Route 99 Research Assignment

Your county:                                          State:                                         

Towns on the route:
                                         
                                         
                                         

The assignment: You will be assigned to one of the 110 counties between western Indiana and Plymouth, Massachusetts (Plymouth County) in the U.S. through which "Route 99" passes.
The following information must be searched out by internet, email, snail mail or telephone interview by Friday, April 30. There will be weekly deadlines before then.
ANY question that can be "answered" with an internet 'link' (website address necessary) must become a part of your report and will improve your grade.
Your report will be submitted to your state chairperson on a properly-labeled floppy disc following a very specific format (100 pts).
Your state chairperson will then submit all finished discs for his/her state.
Your teacher will look at each disk and return them to you with necessary corrections.
You will then need to make the corrections/additions and resubmit your final copy by May 14. (50 pts.)
I will grade you this semester, but I will actually rely next summer on things you research now.
You will be able to interact with me via email or message board during the trip itself (after June 8). I will be posting daily journal notes and pictures on the website during the trip. I'll address my journal to you on the day I go through your county.

INFORMATION TO COLLECT:
Your website should be laid out using the following format:

General County information

• Website address of official county website, or any county website (if available)
• Square mileage of county
• Population
• County Seat (Every county has one
• it is the town where the county courthouse and county buildings is located. In DuPage Cty., it is Wheaton.)
• Is a county road map or other map available on the internet?
• Can we get a road construction report for your county on the internet?
• Where is the best place to camp in the county? (must be accessible by blacktop road).

County history

• Who were the first inhabitants of your area (before the European settlement)?
  • Are they still living in the area?
  • If not, what happened to them?
• Who were the first European settlers?
  • When did they first settle the area?
  • Why did they settle there at that place?
  • Where did they come from before they settled here?
• What famous (for any reason) people came out of this area?
  • What famous people are buried here?

Geography

• What kind of weather are we most likely to experience in the summer?
• What is the average daily temperature in your county in the summer?
• What kind of elevation change will occur in your county as one travels from west to east?
• Is there one main economic foundation for the county? (What do most people do for a living?)
• What other reason(s) do people have for living or moving there?
• Is the county growing or shrinking in population? Why?
• Is there a regional food your area is known for? Where is the best place to get it on the route?
• Is there a natural hot springs in the area? (If not, a public swimming pool?)
• What is the most common wild animal in your county?
• What is the most dangerous animal in your county?

Geology

• Why is the land surface of your county shaped the way it is, ie. the hills, rivers, natural vegetation, etc., (What were the ancient forces of nature that shaped it?)

Politics

• What is the biggest local political issue in your county?
• What is the biggest state political issue people in your county care about right now?
• What is the biggest national political issue people in your county care about right now?

Sociology

• What are the main subcultures that currently live in your county? (racial, religious, etc.)
• What crime is the most common in your county?
• What is the worst crime ever committed in your county?
• Is there an internet listing of county cultural events for the summer of 1999? (concerts, fairs, tractor pulls, festivals, etc.)
• What is the best thing about living in your county?
• What is the worst thing about living in your county?
• If a tourist passing through your county could stop and see only one thing, what should it be?
• Who would be the most interesting person in your county to talk with and how can he/she be reached?

• Is there any local or regional music your area is known for?
• Who is/arethe best musician(s) in your county? What instrument/music do they do?
• Is there any local or regional art your area is known for?
• Who is/are the best artist(s)in your county? What is their medium (music, painting, sculpture, etc?)

• What is the best local (NOT A CHAIN!) restaurant in your county?
• Where is the best ice cream/milkshake in your county?
• Has there ever been a UFO sighting in your county?
• What is the biggest mystery or legend in your county?

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