Unit Project – TEXAS STATE MODEL
Due Wednesday, October 24, 2007
1. Use the tagboard outline map of Texas (attached to this sheet) as
your base. Securely attach the tagboard to a piece of cardboard
no larger than 14” by 20”. Do Not Use Poster Board. Use a
pencil to draw the 4 regions of Texas.
2. Using the maps of Texas in your textbook, create a model of
Texas out of clay. Make each region a different color (NOT
BLUE). With small amounts of clay, mold the mountain
ranges and the escarpments. Remember the different
elevations of the areas and try to show the different
elevations by varying the thickness of the clay. For example,
the Coastal Plains Region will be nearly flat, and the Mountains
and Basins Region will be thick and will have mountain peaks
rising up from the base.
3. You will need to label the following on your model:
4 Regions of Texas
5 major cities (one in each region and the state capital)
5 major rivers
3 mountain ranges
2 escarpments
Gulf of Mexico
Also label the states that surround Texas and Mexico.
4. You will need a Map Key and a Compass Rose.
Cut out small paper rectangles or triangles for each of the places listed
above. Write the name of the place on the paper and glue it to a
toothpick. Insert the “flag” into its proper place on the Texas model.
Also include a key and compass rose on your model.
Clay can be purchased at Wal-Mart or HEB (Crayola Model Magic,
Nondrying Modeling Clay, Sculpey Oven Bake Clay), or use one of the
recipes to make your own.
Do Not Use Playdough (it cracks and crumbles).
SALT FLOUR MAP DIRECTIONS
1 CUP FLOUR
1 CUP SALT
2 TABLESPOONS OF COOKING OIL
½ CUP OF WATER
FOUR COLORS OF FOOD COLORING (Do not use blue for a region)
MIX TOGETHER IN A LARGE BOWL AND STIR. THEN PUT EQUAL
AMOUNTS OF FLOUR INTO FOUR SMALLER SEPARATE BOWLS,
AND ADD FOOD COLORING. (DIFFERENT COLOR FOR EACH
REGION)
SHAPE EACH REGION
DON’T FORGET TO LABEL EACH REGION.
ALLOW TIME FOR THE CLAY TO DRY (24-48 HOURS)