Washington State Explorer: Create Your Own Travel Brochure!

This lesson plan guides a 10-year-old homeschool student on an exciting exploration of Washington State. Through guided research, creative activities, and the culminating project of designing a travel brochure, the student will discover Washington's key landmarks, native flora and fauna, tourism highlights, and intriguing fun facts. The lesson emphasizes knowledge application, creativity, and research skills, aligning with elementary educational goals in geography, biology, art, and language arts within a homeschool context.

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Washington State Adventure: Become a Travel Expert!

Get ready to explore the amazing Evergreen State! In this lesson, you'll become a Washington State expert by discovering its famous landmarks, unique plants and animals, exciting tourist spots, and some super fun facts. Your mission is to create an awesome travel brochure to convince someone to visit Washington!

Part 1: Gearing Up - Research Missions! (Approx. 60-90 minutes)

You'll need your explorer gear: a computer with internet, paper, and drawing supplies.

Mission 1: Landmark Lookout

  1. Choose two famous Washington State landmarks. Some ideas: Space Needle, Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, Pike Place Market, Deception Pass Bridge.
  2. For each landmark:
    • Find out where it is located.
    • Write down 2-3 interesting facts about it.
    • Draw a picture of it, or if you're feeling extra creative, try building a simple model using craft supplies!

Mission 2: Flora & Fauna Field Guide

  1. Choose one native plant (flora) from Washington. Some ideas: Western Hemlock (State Tree), Coast Rhododendron (State Flower), Douglas Fir, Salal.
  2. Choose one native animal (fauna) from Washington. Some ideas: Orca, Olympic Marmot, Bald Eagle, American Pika, Roosevelt Elk.
  3. For your chosen plant and animal:
    • Describe what it looks like.
    • Where does it live in Washington (its habitat)?
    • Write one cool fact about it or why it's important to Washington.
    • Draw your plant and animal.

Mission 3: Fun Fact Finder

  1. Search for at least three super interesting and fun facts about Washington State that aren't widely known. Think about history, inventions, unique records, etc.
  2. Write them down – you'll use these to make your brochure extra special!

Part 2: Create Your "Visit Washington!" Travel Brochure (Approx. 60-90 minutes)

Now it's time to use all your research to design a fantastic travel brochure!

Materials: Construction paper or plain paper (you can fold it into thirds to make a brochure), drawing/coloring supplies, glue/tape, your research notes and drawings.

Brochure Sections to Include:

  • Cover Page: A catchy title (e.g., "Explore Wonderful Washington!"), your name as the travel agent, and a cool drawing.
  • Famous Landmarks: Feature the two landmarks you researched. Include your drawings/pictures and key facts. Why should someone visit them?
  • Wild Washington (Flora & Fauna): Showcase the plant and animal you learned about. Include your drawings and explain why they are special to the state.
  • Why Visit Washington? (Tourism): Think about what makes Washington a great place for tourists. Mention beautiful scenery, fun cities, outdoor activities (like hiking in national parks, whale watching, visiting museums). You can even invent a "Top 3 Must-Do Activities!" list.
  • Washington Wow Facts!: Include your 3 fun facts in an eye-catching way.
  • Contact Information (Optional & Fun): You can make up a fun travel agency name and contact details.

Tips for a Great Brochure:

  • Be colorful and creative!
  • Write clearly and make it easy to read.
  • Use your own drawings and words.
  • Organize your information well in different sections.
  • Most importantly, make it persuasive and fun – you want people to visit Washington!

Part 3: Share Your Expertise! (Approx. 15-30 minutes)

Present your travel brochure! Tell your family about the amazing things you learned about Washington State. Explain each section of your brochure and share your favorite discovery.

Discussion & Reflection:

  • What was the most interesting thing you learned about Washington?
  • Which part of creating the brochure did you enjoy the most?
  • If you could visit one place in Washington tomorrow, where would you go and why?

Extension Ideas (Optional):

  • Create a shoebox diorama of one of the Washington habitats you learned about (e.g., a rainforest scene from Olympic National Park, or an ocean scene with orcas).
  • Write a short story from the perspective of the animal you researched.
  • Plan a mock 3-day itinerary for a trip to Washington State.
  • Cook a simple recipe famous in Washington (e.g., apple crisp, salmon dish - with adult help!).

Great job becoming a Washington State travel expert!