Simon Says…. (on the GTM IN)

RULES:No shoes allowed on the map. Please have students remove shoes before walking on the map. Socks Required. No writing utensils on the map.

Grade Level:K-6

Purpose: Students will explore Indiana by using the Giant Map of Indiana to participate in the game Simon Says.

Estimated Time: Preparation timeabout 10-15 minutes. Actual game time can be from 10 minutes to an entire class period.

Social Studies Standards Addressed:

4.3.1: Use latitude and longitude to identify physical and human features of Indiana.

4.3.3: Locate Indiana on a map as one of the 50 United States. Identify and describe

the location of the state capital, major cities and rivers in Indiana, and place these on a

blank map.

4.3.4:Map and describe the physical regions of Indiana and identify major natural

Resources and crop regions.

This lesson can be adapted for other K-6 grade level standards.

Objectives:

  • Students will explain the physical and human geography of the state of Indiana.
  • Students will identify major cities, state symbols, counties and other points of interest on the map.

Materials Required: *Simon Says statements

Procedures:

  1. Allow the students a chance for free exploration of the map for several minutes.
  2. Remind students no running or sliding on the map.
  3. Divide class into 4 groups or keep class as one large group.
  1. If playing the game with large numbers, be sure to mix up statements by using “Boys only” or “Students wearing blue” etc.
  1. Read a Simon Says statement and give students an example.
  2. Begin the game.
  3. Be sure to mix in statements without Simon Says.
  4. Play for your allotted time.

Assessment:

The number of students left on the map when time expires.

Simon Says Statements:

  • Simon Says…lie down in a neighboring state
  • Simon Says…put your toe in the Ohio River
  • Simon Says…stand in the Hoosier National Forest
  • Simon Says…sit on an interstate highway
  • Simon Says…stand on your right foot in Lake Michigan
  • Simon Says…put your left thumb on the Wabash River
  • Simon Says…kneel on a city
  • Simon Says…stand in/on a body of water
  • Simon Says…go to one of the state’s symbols
  • Simon Says…stand on the northern border of Indiana
  • Simon Says…stand on the west border and face west
  • Simon Says…find a national or state park and raise your hand.
  • Simon Says…stand on 40° North
  • Simon Says…put your big toe on US 40
  • Simon Says…sit on the Lincoln Highway
  • Simon Says…put your elbow on the Michigan Road
  • Simon Says…Lie down on Indiana’s eastern neighbor
  • Simon Says…point to The Wabash and Erie Canal
  • Simon Says…jump up and down inside a county
  • Simon Says…tip toe to and stand on 86° W
  • Simon Says…put a toe in a tributary of the Wabash River
  • Simon Says…sit on I-65
  • Simon Says…form a circle around the state’s capital
  • Simon Says…stand in a city north of Indianapolis
  • Simon Says…form a line across I-70
  • Simon Says…find the highest point in Indiana (eastern border; north of Richmond)
  • Simon Says…paddle down the Ohio River
  • Simon Says…put a toe at the confluence of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers
  • Simon Says…Stand in the Till Plain Region
  • Simon Says… Hop to the Southern Hills and Lowland
  • Region
  • Simon Says…Swim to the Great Lakes Region
  • Simon Says…Go to the city which is the home of Purdue
  • University (hum the fight song for bonus)
  • Simon Says…Find the first capital of the state of Indiana
  • and hold up the number 1 with your right
  • hand

Create Your Own Statements:

Simon Says…

©