Author:
Allie Ezell
Subject:
Social Science, Political Science
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Level:
Upper Primary
Grade:
4, 5
Tags:
  • Geography
  • Map Skills
  • Social Studies
  • United States
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs, Interactive, Text/HTML, Video

    50 Nifty United States

    50 Nifty United States

    Overview

    We live on the continent of North America in the country of the United States. There are 50 states in this great country and as citizens of the United States we should know what those states are. In this seminar you will learn the names and locations of all 50 states. Wow your friends and family with your geographical knowledge!  

    Standards

    7.1.4.B Describe and locate places and regions as defined by physical and human features.

    Engage

    Introductory warm-up activity

    The picture below is a new state that has just joined our country! The state is looking for a way to introduce itself to the citizens of the United States. Write an Instagram caption that this state could post along with this picture to share information about what makes it special.

    Created by Kelsey Kierce using Sketchpad

    Explore

    Read or watch the resources below to learn about the 50 states. Then, do the practice activity.

    Pick one of the following activities to learn more information on the fifty states! 

    ReadWatchDo

    Read about the different states with National Geographic Kids.

    Learn the state names and locations through this song. What states were in the green colored section?

    Use Quizlet to practice identifying the 50 states.

    What did you choose?

    Explore More

    State Names

    Explain

    Discuss your ideas / opinions / understandings.

    State 1BothState 2

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Directions:

    What differences exist between the location of states? Choose 2 states from the previous slide that you feel have several differences regarding their location in the U.S. Compare and contrast these two states. Create an AVID 3-Column Notes chart to compare the two states. Remember to write their similarities in the center column and their differences in the left and right columns. 

    Evaluate

    Now it is time to self check how much you have learned about the 50 states.  If you do not know as much as you thought, go back to the “Explore” section of this seminar and reread, rewatch, or redo the activities listed.  See your facilitator if you have questions.

    Directions: 

    Click here to take the quiz online. You do not have to log into the quiz site in order to take this quiz. If a window pops up asking you to sign up for the quiz site, just close the sign-up window and start your quiz.

    Elaborate

    This is a task or project where you can show what you know.

    Directions:

    Watch and listen to Fifty Nifty United States video. This is a song that was written to help students learn the names of the Fifty States.

    Formulate your own device that will help other learners locate and name the 50 states on a map of the U.S. You can view the rubric for this project here.

    • Write an original song

    • Create a puzzle

    • Write a story

    • Create a video

    After you create your device, practice using it. Does it help you recall the names and locations of the states?

    Express

    Complete this wrap-up activity where you reflect on your learning.  

    Write a paragraph to answer the following questions:

    • Why is it important to know the names and locations of the 50 states?

    • Do you think that everyone who lives in the United States can identify the location and name of each state? Why or why not?

    • Should each person that lives in the United States be required to name and locate all of the states? Why or why not?