Spring Semester

Time: 9:00-9:55am Grades: 3-6

Mondays: Jan.11,18,25; Feb.1,8,22; Mar.1,8,15,22; Apr.12,19,26

We will study the people, culture, historical sites, topography, boundary lines, landmarks and much more of the Fifty United States.  Each student will work on a lapbook throughout the session to be completed by the end as well as some fun crafts and a few presentations along with way.

This is a live online class that meets once a week for 13-weeks.  Each week the student will use their computer/iPad to logon using Zoom to participate in the class.  All students will be visible (if they choose) as well as the teacher.  The students will have the ability to ask questions and dialog with the teacher and other students.  It will be the student/parent’s responsibility to print all materials needed for the lapbook and procure all supplies for the projects.  All classes will be recorded, so if a student misses a class, it will be available for viewing via password protected webpage.

Special Note on Lapbooks:  A lapbook is two manila file folders stapled in the middle to form a book.  Minibooks are added on each topic we discuss in class.  Thus, by the end of the course, your student will have a book filled with minibooks charting history in this time period.  Each minibook includes some fill-in-the-blank and/or a map to color.  They will be cut, folded and glued into the manila file folder.  A video will be posted to show exactly how to cut, fold and glue each minibook into the lapbook.

Special Note on Projects: Most projects will have a video posted to show the student exactly how to complete the project.  Materials needed are posted next to the project listed.

Special Note on Poster Boards:  Student may use a large poster board or they may create a digital document.

Regarding Videos: Please keep in mind that although I usually preview all videos, there may be some that you need to view yourself to make sure you approve of the material.  Especially the longer videos, I don’t always have time to watch every minute prior to posting.  All videos are intended to engage the child in the subject being taught.  If it doesn’t work for your child, feel free to not let them watch.

  • Week 1: Fast Facts.  What are the 50 States?  What do the 50 States look like?  Why are time zones important?
    • Project: Continuous 48 State Frosting Map.  White & chocolate frosting, blue & green food coloring, chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, Ziploc bags, outline map, plastic wrap.
    • State Report: Pick one state (cannot be CA) and create a Poster Board about that state.  Share with class on Week 13.
  • Week 2: Land History.  What different land forms make up the 50 States?  How did these pieces of land come together to make one country?
    • Project: Color the “How we got here” lapbook map page.
  • Week 3: Regions. How did the states get their names?  How are the states divided into regions?
    • Poster Board: Pick one region and create a Poster Board with five facts about that region.  Share with the class on Week 4.
  • Week 4: Poster Board sharing.  50 State Bingo.
  • Week 5: New England Region.  Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont.
    • Project: Make New England ‘lighthouse.’  Red & clear plastic cups, black duct tape, tea light.
  • Week 6: Mid-Atlantic Region.  Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, new York, Pennsylvania and District of Columbia (not a state.)
    • Project: Write your own Constitution with Quill & Ink.  Liquid ink, quill (from a Goose or Turkey), paper.
  • Week 7: Midwest Region.  Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin.
    • Project: Make Mount Rushmore model.  Downloadable file, glue stick.
  • Week 8: South Region.  Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.
    • Project: Make Wright Bros. flyer model.  Download file, cardstock paper or flat Styrofoam, toothpicks, hot glue.
  • Week 9: Southwest Region. Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas.
    • Project: Alamo cookie model.  Download file, sugar cookie dough.
  • Week 10: Mountain Region. Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming.
    • Project: Make Origami Race Car.  Paper.
  • Week 11: Pacific Region. Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington.
    • Project:  Fan-fold volcano.  Download file, crayons or colored pencils, glue stick.
  • Week 12: Landmarks & Flags.  Niagara Falls, Pikes Peak, Grand Canyon, Mount St. Helens, Death Valley, Mount Rushmore, and Crater of Diamonds.
    • Work on State Report Presentations.
  • Week 13: State Report presentations.