Fourth Grade

Virginia Scrapbook Project

Introduction

Did you know that there is a lot of history right here in our home state of Virginia?  Have you ever traveled outside of Ashburn and Loudoun County to see what else is out there?  This project gives students and their families the opportunity to experience history first hand.  The fourth grade Social Science curriculum focuses on Virginia Studies.  As the students learn about Virginia history throughout the year, they will be able to apply their knowledge by visiting historical sites.  In addition, it gets them away from the TV, computer, and game box.  We’re talking real family bonding time!  It does take a bit of commitment on the part of the entire family, but most agree it’s a wonderful family project that teaches local history.  Thank you for your support and have fun!

Due Date:

Friday, May 29, 2020 

Updated Information:

Due to the school closure, the 4th grade team has decided to revise the Virginia Scrapbook Project. While some families may have already travelled to various Virginia sites and began creating their scrapbooks, we understand that some may not have had the opportunity to travel quite yet. We will now be encouraging the use of virtual field trips, as well as any outdoor recreation historic sites (ones that continue to be open for visits during this time). This is a wonderful way to continue to learn about Virginia history during the time of the school closure. 

Recommended Virtual Field Trips:

• Virginia Virtual Field Trips (Includes: Colonial Williamsburg, Henricus Historical Park, Monticello, Mount Vernon, and more!) - Virtual Field Trips 
• Encyclopedia Virginia Virtual Tours (Includes: Montpelier, Maggie L. Walker Historic Site, and more!) https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/vr

Outdoor Recreational Area Locations:

• Balls Bluff  - http://www.nvrpa.org/parks/ballsbluff/index.php - The largest Civil War engagement in Loudoun County.
• Great Falls Park-  http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm - See an example of the Fall Line between VA and MD.
• Potomac  River  - Virginia’s rivers were and are very important to the state’s development and economy.
• Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm - Discover the beautiful natural resources of our state.
• Manassas Battlefield - http://www.nps.gov/mana/ The first major battle of the Civil War.

Final Product: 

In addition to the change of how students visit these sites, we will also be changing the expectation for the final product. Originally, students were asked to create a physical or digital scrapbook to present in class to their peers.  Now we are asking students to create a digital product. Below are some ideas for creating their final product.

Your final product should include:

• At least 5 historical places of interest in Virginia (No more than one location in Washington D.C.).
• Pictures of the location (Pictures of you at the site, if you actually visited OR pictures from the website).
• A narrative explaining the importance of the location.
• A reflection for each location - What did you learn? What was your favorite part? Would you recommend this location to others?  Is this a place you would want to visit in person?

Already created an actual scrapbook? Take a video of yourself explaining it and upload the video to...

• Google Classroom
• Seesaw

Haven’t started your final product yet?

• Google Slides
• Google Docs
• Keynote
• Adobe Spark
• Powerpoint

Once your project is complete and ready to be submitted, email it to your teacher or submit it on Google Classroom!