CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?Q: In what state is it illegal to set a mouse trap without a hunting license?Q: Prior to the NYC law that owners must pick up their dogs' poop, how many pounds/year filled the streets?Q: What state has more cows than there are people in each of 46 states?Q: How many bathrooms are in the famous Biltmore mansion?Q: What college named its Alfred Packer Grill after the man who, trapped in a snowstorm, became a cannibal?Q: With $600 borrowed from their mother, two brothers in Wichita, KS began what restaurant chain?Q: What college football team is named after those who cheated in a land rush lottery?Q: In what U.S. city can you experience the world's largest hot air balloon festival of 700 house-sized balloons?Q: Why would you be called really "hot" in Hawaii if you had some aa and pahoehoe?Q: What 1812 event formed a lake and caused temporary waterfalls on the Mississippi River?Q: What state was invaded by Japan in World War II's One Thousand Mile War?Q: Why would an American citizen need a passport to get into Point Roberts, Washington?A: Take the U.S. Geography course and find out the answer to these perplexing questions!

COURSE DESCRIPTION:This Junior High class, which complements the Jr. High World Cultures and Religion class and the high school World Geography class, is suitable for most 7th or 8th grade students. This is a fun course in which we explore the culture, geography, traditions, foods, religions, history, topography, language, products, indigenous populations, important businesses, famous people, explanations of flags and state birds/trees/flowers, fascinating oddities, capitals & major cities, reasons for team names, trivialities, origin of legends, and clichés/sayings of all 50 states. Four weeks are spent on Louisiana geography! The course uses maps, photographs, videos, charts, photographs, songs and reference books.

WEEKS TOPIC STATES

1-5 Northeastern States New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware,

Maryland, D.C.6-10 Southern States Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas11-13 Louisiana14-18 Middle States Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri,

Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota19-23 Southwestern States Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California,

Hawaii24-26 Northwestern States Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alaska27-28 Student Oral Reports 29 Quiz Bowl: Mike, the Headless Chicken

WHAT IS HOMEWORK IN THIS CLASS LIKE? REQUIRED MATERIALS:Homework 50% Course BinderMovies 5% Amber Waves of Grain (resource binder)Quizzes 20% Maps, Charts & Graphs H Special Project 25% National Geographic U.S. Atlas

Ohio Buckeye Phil lied? Falling Rock Cheese Heads Moving Monuments