The State Report

As a rite of passage in Miss Lee's class, every student must complete the state report.  The student chooses the state - California! - and begins a months-long project to learn everything about the state. The project includes creating books, collecting memorabilia, and drawing birds, trees, postcards and more. To read: tons of bribery, threats and work. 

The project culminates in two big events. First, a 10-minute presentation in front of the class, "I get to wear a microphone!" and second, the State Fair, where each first grader stands with his project and answers questions from the other classes as they come around to learn about the states.

Since we already knew California was pretty awesome, Marco conducted a survey of his friends, family and neighbors. "What is your favorite part of California?" He even asked strangers and tallied totals in his notebook.  The research was so good for him... and just happened to keep him busy all afternoon at a winery while we tasted wine. His favorite respondents were a group of Japanese tourists with one translator. In typical tourist style, they even took a picture with him. :)

His speaking gig was great, no jitters at all. He even pointed out people in the room who were born in California, "my Mom, my Dad, my Grandma - even my Uncle Phil!"

And here's the proof:

With the microphone...

With the pointer...

Marco asked the students to vote in his survey to earn a jelly bean.  The students' results even matched his survey!  A future analyst!

Niko visiting his booth...

 This might be my favorite picture pointing to the presentation with his hand behind his back.

Good school folks.