Lesson Plan: Autumn in the Evergreen State

Materials Needed:

• Computer with internet access
• Notebook or digital document for taking notes
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper) OR access to a digital design tool (like Canva, Google Slides, or Microsoft Publisher)
• Printer (optional, for printing the final project)
• Copy of the poem "September" by Helen Hunt Jackson (can be found online)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify and describe the unique geographical features of three different regions of Washington State during autumn.
• Analyze how geography impacts autumn activities and agriculture, specifically the apple harvest.
• Create a persuasive and informative travel brochure using research, descriptive language, and creative design.
• Interpret the mood and imagery in a poem related to the autumn season.

Lesson Activities

Part 1: The Hook - Your Perfect Autumn Day (15 minutes)

Let's begin with a little imagination. Close your eyes and picture your perfect fall day. What do you see? What do you smell? What can you hear and feel?

Task: In your notebook, quickly jot down or sketch 5-7 things that come to mind. Is it the scent of rain on dry leaves? The crisp feeling of the air? The sight of mountains with a dusting of snow? This will get us in the autumn mindset!

Discussion Question: How might a perfect autumn day be different for someone living near the ocean in Washington versus someone living on a farm in the eastern part of the state?

Part 2: A State of Contrasts - Regional Explorer (45 minutes)

Washington isn't just one landscape; it's many! The Cascade Mountains create a huge difference between the wet, green west and the dry, rolling east. In this activity, you'll become a regional expert.

Task: Choose three distinct locations in Washington to research for an autumn trip. You must pick one from each category:

1. Coastal/Puget Sound: (Examples: Olympic National Park's Hoh Rainforest, San Juan Islands, Seattle)
2. Cascade Mountains: (Examples: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Leavenworth)
3. Eastern Washington: (Examples: Palouse region, Wenatchee Valley, Spokane)

For each location, research and take notes on the following questions:

• What does the landscape look like in autumn? (Think colors, weather, plants.)
• What is one unique activity you can do there in the fall? (e.g., storm watching on the coast, seeing the Golden Larches in the mountains, visiting a pumpkin patch in the Palouse.)
• What kind of clothes would you need to pack for a visit?

Part 3: The Great Apple Adventure - From Orchard to Economy (30 minutes)

Washington is famous for its apples, and autumn is harvest time! This isn't just a tasty treat; it's a huge part of the state's economy and culture, especially in Eastern Washington.

Task: Use the internet to become an "Apple Expert." Find the answers to these questions:

• Why is Eastern Washington such a great place to grow apples? (Hint: think about weather and geography).
• Name three different types of apples grown in Washington.
• What does "apple harvest" mean? What happens during this time?
• Find one fun fact about the Washington apple industry.

Part 4: Autumn Senses - A Poet's Perspective (20 minutes)

Artists and poets are inspired by the seasons. Let's see how a poet captures the feeling of autumn. Read the poem "September" by Helen Hunt Jackson.

Task: After reading the poem, answer these questions in your notebook or out loud:

• Mood: What is the overall feeling or mood of this poem? Is it happy, sad, peaceful, or something else? Which words give you that feeling?
• Imagery: Find one line in the poem that helps you see something, one that helps you hear something, and one that helps you feel something about the season.
• Connection: How does this poem's description of autumn compare to what you know about autumn in Washington?

Culminating Project: Create an "Autumn in Washington" Travel Brochure

Now it's time to put everything you've learned together! Your mission is to create a travel brochure that persuades people to visit Washington State in the fall. You can make this on paper or using a digital tool like Canva (which has free templates).

Your brochure must include:

1. A Catchy Title: Something that grabs a reader's attention.
2. A "Why Visit in Autumn?" Section: A short, exciting introduction about what makes autumn in Washington so special.
3. Three "Destinations" Panels: One panel for each of the three regions you researched. Include a picture (drawn or from the internet) and a short description of the location and a fun fall activity to do there.
4. A "Taste of Washington" Section: Include your fun fact about the Washington apple harvest and mention other fall foods from the state.
5. A "Pack Your Bags!" Section: A small checklist of what visitors should pack, based on your research.
6. Creative and Colorful Design: Use fall colors, interesting fonts, and make it look like a real travel brochure!

Project Assessment Rubric

Use this to guide your work and to see how your project will be evaluated.

• Content & Accuracy (10 points): Does the brochure include all required sections? Is the information about the regions and apples correct?
• Persuasive Language (5 points): Is the writing exciting and descriptive? Does it make the reader want to visit?
• Creativity & Design (5 points): Is the brochure colorful, well-organized, and visually appealing?

Extension Activity (Optional)

Make an Apple Crisp! Find a simple recipe for apple crisp. This is a hands-on way to connect with Washington's apple harvest. As you make it, think about the journey the apple took from an orchard in Eastern Washington all the way to your kitchen.