Where's the Heart of Florida?

Julie Thompson
Beacon Learning Center (Bay District Schools)

Questions

Where is the heart of Florida in the 21st century?
How has the face of Florida changed over time since Tallahassee was established as the state capital?
How do political, economical, cultural, social, and geographical changes influence one another?

Unit Matrix and Standards

Click here to view the curriculum matrix which illustrates the unit's instructional design and lists standards addressed in the unit.

Lesson Plans

Memo from the Governor
Students receive a mock memo from the governor, setting the stage for inquiry into the history of Florida's capital and for proposing sites for a "heart of Florida" capital. This engagement activity introduces students to a Problem-Based Learning unit.

Navigating Through Capital History
Students research the history of Tallahassee using a Website and other materials to determine why the capital is where it is today. Students organize the information on a timeline and investigate the question, Where's the heart of Florida?

Top Secret Sensitive Information
Students play the role of detectives and develop criteria to evaluate sites for the heart of Florida capital. To do this, they use teacher made TOP SECRET folders with information that represents diverse cultural perspectives and state maps.

What's the Problem?
Students redefine the problem of Where's the Heart of Florida? and begin to formulate possible solutions using graphic organizers.

Mapping Possible Solutions
Where is the heart of Florida now that we have entered the 21st century? Students propose possible sites for the heart of Florida state capital by mapping collected data onto a Florida state map and recording data in a Travel Log.

Consider This!
Students draft a simulated email to the governor of Florida that includes their recommendation for the -heart of Florida- capital and provides support based upon research and established criteria.