Problem+Based+Lessons

Problem You are moving to another state and can go anywhere you want. With 50 states to choose from, and the move being permanent, it is important that you choose wisely. Follow the steps listed below to help you determine the best place for you to go. Use the document linked below to help you organize your research and document the journey.

[|PBL where to live.xls] Click this link to download your own copy of the 'Where to live' spreadsheet.

Step 1 : Decide what factors you should consider when choosing a place to live. Brainstorm with your peers about moving and see what criteria are most important to you. To get you started, decide the type of climate you want. Ask yourself: Do I like 4 seasons? Do I like alot of snow in the winter? Do I like warm sunny climate year round? Do I have allergies that are worse in certain parts of the country than others? Do I like lots of water around for recreation? Once you have decided on the type of climate you want, use the link below to find the general areas that best match what you are looking for.

**[|Learner.org]**
This site provides information about population distibution, climate and weather and much more. (Scroll down to find the info you are looking for at this site)

[|National Parks]
This site shows where the nation's parks are located.

Step 2:     Now that you have narrowed down your search, select from the states that have the climate, and recreation you would like. Consider the following: Unemployment rate, Cost of Living, Poverty levels, Average household incomes, Health Costs, etc. Use this web site to gather information that will help you narrow your search even more.

**[|State Health Facts.org]**
Be sure to use the drop-down menu on the left hand side of the site to select other search criteria.

[|http://www.statehealthfacts.org/comparemaptable]
Use the map on this site to see how much on average each family pays in taxes per year.

[|Kids Count Web Site]
This site provides a wealth of information about States and counties.

Step 3: Use the information you have collected to decide on 3 states you could live in happily. Prioritize the factors that are most important to you. For example, Let's say you want a warm climate year-round, but you also want to live in a state that has a very low cost of living. Which of these is most important to you, climate or cost of living? Make a list of the things that are important to you starting with the most important and going to the least important. Now record how each of the three states you are considering as your new home did in each category. This should help you make a final decision.

Step 4 : Report your findings. Create a product(s) using excel, powerpoint, word, inspiration, or any combination of these to organize the information you found, and explain why you made your choice. Be prepared to present your information and back-up your decision with facts, and where they came from.

Standards Objectives