The first and second graders are learning about the United States. This includes such topics as state names, their locations, and information about each particular state. As a final project, each student is given a state to research. Then, he or she creates a “parade float” displaying various facts about it. The “float” is made out of a shoebox and other materials that can be found at home. Below are sites which provide practice in naming and locating the states, as well as, information about the various states.
Websites with Printables
Websites with Printables
Outline Maps: Print maps of the United States, regions, or individual states. For the regions and entire U.S., there is a choice of maps with labels or no labels on them.
Websites to Practice Identification
USA Map Puzzle: Place the states on a map with(easy) or without(hard) gridlines. State names are provided.
GeoSpy: Choose the assignment for "States and Provinces" and click on the United States. You have 180 seconds to click on the named states.
Map-Game: As each states falls down on the right side of the screen, place it on the map (which has the outlines of the states). You are timed, but you have as much time as you need.
Place the State
Geography Game: The United States: Given the name, identify the correct state on the map. If the answer is incorrect, a different state name will be asked. The provided map is a little cartoonish.
United States Hangman: Use the given clue and the provided blanks to figure out the answer. For example, a clue might be "The Bay State." This is also a great way to practice spelling the state names.
Websites for Research
Online Encyclopedia: See if your school or local library has a subscription to an online encyclopedia. This will most likely require a username and password. For example, my school has a subscription to World Book Online, which is available at three different reading levels.
Quick Facts - Learn About Your State: Click on the desired state to learn basic information such as the state’s motto, bird, flower, land area, largest cities, and date of statehood.
The Fifty States: Choose a state by clicking on it or by using the drop down menu. Information is provided that includes state symbols, famous people, the largest cities, history, economics, and geography. There are also links to pages that compare the states in regard to such items as average personal income, temperatures, and so forth.
State Facts for Students: This site from the United States Census Bureau provides population info that is further broken down by ages (8-12 year olds) and gender, the number of certain types of businesses, and other basic state information (i.e. state bird, date of statehood). This data could easily be utilized in math lesson on such topics as comparing numbers, graphing, trends, and probability.
50 Facts About Each U.S. State: Click on the desired state to find 50 facts about it.
iPad/iOS
USMapTouch: Tap on the named state. States names are conveyed in words and orally. Rounds are short, such as only ten questions. iPad only. (Free)
GeoMaster – US States: The free version appears to be just enough to practice locating the states. The state and it’s capital is flashed on the screen, and you need to tap on the correct state. Incorrect answers will be asked again until they are correct. It goes through all fifty states in a round, which can be a little lengthy. Note that after finishing a round, high scores from players around the world are listed to which the appropriateness of all the names is not known. (Free Version)
Stack the States: For each random question, pick the correct state from the four listed. Questions are about state capitals, abbreviations, locations, nicknames, and other various facts about the states. After picking a correct answer, you have the opportunity to literally stack the state’s shape on top of the other states that were correct answers. The free version might be all you need of this app. ($2.99)
Flashcards – United States: Pick the number of questions (2-50), the given amount of time to answer each question (2-60 seconds), and the type of question asked (capital city, abbreviation, shape, famous places, bird, or flag). ($.99)
