Students will launch the Kentucky regions investigation by exploring maps, fossils, and artifacts, then begin using evidence and feedback to ask how geography shapes jobs, daily life, and natural resources in different parts of Kentucky.

Students will investigate Kentucky regions through maps, fossils, and artifacts; generate a focused regional question; form a testable hypothesis; and create a peer-reviewed evidence plan for collecting map and museum observations in the next phase.

Students will gather and refine evidence for a Kentucky region investigation by using class maps, museum observations, artifact notes, and source-based comparisons. They will document dated notes and labeled sketches, test whether their evidence answers their regional question, complete a midpoint quality gate, and revise their evidence plan before moving into analysis.

Students will analyze evidence from maps, fossils, artifact images, and notebook records to identify patterns, anomalies, and regional cause-and-effect relationships. They will turn their findings into clear visuals and a polished regional inquiry poster, use peer feedback to revise claims and labels, complete a short weekly region-journal reflection, and prepare for the final showcase presentation in the next phase.

Students will present their Kentucky regional inquiry posters and artifact displays to an authentic audience, answer questions with evidence from maps and museum artifacts, and complete a final written reflection in the class region journal about how geography shapes jobs, daily life, natural resources, and movement in Kentucky.