Walk Across America Book Project- 2nd 9 Weeks Project Due December 7th
A WALK ACROSS AMERICA
Pre - Reading Assignment
Introduction
A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins is the story of a disillusioned young
man, who twenty-five years ago, set out on a walk across America. In this
timeless classic, Jenkins describes how disillusionment with society in the
1970s drove him out onto the road on a walk across America. His experiences
remain as sharp and telling today as they were twenty-five years ago – from
the timeless secrets of life, learned from a mountain-dwelling hermit, to the
stir he caused by staying with a black family in North Carolina, to his hours
of intense labor in Southern mills. Many, many miles later, he learned
lessons about his country and himself that resonate to this day. Check out
his website at the bottom of the page. He has many interesting pictures and
information.
Thoughts on Reading Critically
Reading critically demands that we pay attention to our level of engagement
in a text. Rather than pleasure reading (which has its own importance),
critical reading requires more energy. Below you will find several useful
steps that will enable you to become a more effective critical reader.
Internalize this process so that it becomes part of your learning experience.
A Suggested Five-Step Process
1. Find a comfortable place to read. It must be relatively quiet and
allow you to write easily in the text. (Beds may be great, but they induce
sleep!)
2. Find a writing implement – a pen or a pencil. (Highlighters do not
allow for writing in the text)
3. Read the text slowly and carefully, allowing yourself time to stop
and reflect on what’s being said and how it’s being said.
4. Read the text again, with pen or pencil in hand: a.) Draw a box
around any words that are new to you and define the word in the margin, using
a dictionary if needed. b.) Underline any major ideas or points you feel the
author is trying to make. c.) Place a “Q” in the margin next to questions
the author raises. d.) Place a star next to descriptive images or intriguing
phrases that grab you. e.) Finally, write your own questions and comments in
the margin.
5. Gather your thoughts together for class discussions.
Terms and Characters to Watch for While Reading
1.Thanksgiving and Five Red Apples 5. The Farm
2.Cooper 6. The “Guv-na”
3.Homer and Homer’s Mountain 7. The Revival
4.Mary Elizabeth 8. Barbara
Student-generated Discussion Guideline
When we have class discussions on Walk Across America we will
1. Respect the ideas of others; everyone’s opinion is valid.
2. Ask effective questions;
3. Refer to the text, early and often;
4. Listen actively to the discussion, give the speaker your full
attention;
5. Build on the ideas of others, even when disagreeing;
6. No put-downs;
7. Leave if unwilling or unable to participate and receive an
alternative assignment.
***Peter Jenkins website: http://www.peterjenkins.com/index1.htm
A Walk Across America
The Assignment
Using a sheet of poster board, make a map of the United States discussed in
the novel. Material for each area on the map will need to be typed and glued
onto the map/poster board. Be as creative as you wish on the map, (which is
a definite way to get extra credit!) but you must include the following:
Part 1
Design the map colored to show the relief and landforms of the United States
mentioned in the book. Label, but do not show in their entirety, neighboring
states. Which states are relevant to the story? Name and use dots to show
location of places mentioned in the story. Add a statement about climate and
controls. Make sure that you include pictures on your map/poster board about
the regions of the United States that Peter walks through. Explain at least
three or four ways that physical geography influences the story.*
Part 2
Identify and describe the different people who play a role in the novel. How
does each person(s) influence Peter’s walk? Discuss the cultural aspects of
the novel. Refer to the story.*
Part 3
Prepare a timeline tracing actual events during the course of the novel.
Explain the “who, where, why” questions of each event. How did these events
impact the book’s major characters? Does the novel faithfully match the
reality of its times? (What was happening in the United States at this
time?) Refer to the story.*
Part 4
How does the novel relate Peter’s story to what he is experiencing? (Think
like a geographer!) Is the walk changing Peter’s views on the United
States? Relate four or five examples from the novel*.
*When the instructions indicate for you to refer to the story/novel this
needs to be done in the form of quotes, storylines, etc. Not referring to
the novel will have a negative impact on your grade.
**Make sure to include pictures or drawings on your map about the regions
Peter walks through and experiences. ( Visual is very important ) You must
cite any quotes, pictures, etc. on the back of your poster – MLA style. –
failure to due so could result in a failing grade.
A Walk Across America
Grading Criteria
Part 1: The Physical Setting: The Map
Neatly drawn and colored; carefully keyed; precise placement of name
locations; coordinates for absolute location provided; climate correctly
explained.
25 Points
Part 2: Cultural Landscape: The People
Names and characteristics of each character are supplied; their influences on
Peter’s walk are suggested.
25 Points
Part 3: The Timeline
Timeline organized with consistent intervals; accurate, complete list of
events; concise explanation of them.
25 Points
Part 4: Cultural Landscape: Peter’s Experiences
Student states personal conclusions about Peter’s experiences and how it
influences his walk.
25 Points
Extra Credit
Did you design and display your information in an attractive and creative way?
10 Points
A final thought: Though the internet is loaded with commentary on this book,
none approaches the book from the geographic standpoint to help you prepare
this assignment. Simply read the book, and as you do so, make notations that
will develop your map. Please don’t ruin this wonderful story for yourself
by reading ANY published remarks – it will be reflected in your grade because
your map will not have the correct information that it needs to be complete.
Remember No Projects are Accepted late and only turn it in early if you are
not going to be at school the day it is due.
THE WORLD IS JUST A CLICK AWAY!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
need I say more?
http://www.nationalgeographic.com
WONDERFUL WEBSITE ON ANYTHING ABOUT GEOGRAPHY!
http://members.aol.com/GeographyWorld
UT MAP LIBRARY
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/world.html
EARTH FROM SPACE
http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/
PLATE TECTONICS STUFF
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html
GOODES ATLAS ON-LINE
http://www.goodesatlas.com/downloadmaps.htm
CIA WORLDFACT BOOK
information on countries
http://www.cia.gov
POPULATION
dynamic population pyramids
http://www.census.gov
ANYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT GEOGRAPHY/SCIENCE!
http://www.geography.com
BUILDINGS FROM THE PYRAMIDS TO FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT - EVEN VIRTUAL
FIELD
TRIPS
THROUGH THEM
http://www.greatbuildings.com
GREAT WEBSITE OF "OLD" AUSTIN
http://www.austinpostcard.com/
AWESOME SIGHTS FROM SPACE STATION
http://www.antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0011/earthlights dmsp big.jpg
RESOURCES, RESOURCES, RESOURCES
http://www.factmonster.com
IS THAT COUNTRY REALLY FREE? WHAT ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS?
http://freedomhouse.org
PREVIOUS STATE GEOGRAPHY POSTER WINNERS
http://www.geo.txstate.edu/tage/awareness.htm
National Geographic website for this year's theme on Asia
http://nationalgeographic.com/geographyaction/
Maps, Information, etc.
http://www.worldatlas.com
Other Resources