Fourth graders in Mrs. Burger’s class recently took their classmates on an “Adventure Across the Southwest” through a creative travel show project that combined research, writing, public speaking, and video production.
As part of their classroom study on the regions of the United States, students focused on the Southwest region, researching states including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. After breaking into groups, students worked together to research their assigned state, write scripts, design travel brochures, and film their own travel-style presentations.
The finished projects were designed to feel like real travel shows, highlighting interesting facts, famous landmarks, local foods, state history, and top tourist attractions. Each group also created a travel brochure to accompany their presentation.
Mrs. Burger said the project was designed to help students build confidence while learning important communication and collaboration skills.
“It’s a good way for students to get out of their comfort zone,” she said. “They’ve worked on presentations in class throughout the year, and this project helped build up to this point.”
Students each had a specific role within their group, with seven required positions helping bring the travel shows to life.
The host introduced the state, including its location, capital, and nickname, while also guiding the flow of the presentation. Geography experts shared information about climate, landforms, and landmarks. History experts researched important events, statehood dates, and famous people from the state. Tour guides highlighted top destinations visitors should explore, while food and economy experts discussed famous foods, industries, jobs, and resources. Students also had a travel brochure expert who designed and presented the group’s brochure.
For many students, the video component made the assignment especially memorable.
Khloe enjoyed learning about Arizona while being on camera.
“Where you get to go on camera and learn about Arizona,” she said.
Artur said the project taught him valuable presentation skills.
“I learned if you make a mistake, you can’t redo it while you’re presenting,” he said with a laugh, also reminding future participants, “Don’t wear a green shirt.”
Mila Day appreciated how different the assignment felt from traditional classroom projects.
“I like how it’s different than all the other projects,” Mila said. “You get to do it with a couple more people in the group, and I liked the video aspect.”
As part of the New Mexico group, Mila said she especially enjoyed discovering some unique local traditions.
“I didn’t know about their cool festivals like the Great American Duck Race,” she said. “I think it would be cool to go in August because of the events.”
The project also gave students an opportunity to experience real-world media production. Special thanks were given to Woodhaven-Brownstown School District IT team member Tim Baran, who assisted students with recording their travel shows.
You can watch the students’ “Adventure Across the Southwest” travel show here: https://youtu.be/_0Tr2Ih-DWM