TITLE: PLAY DOH MAP OF YOUR STATE
AUTHOR: George Welsh, Tortolita Junior High;
Tucson , AZ
GRADE LEVEL: Appropriate through grade 8.
OVERVIEW:
In teaching state history it is often important to
help students gain a background in the geography of
their state. This knowledge can help them to better
relate to historic events that occurred within the
state.
This activity has been utilized to teach students
the geographic layout of the state of Arizona. It can
surely be applied to any state in the nation.
OBJECTIVES: The students will be able to:
1. follow directions in completing a recipe for
homemade play doh.
2. differentiate between the three physiographic
zones of Arizona by constructing them on a
3-dimensional model map.
3. locate and label the Colorado, Salt, Gila, Verde
and Santa Cruz rivers.
4. pinpoint the locations of the San Francisco,
White, Catalina and Chiricahua mountain ranges.
5. use their own creativity to identify one
"important" attraction in Arizona on their 3-D
map.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
Student Atlases
1 beverage tray per group of 4
Toothpicks and adhesive labels (for identifying map
items)
4 batches of different color play-doh (made by
students) per group
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1. After being assigned to groups of 4, each student
will be assigned to complete the following recipe
at home...
In a non stick pan mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of
salt, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of vegetable
oil and 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar. Use food
coloring to make desired color and stir constantly
on low heat until it forms a soft ball.
Place in zip-loc bag, write your name on it in
permanent marker and bring to class.
Note: Group members should agree on which colors
will be made for their map.
2. Each group will trace an outline of the state of
Arizona on the inside of a beverage case cardboard
tray.
3. In groups, the students will construct maps of the
state of Arizona in the beverage trays, keeping in
mind the above stated objectives.
TYING IT TOGETHER: The completed maps may be
"presented" to the rest of the class by each group.
The visual reinforcement that students get from this
activity will help when other topics such as plant
life, wildlife and climate are dealt with as well as
historical perspective.
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