My KANSAS! is a project sponsored by KANSAS! magazine in an effort to provide an exciting, multi-faceted enrichment tool for 5th graders and up. The goal is to enlighten students about the wonderful state and community in which they live.

Not only will they uncover more about their state and surrounding community, but also the process of producing a publication and the importance of teamwork!


"This year we want to participate again with other ideas and stories about our town.  We are thinking about combining a small team of students that are 6th, 7th and 8th grade.  Will we be able to submit a single  entry with this group of students?  We would like to get the 6th graders involved, as well as keeping the 8th graders interested and acting as leaders for the 7th and 6th graders.  Please let me know if this idea is acceptable?  Our students are excited to get started.  This is a great project for our students, school and community. 
 
I would like to have a copy of the materials we will need to begin this project.  Thanks for providing such a great opportunity for our students."
 
Christine Hecke-Spring Hill Middle School

document.write('jhaugh'+'@'+'kansascommerce.com')" target=_blank>Click here to order your project materials.Please include your name, school, address, phone and email in your request. One packet per group, please. You may also pick up your pre-ordered packet at 1000 S. Jackson, Ste. 100, Topeka, Kansas.

Deadline for submissions:
In order for the winners to appear in the Fall 2011 issue entries need to be received by April 15, 2011

This project/competition an annual event. Your class will have the chance to be mentioned in the Fall editon of KANSAS! magazine. The top three entries for each grade level will be featured on the KANSAS! magazine web site, KansasMag.com with a complete pdf of their publication available for viewing.

What grade level? The project is designed for fifth graders and up. My KANSAS! is also great independent work project.

How much time will this require? The amount of time varies depending on the size of the class/team. Previous participants suggest 6-8 hours be alotted. Students may work on it a little at a time doing research one day, work on articles and drawing images (or taking photos) another day and assembly another day…meeting outside of school time if needed. Working with a deadline is part of the project. Setting smaller deadlines to benchmark progress will help keep your project on track. You may use a KANSAS! calendar to track your progress.

Contents of your My KANSAS! project kit:
• Instruction sheet
• Shell magazine for guidance
• Back issues of KANSAS! magazine to use as reference and inspire story ideas
• Kansas Visitors Guides, also for reference and to inspire story ideas.
• Plus other various materials

If you have any other questions or would like the editor to visit your school to help your class get started, call (785) 296-3479 or e-mail .