ALL AROUND MICHIGAN
Regions and Resources
by Alexandra Fix

In this colorful book the state is divided into five regions and key facts about each are discussed. Included are climate, agriculture, industry, tourism and the people which make our state so interesting. Glossary and index are included. ©2004. 7.5 x 10.25. 48 pages. Paperback. (Better 4th grade reading level and up.)

II.4.LE.4 (Helps students understand the economic and cultural geography of Michigan.)
II4.LE.6 (Helps students understand the geography of regions within Michigan and to compare the regions and explain the processes that created them.)

AMAZING MICHIGAN-BOOK of PUZZLES
by Jeff Brown

Jeff Brown is a master of the puzzle. Here is a unique collection of over 24 types of puzzle activities which incorporate social studies benchmarks and history themes.  Let learning about our state be a fun experience! Your 4th, 5th and 6th grade students will love to put their minds to work unraveling secret codes, finding hidden words, doing word matching, crosswords, and more! These puzzles help review Michigan history, geography and government.
© 2002. size 8.5 x 11. 48 pages. Paperback. (Grades 4 -6)
REPRODUCIBLE. (Call for quantity discounts)

I.1.LE.2 Place major events in the development of their local community and the state of Michigan in chronological order.
I.2.LE.3 Recount the lives and characters of a variety of individuals from the past representing the diversity of their local community, the state of Michigan, and other parts of the United States.
I.3.LE.3 Compose simple narratives of events from both the history of the state of Michigan and of the United States.
II.1.L.E2 Locate and describe diverse kinds of communities and explain the reasons for their characteristics and locations.
II.1.LE.3 Locate and describe the major places, cultures, and communities of the nation, and compare their characteristics.
II.2.LE.2 Describe the location, use, and importance of different kinds of resources and explain how they are created and the consequence of their use.
II.2.LE.3 Describe the major physical patterns, ecosystems, resources, and land uses of the state, region, and country, and explain the processes that created them.
II.2.LE.4 Explain how various people and cultures have adapted to and modified the environment.
II.3.LE.1 Describe major kinds of economic activity and explain the factors influencing their location.
II.3.LE.2 Describe the causes, consequences, routes, and movement of migration to the United States.
II.3.LE.3 Explain how transportation and communication link people and communities.
II.4.LE.3 Describe the geography of Michigan at major times in its history and explain the reasons for its change.

This collection of 13 traditional and contemporary Michigan songs and stories is designed for children ages preschool through grade 6, and all music-loving adults. Cassette. 35 minutes. © 1987.

1.3.1 a primary source used to reconstruct past events.

IV.1.EE 1 Difference between goods and services.
IV.2.LE 1 Difference between natural, human, and capital resources.
IV.1.LE 1 Explanation of scarcity.
IV.1.LE 3 Making choices about buying a bicycle.
IV.1.LE 2 Using opportunity costs deciding whether to buy shoes.
IV.3.LE 1 Decision-making game.
IV.5.LE 2 Trade between other countries-fishes to furs.
IV.5.EE 2 Distribution of money and goods and services.
IV.4.EE 2 Market place and prices.
IV.4.LE 1 Scarcity determines prices.
IV.2.LE 1 Natural resources, human capital, etc. in the production of a good or service

HOW A CAR IS BUILT
(Elementary version)
Video by Think Media

The automotive industry touches nearly every Michiganian; yet, how many have seen how a car is made? This well-designed video takes kids right to the assembly line. An animated parrot character guides them along as they see how giant rolls of steel are transformed into gleaming new Ford Mustangs. Done in a way even the 1st graders can understand! This video has won several honors.  VHS 30 minutes ©1995 (Grades 1-4)

II.3.LE 1 cars being built in MI-location
IV.2.EE 1 connect needs with businesses that meet them
IV.2.EE 2 describe types of resources needed
IV.2.LE 1 distinguish between types of econ resources
IV.2.LE 3 role major industry has played
IV.4.LE 2 as a consumer and producer

Use this book based on Kellogg's cereal company in Battle Creek to help students understand the state economic benchmarks IV.4LE.l and IV.4.LL.2. Concepts such as competition, capital and human resources, consumer, investor, profit and loss are included in this interesting, bright, colorful hard cover book. The glossary helps to define the language of business. A cooperative learning activity is included at the end. ©1997. 8 x 10. 48 pages. Hardcover. (Better 4th grade reading level and up).

II.3.LE. 1 Helps students understand how making breakfast cereal is a major economic activity in part of Michigan.)
IV.2.LE. 1 (Studying about Kellogg's helps students distinguish between natural resources, human resources and capital resources in the production of a good.)
IV.2.LE 3 (Helps students understand the role a major industry has played in the development of Michigan.)
IV.5.LE 3 (Helps students see how business is a producer, distributor, importer and exporter.)

Many students are challenged by the chart and graph elements found on the MEAP tests. Here is a way to give them practice and increase their confidence! Dr. Shafer provides 37 independent activities for 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. They are divided into four groups: Early America, America Grows, the 1900s, America Today. ©2003. 8.5 x 11.44 pages. Grades 4-6. Paperback.

l.2.LE 2 (Helps students use graphic data to compare the past of the state of Michigan, and other parts of the United States with present-day life in those places.)
V.1.LE 3 (Helps students interpret social science information about state and national communities from graphs and charts.)

Provides an excellent introduction to 10 Core Democratic Values. Each value is presented in a thoughtfully written short story designed to teach its content, meaning, and significance. The illustrations are visually appealing. A separate 32 page teacher's guide has reproducible activity sheets which offer helpful preparation for the social studies MEAP.  ©2002. 8.5 x 11. 48 pages. Paperback. Grades 3-5. (Reading level grade 4)

III.2.LE 2 interpret the meaning of rights guaranteed by the constitution such as freedom of religion, speech and assembly.
III.2.LE3 rights with responsibilities.
III.3.LE 2 issues of constitutional rights.

A Popular way to introduce first and second graders to several of the early elementary social studies benchmarks! A great start to a lifelong adventure of discovering Michigan. Learn about our shape, where we are, the two peninsulas, the Great Lakes, Mackinac Bridge, the state capital, our resources and products, our state symbols and the state flag. 2002 edition.  8.5 x 11. 28 pages. Paperback. 
REPRODUCIBLE.

ll.1.EE 1 (Helps young students describe some of the human characteristics Michigan and explain some of the basic causes for those characteristics.)
ll.1.EE 2 (Helps young students describe some of the natural characteristics Michigan and explain some of the basic causes for those characteristics.)
ll.2.EE 1 (Helps young students describe how people use the environment meet human needs and wants.)
ll.2.EE 2 (Helps young students describe some ways In which their environment has been changed by people and the ways their lives are affected by the environment.)
IV.1EE 1 (Helps young students Identify ways families produce and consume goods and services.)
IV.2.EE 1 (Helps young students connect economic needs with businesses that meet them.)
V.1.EE 3 (Helps young students organize information to make and interpret simple maps of the state of Michigan.)

MICHIGAN BINGO GAME
History Edition
by Carole Marsh

Play as traditional Bingo by using Michigan facts involving the entire class. Includes instructions, 36 different Bingo cards, cover-ups, answer mat, 50 fact cards with answers for easy or difficult play and funny reward cards. A fun way to review! Correlates with social studies benchmarks. In a 6.5 x 9.25 packet. 4th grade level.

(These short activities are a good review of numerous social studies later elementary level benchmarks from the historical, geographical and civic perspectives.)

Learn about Native American traditions, clothing, food and tools. Meet the leaders Matchekewis, Okemos, Pokagon, Pontiac and Tecumseh. Find out about the effect of European influence. See the list of federal and state recognized tribes and a map of current tribal lands. Glossary and index. ©2004. 7.5 x 10.25. Paperback. 48 pages. (Better 4th grade reading level and up.)

I.2.LE.1 (Helps students summarize the sequence of key events in the history of Michigan's Native Americans.)
I.2.LE.2 (Helps students use narratives and graphic data to compare the past life of Native Americans in Michigan and their life today.)
I.3.LE.3 (Helps students compose simple narratives of events from the history of Michigan relating to Native American - European interaction.)
I.4.LE.2 (Helps students evaluate decisions made to solve past problems and evaluate those decisions in terms of ethical consideration with regard to Michigan's Native Americans.
II.2.LE.4 (Helps explain how Native Americans have adapted to and modified the environment.)
II4.LE.4 (Helps describe the cultural geography of Michigan in the past and in the present with regards to the Native Americans living here.)

A nice single book resource to help students meet benchmark !!.LE4.5. Very colorful. Shows and describes Michigan forests, Great Lakes, sand dunes, beaches, inland lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, marshes and wetlands. Extinct plants and animals, endangered plants and animals and the effects on the ecosystem are all included. Glossary and index included. ©2004.  7.5 x 10.25. Paperback. 48 pages. (Better 4th grade reading level and up.)

II.2.LE.1 (Helps students understand ecosystem concepts and processes in a Michigan setting.)
II.4.LE.4 (Helps students understand the physical geography of contemporary Michigan.)
II.4.LE.5 (Helps students understand the Great Lakes ecosystem and the processes that act upon it.)

The first in a sequel of three books about young pioneer Libby Mitchell who moves to Michigan in a covered wagon when she is 10 years old. The story begins on April 3, 1837. Once she arrives in Michigan, Libby meets Taw cum e qua who is later known as Fawn. Fawn is a Potawatomi girl who becomes her best friend. Libby learns much about the fate of this tribe who will soon be forced off their land.  ©1987.  5.25 x 7.5.  60 pages.  Paperback.  (Reading level about 4th grade.)

I.2.LE.1 (sequence key events from the history of Michigan’s Native Americans)
I.4.LE.1 (identify problems from the past which divided local communities and the state of Michigan such as the treatment of the tribes)
II.1.LE.1 (describe cultures and compare and contrast differences and compare roles of men, women and families)
II.3.LE.2 (causes of movement and migration)
III.1.LE.2 (give examples of authority and the use of authority without consideration or sympathy, such as toward Michigan’s Native Americans)

A story about two girls during the time the Michigan tribes were forced to move west.  One is a settler and the other Potawatomi. Helpful in meeting the later elementary benchmarks I.4.LE.1, II.5.LE.2 and III.1.LE.2. ©1993.  6 x 9. 62 Pages. Paperback (Grades 3-5)

I.2.LE.1 (history of Native Americans)
I.4.LE.1 (treatment of tribes a dividing issue)
I.1.LE.1 (differences in culture)
I.3.LE.2 (causes of migration)
I.1.LE.2 (use of authority without consideration or sympathy)

Help prepare for the social studies MEAP. This concise reproducible booklet has 19 different activities. Helps students understand the importance of these values in our society. It concludes with tips for teaching and a list of trade-books which support the various values. Answers to questions included.  © 1999. 8.5 x 11.28 Pages 
Better 4th grade thru 5th grade level.

These democratic values are covered:  Patriotism, Truth, Popular Sovereignty, The Common Good, Equality, Justice, Diversity, plus Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness and the following Constitutional Principles:  Rule of Law, Federalism, Checks and Balances, Freedom of Religion, Individual Rights, Rights with Responsibilities, Separation of Powers, Civilian Control of the Military, Representative Government.
Besides explaining these key values and principles listed above, the workbook includes some of the civics related benchmarks.
Examples are:
III.1.LE.1 distinguish between the roles of sate and federal government in printing money, building parks, and deciding state boundaries.
III.2.LE.2 interpret the meaning of rights guaranteed by the constitution such as freedom of religion, speech and assembly.
III.2.LE.3 rights with responsibilities.

PADDLE-to-the-SEA
By Holling C. Holling. (Caldecott Honor Book)

This classic has received renewed interest because of the whole language approach to teaching Michigan studies in the elementary grades. Paddle-to-the-Sea provides initial introduction to major social studies concepts— geography, ecology, economics, and more. Students will be enthralled by the Soo Locks, forest fires, and shipwrecks. Very nice color illustrations.  ©1941.  8.5 x 11.  64 Pages.  Paperback.  Grades 2-5 (Reading level grade 4.5-5)

II.2.LE.1 (a clever and interesting way to learn basic ecosystem concepts and processes)
II.4.LE.5 (information about the Great Lakes and how the water finally reaches the Atlantic Ocean)

PADDLE-to-the-SEA
Curriculum Activities
By Seager, Fortner & Taylor

Class-room-ready readings, worksheets, games, diagrams and complete instructions for teach use. Integrates social studies, math, science and language arts. ©1987.  8.5 x 11.  168 Pages in a 3 ring binder.

I.2.LE.1 (describes life in the past from the Mackinac Island area)
I.2.LE.3 (recount the lives of people from the past)
II.1.LE.1 (describe cultures and compare the roles of women, men and families)
II.1.LE.2 (locate communities and explain the reasons for their characteristics and their locations)

Begins with information on our people in general - where we live and our ethnic backgrounds. Brief sections on the Native Americans, French explorers, missionaries and settlers. Short biographies tell about several of the states' outstanding people. Index and glossary for easy reference. ©2004. 7.5 x 10.25. Paperback. 48 pages. (Better 4th grade reading level and up.)

I.2.LE.3 (Provides students with information of the lives and characters of a variety of individuals form Michigan's past and present)
II.1.LE.2 (Helps students locate and describe diverse kinds of communities in Michigan and explain the reasons for their characteristics and locations)
II.4.LE.2 (Helps students understand places and cultures in Michigan so they can compare them with those in other regions and countries.)

SHADOW OF THE WOLF
by Gloria Whelan

The third book in the sequel about the Michigan pioneer girl Libby and her Native American friend Fawn.  It is only 1841 but Libby and her parents already begin to feel hemmed in by the ever increasing number of settlers.  They decide to move north to the forests along Lake Michigan.  Soon Fawn and Libby discover greedy men trying to cheat the tribe out of the little land they have left!  ©1997. 5.25 x 7.5.  80 pages.  Paperback. (Reading level about 4th grade).

I.4.LE.1 (problems from the past that divided communities)
I.4.LE.2 (decisions made to solve those problems)
II.1.LE.2 (culture of the settlers was different than the culture of the Indians)

A fine story to help elementary level students learn about the Underground Railroad. Malaika and Samson have been separated from their mother and alone must make their way north to freedom. © 1999 6 x 9. 179 Pages. Paperback. Reading level about 5th grade.

I.2.LE.1 (comprehending the time of slavery through the events of a story)
I.2.LE.3 (about the lives & events connected with slavery)
I.4.LE.1 (problems dividing community)
I.4.LE.2 (solving problems in terms of ethical considerations)

A very professional full color video with spectacular scenery.  This video covers all the basics about Michigan, its two peninsulas and the Great Lakes.  The narrative informs the viewer of the famous attractions of Michigan such as Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes and many more.  A great addition for teaching Michigan studies to any 3rd or 4th grade classroom. © 1996. (4th grade and up) Available in VHS & DVD 18 minutes.

II.2.LE.3 describes major physical patterns, ecosystems, resources and land uses of the state.
II.2.LE.4 how people have adapted to and modified the environment.
II.4.LE.1 helps students draw sketch maps of the state and region.
II.4.LE.6 describe the geography of major U.S. regions such as Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

Are your kids struggling to grasp the values which built our nation? Join this video classroom and hear the teacher and students discuss 10 core democratic values. Justice, Popular Sovereignty, Common Good, Life, Pursuit of Happiness, Liberty, Equality, Diversity, Truth and Patriotism are explained using 3rd and 4th grade life examples. Roady, an eagle puppet aids in the discussion. © 2001. (3rd to 4th grade) VHS 19 minutes.

Core democratic values explained for later elementary students.

Dramatic, well-done illustrations show the suspense of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad. A slave girl tells about the hideouts, people who help along the way and the codes provided by the special quilts hanging out to air. Short, simple text n each page. A great book for a read-to-me story session. ©2002. 8.75 x 11.25. 32 pages. Hardcover. (Better 3rd-4th grade.)

I. 2. LE. 2 (Helps students compare life in the past in Michigan and other parts of the nation with life today.)
I. 2. LE. 4 (Helps students see how individuals in history demonstrated good character and personal virtue while helping escaped slave reach freedom.)
I. 3. LE. 3 (Helps students compose narratives of life from the history of Michigan and the United States.)

I. 3. LE. 3  (Helps students compose narratives of events from Michigan history.)
II. 2. LE. 4  (Helps explain how various people and cultures have adapted to modified the environment.)
II. 3. LE. 1  (Helps students understand major kinds of economic activity and the factors influencing their location.)