Unit 4: Missouri Today
Big Idea Activity: How do people in our state meet their needs?
Students should work with a partner to co-anchor a news program. Encourage students to report on how people meet their economic, political and cultural needs. Ask the students to identify each need and how it is met.
Explore Missouri’s economic and political needs.
Visit this site for more information on Missouri’s cultural needs.
Discuss each of the People Who Made a Difference with students. Ask them to explain how Missouri was affected by each of these people. How would the state be different if these people had never been in Missouri?
These websites emphasize the impact these figures have had on American history and their influence in Missouri. Students will learn more about the People Who Made a Difference through discussion and activities.
Ask students how people in Missouri meet their needs. What are the needs of Missourians? How do people meet their economic, political and cultural needs? How did the People Who Made a Difference meet their needs? Discuss specific needs that people in Missouri have and how these needs are met.
Writing Activity: Writing Activity
Students will write a 2 paragraph essay answering the Big Idea Question – How do people in our state meet their needs?
1. The graphic organizer will be used to list the main ideas that will be in the essay. Complete the graphic organizer as a class or have the students complete it themselves.
2. The writing activity will focus on how people in our state meet their needs. Students should think about how these needs affect communities in general as well as their own community specifically.
3. Once the graphic organizer has been completed by the students individually or as a group, assign the type of essay that they will write: Descriptive, Narrative or Persuasive.
Capitalism, the economic system of the United States, is based on the idea that individuals have the right to start and run their own businesses with limited involvement from the federal government. People start businesses in Missouri every day. Missouri’s workers keep those businesses running. Explain that Missouri’s businesses, natural resources, and workers interact as a part of Missouri’s economy everyday.
Biography: Ronnie L. White
Ronnie White became a lawyer to better understand segregation. While practicing law, White joined Missouri’s General Assembly as a representative. In 1995, White was appointed to Missouri’s Supreme Court. During his time on the court, he worked to make Missouri a fairer place for everyone. Discuss how White’s background affected his career choice.
Virtual Field Trip: Jefferson City
Jefferson City is Missouri’s state capital. The Missouri state government is located here. The city has historical significance as well as modern appeal for visitors. Briefly discuss the history of Jefferson City and how it became the capital of our state. Did you know that the city was named for Thomas Jefferson because of his role in the Louisiana Purchase? Ask students what Missouri’s capital was before Jefferson City.