This inquiry leads students through an investigation of regionalization by studying Kentucky. By investigating the compelling question about whether or not Kentucky is a southern state, students will need to consider how the study of Kentucky provides a unique lens for thinking about the “what” and “where” of the south. In investigating the people and cultural characteristics of Kentucky and states more ‘solidly’ recognized as southern, students develop techniques to become more geo-literate, and begin to be able to evaluate the extent to which Kentucky is southern.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Is Kentucky a southern state?
Staging Question
Use a blank political map to identify which states are considered southern. Discuss these identifications in relationship to the article “Where is the South?”
1
Supporting QuestionHow do Kentucky demographics compare to southern states?
Formative TasksCreate a Venn diagram that explains how specific population demographic data compares to southern states. Make a two-sentence claim supported by evidence that answers the extent to which Kentucky’s demographics make it a southern state.
SourcesSource A: Quick Beta Facts
US Census
2
Supporting QuestionHow does Kentucky’s economy compare to southern states?
Formative TasksAdd to the Venn diagram information on how Kentucky’s employment, occupation, industry, and household income compares to southern states. Make a two-sentence claim supported by evidence that answers the extent to which Kentucky’s economy make it a southern state.
SourcesSource A: American Community Survey US Census
3
Supporting QuestionHow do Kentucky politics compare to southern states?
Formative TasksAdd to the Venn diagram information on how Kentucky politics compare to Southern states in a local and national context. Make a two-sentence claim supported by evidence that answers the extent to which Kentucky’s politics make it a southern state.
SourcesSource A: This November, Will Kentucky Stop Voting Like It’s 1865? NPR
Source B: Up in Arms, Tufts Magazine
Source C: 270 to Win: Historical Presidential Elections
4
Supporting QuestionHow does Kentucky culture compare to southern states?
Formative TasksAdd to the Venn diagram information on how the politics of Kentucky compare to southern states in a local and national context. Make a two-sentence claim supported by evidence that answers the extent to which Kentucky’s culture makes it a southern state.
SourcesSource A: Is Kentucky a Southern State?
Courier-Journal Magazine
Source B: Where Does the South Begin? The Atlantic
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Is Kentucky a southern state? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Create an infographic that visually displays whether or not Kentucky is a southern state.
Taking Informed Action
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