
The conclusion restates the big ideas without copying the introduction word-for-word.
Pillar 2
Factual Evidence & Domain Vocabulary
Evidence depth
Specific proper nouns are used (exact river names, mountain elevations, historical leaders).
Domain-specific vocabulary is present (e.g., elevation, climate, indigenous, industry, heritage ).
Evidence is explained rather than just listed (explains why this matters to the state).
Pillar 3
Transitions & Sentence Craft
Read aloud check
Transitions connect paragraphs smoothly (e.g., In addition, Throughout history, Notably ).
Sentences have varied lengths and patterns (not starting every sentence with "The state has...").
Proper capitalization is applied to all state names, cities, landmarks, and waterways.
Reviewer Constructive Conference Notes
⭐ Star Highlight (What was the strongest, most fascinating fact or paragraph in this draft?):
🔧 Polish Priority 1 (One spot where more detail or a better transition word is needed):
🔍 Polish Priority 2 (A convention, spelling, or capitalization error to correct before publishing):
Final Showcase Handout United States Geographical Series • Official Publication
State Showcase Report
Report Part I
State Featured
State Capital
State Nickname
Author / Historian
Vital Statistics
Admission Date / Order:
Official Motto:
State Bird:
State Flower:
Population / Region:
State Flag / Emblem Sketch & color state flag or seal
¶ 1
Introduction & Geographic Overview
¶ 2
Physical Geography, Terrain & Climate
Final Informational Publication • Page 1 of 2
United States Geographical Series • Official Publication
State Showcase Report (Part II)
Report Part II
¶ 3
Historical Roots, Settlement & Statehood Milestones
¶ 4
Industry, Economy & Unique Cultural Traditions
¶ 5
Conclusion & Enduring Legacy
Featured Landmark / Wonder Sketch a national park or monument
Caption:
Official Works Cited & Reference Sources:
Final Informational Publication • Page 2 of 2
Scoring Rubric Handout Evaluation Instrument
Informative Report Scoring Rubric
Scale: 4 - 1 (16 Points Total)
Student Name
State Evaluated
Date Assessed
Total Score / Grade
Criterion
4 - Exemplary
3 - Proficient
2 - Developing
1 - Beginning
1. Research & Content Accuracy Geography, history, economy, symbols & citations
Exceptional detail across all domains; includes multiple specific proper nouns and accurate statistics.
Comprehensive facts in each required domain; accurately represents key state information.
Basic facts included, but missing 1 key category or relying on vague generalities.
Incomplete data, significant inaccuracies, or sparse facts without evidence.
2. Structure & Organization 5-paragraph flow, hook, thesis, topic sentences
Masterful 5-paragraph flow; captivating hook, sharp 3-point thesis, and clear topic sentences.
Clear 5-paragraph format; introduction includes thesis; body paragraphs stay focused on one theme.
Structure wanders; weak or missing thesis roadmap; body paragraphs mix unrelated topics.
Lacks paragraph separation or cohesive organizational sequence.
3. Elaboration & Transitions Domain vocabulary, explanations, flow bridges
Seamless transitions throughout; expertly explains why facts matter; rich domain terminology.
Effective transitions link paragraphs; explains significance; utilizes key geographic/historical terms.
Few transitions; reads like a list of disconnected facts; minimal explanation of meaning.
No transitions present; repetitive sentence starters ("The state has..."); simplistic vocabulary.
4. Conventions & Presentation Grammar, capitalization, spelling, visual neatness
Flawless mechanics; proper nouns consistently capitalized; neat illustrations and complete sources.
Minor mechanical errors that do not impede understanding; proper nouns capitalized; sources cited.
Frequent errors in capitalization, punctuation, or spelling that distract from the report content.
Severe errors obscure meaning; incomplete showcase elements; missing sources entirely.
Evaluator Commendations & Targeted Growth Steps
Strength & Commendations:
Area for Targeted Writing Growth:
