Lesson Ideas for United States Capitals and Symbols
United States Capitals and Symbols: These activities will help you learn how the United States came to be united. Study the state capitals and symbols with fun online games and free printables. Each of our free online homeschooling lessons includes language arts, social studies, science, and art components. Whenever possible, we also include math and PE. Scroll down for online games and activities. Enjoy!
Elementary and Middle School Social Studies: Grades 3-8
Teacher Resources:
Free Common Core Lesson Ideas for grades 3 - 12 from Brainpop.com
Student Lesson:
Do this: While you are studying the state capitals, make an index card for each state. On the front write the state’s name in the CENTER of the card in big, bold letters.
On the back, write the name of the state’s capital. As you learn facts about each state, draw pictures on the card to represent them. For example, for Indiana decorate your card with the Cardinal (state bird) and Corn (state resource).
Watch this video about how it all began:
Schoolhouse Rock The United States Preamble to the Constitution
Geography
Cartoon: Sing the 50 state capitals with Wakko of Animaniacs.
Click United States Facts for a map of capitals, info on state birds, flowers, and more. Free Printable Blank Map of Indiana Downloadable Blank Maps of all 50 states.
Now, you're ready to practice what you've learned with this cool Capital Catch Game from kidsgeo.com. Match Capitals with States Online Game.
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| State capital matching game and quiz from kidsgeo.com. Click the link above to play game. |
History
When did Indiana become a State? ______________________
(Write out the question, and answer it in your daily journal.)
Find out here: Statehood Dates.
Fun Videos that teach how we became the United States of America:
Schoolhouse Rock: The Shot Heard Round the World
Why do we have fireworks on the Fourth of July?
Answer this in your daily journal.
Schoolhouse Rocks: Fireworks
Read How did the American Revolution happen? If you subscribe to Brainpop, watch the video here.
Grab a piece of paper (or use a Google Doc) and tell how the American revolution happened? Why did it happen?
Start with this Printable Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer
Because of all of that, America became a melting pot.
How are you doing? Test your knowledge with a State Capitals Quiz.
Art Component
Let’s get messy! Make your own 3D map of the United States activity. You will need tempera paint, flour, salt, water, and some cardboard. Remember: Baking and Making is science too!
See how to do it at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
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| How to make a 3D United States map with salt dough. Visit Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers. |
Language Arts Component
Grammar Monster explains the difference between capital and capitol. Be sure to scroll past the quick answer to learn more about capital vs. capitol.
Science Component
What is the state bird for __________________? (fill in your state and bird). Optional: Research why your state bird was chosen.
Become a bird watcher in your state and Research Birds of the United States. Follow the link to learn about typical and rare birds found in each state. Find out how you can help report rare bird sightings.
Print this: Printable Worksheets for State Birds from Education.com
Did you know the state bird for Delaware is a Rooster, okay a chicken but still… :)
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| State Bird Coloring Sheets for Children from Education.com |
Early Elementary Component Pre-K - 3, but suitable for older kids too!
Free Online Quiz and Video on U.S. symbols from Brainpopjr.com
Free online matching game: Match the United States symbols.
Name 3 United States symbols. On a separate sheet of paper, draw the symbols with crayons or markers.
1.___________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________
Social Studies Just for Fun Online Games
Play this fun game from Funbrain.com: Where is that?
From Cool-Mathgames.com: State Snap match the states shape game.
Fun Activity: Collect United States State Quarters. Each quarter has special information about the state it represents.
The U.S. Mint has lots of online games and videos. We've got an online lesson on how to make money - okay, it is really about how they make money at the mint, but how to make money sounds more exciting!
Recommended Reading:
United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds Their Stories, Their Glories
Learn about Presidents of the United States
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols
The Story of America's Birthday
Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle
A Picnic in October
- A story about the Statue of Liberty.
