Lesson Plan

Perfect Postcards: Illinois

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Perfect Postcards: Illinois lesson plan also includes:

Connect the geography and history of Illinois using an art-centered lesson on the railroads. The railroad connected once-distant places, particularly in the Midwest. Using research, class members create postcards of fictional cross-state railroad trips. To showcase the highlights, they invite families to see what they experienced on their trips.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Adapt the lesson plan to profile the role of the railroad and landmarks in each state
  • Use research and discussion to create postcards that highlight Illinois's landmarks 
Classroom Considerations
  • Lesson plan does not include recommended books for student research
Pros
  • Lesson plan builds research skills
  • Activities integrate art into history
Cons
  • Some research links are no longer live
  • Resource includes an Amtrak ad and promotional materials
Common Core