Course Requirements for
Washington State History
This course fulfills your Washington State History requirement for graduation and can be finished in as little time as six weeks. When the course is completed it will read “Requirement met” on your transcript.
1a. Create a topography map of Washington State that includes all the main geographical features of the state. Make sure to include a key of any symbols used to represent these features.
1b. Create a precipitation map of Washington State. (If you use colors to represent the different rainfall ranges in the state, make sure to include a key.) Then, in a short statement, explain the effect that the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains have on precipitation levels in the state, including the Rain Shadow effect.
1c. Create an agricultural map showing the different agricultural regions in Washington State by drawing where the different crops grown in the state are located on the map. Then, in a short statement, explain how the weather patterns in Washington impact our agriculture, including why certain crops are grown in the different regions. Make sure to include a key of the symbols used to represent different agricultural crops.
2. Plan a two-week vacation for yourself, or your family, during which you will travel through Washington State. The trip can take place any time of the year and visit any area(s) of the state. You must include information (a short paragraph for each) about at least six attractions you will visit. In addition, create a map showing your vacation route, an itinerary (written plan) including where you plan to stay and when, and estimated costs for your trip.
3. Write a 3-4 page expository paper exploring industry and enciornmental issues. Balance environmental issues and industry concerns associated with progress. How has human development impacted the environment? Research laws passed regarding these issues and explain their impact. Include a bibliography. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Salmon vs. Hydropower (dams)
- Hanford Nuclear Power vs. Toxic Waste Disposal
- Wetlands Preservation vs. New Construction/Development
- Logging vs. Old Growth Timber Protection
- Deschutes River vs. Tumwater Brewery (or new development of the current property)
4. Describe the process for how a bill becomes a law in Washington. Feel free to be creative! A descriptive poster or diagram could work well for this assignment. There is even a children’s song and cartoon about this process (“I’m just a Bill” - it used to be shown on Schoolhouse Rock ?).
5. Write a 2-3 page paper – and include a bibliography – about the history of Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia. Please discuss the following:
- Early industry
- Important people
- The effect that settlement and development had on the Native American population• Any connections between the history of these three cities (ex. railroad, the economy, government, geography, etc).
6. Produce a visual aid that would market Washington State and give out-of-state visitors a reason to come here. This may include a brochure, poster, flyer, or other marketing tool. Be creative!
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All papers should be typed, double spaced, spell checked, and size 12 Times New Roman font.
All materials need to be turned in using a 3-ring binder and kept in the order listed above. Projects can be either inserted in the right spot or folded and hole punched so they fit into the binder.
Target Completion Dates:
Nov. 14 – Project #1 Jan. 17 – Project #4
Dec. 3 – Project #2 Jan. 31 – Project #5
Jan. 3 – Project #3 Feb. 14 – Project #6
All materials are due back to your Counselor by February 28, 2008.
Attachments:
Washington State History - Independent Study Contract