50 States and Capitals

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Learning the 50 States and their Capitals

If you were given a blank piece of paper and a pencil right now, could you name all 50 States? What about their capitals?

Learning the 50 States and their capitals can be lots of fun.

What follows are a wide variety of games, puzzles and activities for leaning the 50 States and their capitals.

If you can think of another fun activity for learning the 50 states and their capitals that is not mentioned here, why not write your own lens and add it below. Together we can create a dynamic learning experience no matter what learning style fits best.

Put on your seatbelts and grab a map, it's time to learn the 50 states and their capitals...

Hands-On Ways to Learn the 50 States

Wooden Puzzles of the 50 States

Melissa and Doug make a wooden puzzle of the 50 States with capitals written under each piece. Manipulating the pieces is a very good way to begin to familiarize children with the states. Be sure to do the puzzle together and talk about each state as you find where it goes.

Making the stories of each of the states personal helps not only in remembering each of the states but can also reinforce family connections and pass on oral traditions within your own family.

Putting Together a Puzzle

Photo Credit: Putting Together a Map Puzzle
on Flickr, Creative Commons


We talk about how Garner Rix's Family started in Connecticut, walked up through Massacheusetts and then to Vermont to start a new home.

We talk about seeing the alligators and Purple Gallinules in the Everglades of Florida.

What stories in your family connect to each of the states?
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50 States of Mind

Visual Mneumonics for Learning the Geography of the 50 United States

U.S.A. States and Capitals
U.S.A. States and Capitals
Genovese, Catrina
Available at AllPosters.com



When trying to learn the 50 States it's important to try to use all 5 senses. This map is very visual. Have you found any ways to learn the 50 States using the sense of smell?
50 States of Mind
Click on any state picture to see and learn more.
List of U.S. state flowers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of U.S. state flowers including the state it represents, its common name, its scientific name and an image of the flower in bloom. How many of these flowers do you know? How many have you smelled?

List the 50 States

Can you list all 50 States?

If you were given a piece of paper right now could you list all 50 states without looking at a map?

My prediction

Reader predictions:

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nsixx99, at 9pm on February 4, 2012 predicts:

Yes, but I am a Political Science major, so it comes with the territory!

Michey, at 9pm on January 30, 2012 predicts:

Probably not all of them.

ankaraevdeneve, at 2am on January 9, 2012 predicts:

www.dogancay.com.tr very nice pictures , very nice lens

davespeed, at 1am on January 1, 2012 predicts:

I remember being so proud in the fifth grade when I got a 100 on a test where we had to list all 50 states and capitals. I predict that today I could list all the states but would probably miss about a third of the capitals.

autofanatic, at 2am on November 29, 2011 predicts:

50 states, no problem. All 50 capitols... I need to go back to school!!!

WaynesWorld, at 12am on November 24, 2011 predicts:

Well I tried got to 48 missed Vermont and ? I am sure I did even worse on the capitols.

Kandi, at 12pm on November 17, 2011 predicts:

probably just maybe not where they all are :)

YayasHome, at 9am on November 17, 2011 predicts:

I can list the 50 states an' regularly do. I love the United States an' learning of her history. In fact, I love learning new things 'bout the whole world. If I had 1000 hours in the day, instead of 24, I think I would still spend a lotta' my time jus' soaking up knowledge.

of_different_sorts, at 8pm on November 4, 2011 predicts:

I have a photographic memory so I feel pretty confident about being able to list all 50 states without looking at a map!

James, at 3am on October 13, 2011 predicts:

I have no use to know them, I'm English but im going to try and listen to the song, so ask me in a week! :D
@jasminesphotography, hello ;)

scarlettohairy, at 12pm on October 5, 2011 predicts:

Yes, I can.

Aleah Gibson, at 8pm on October 2, 2011 predicts:

Probably not because i havent studied them since fourth grade!!!! So NO!!

JoyfulReviewer, at 10am on October 1, 2011 predicts:

I'm pretty sure I can list all 50 states from memory.

BillBarbin, at 7pm on September 30, 2011 predicts:

Probably only about 70%

kori, at 5pm on September 15, 2011 predicts:

no

 
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The Fifty States and their Capitals

Wakko's 50 State Capitols

Wakko points to each of the capitals while singing all of the 50 States and 50 Capitals.

This song is fun to watch but is also great to play in the car. Soon everyone will be singing along and inadvertently learning the 50 States and their Capitals.

Click here for the words to the song.
powered by Youtube

Wildlife Maps can help Your Child Learn the 50 States

The 50 States are Puzzling

Built-Rite Wild Animal Map Puzzle

Animals of the United States Map

Photo Credit: Built-Rite Wild Animal Map Puzzle
on Flickr, Creative Commons


If you have a child that is interested in animals, this illustrated Wildlife Map showing animals of the 50 States was created by Ira Moss in 1956.

My children love pouring over the map, looking at the animals and finding the states that they live in.
United-States-Illustrated-Wildlife-Map.jpg - The Infomercantile
Pictorial map of wildlife and game in the US. Created 1956 by Ira Moss

What's available for learning about the 50 States?

Learning the 50 States

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This Land is Your Land

Sing about the 50 States

50 States

This Land is Your Land Words and music by Woodie Guthrie with tribute by Pete Seeger.

This song is one of the most famous folk songs of the United States. It's fun to sing along to in the car and young children love to point to the areas of the map it mentions as you sing.
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What did Delaware?

Crazy States Song

Map of Delaware
Map of Delaware
Buy at AllPosters.com



This crazy song will get you singing about a few more states in a fun way. As you sing, point to the states mentioned.

Between verses, Perry Como counts to three in Spanish, French and German.
Delaware lyrics by Perry Como
Delaware Lyrics by Perry Como

Oh, what did Della wear boy ,What did Della wear?
What did Della wear boy, What did Della wear?
She wore a bran new jersey, She wore a bran new jersey,
She wore a bran new jersey,...
Delaware State Flower and State Bird
Blue Hen Chicken and Peach Blossom of Delaware

50 States License Plate Game

USA Map II

USA Map II
Foster, Aaron
Buy at AllPosters.com



Keep clipboards with markers attached and blank maps of the US states. Kids color in the states they see on license plates.

Older kids can keep tally marks to count how many from each state.

If you keep a running count you might see how long it takes to see all 50 States. My dad did this on his way back and forth to work and eventually saw all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.
1951 license plate game: What did Dela Ware, boys, what did Dela Ware? on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
1951 license plate game
United States License Plate Simple Paper Games
Print out this United States License Plate Search game. A great game to bring along on long trips or car rides.

Crosscountry USA

Truck Driving and Logistics in the 50 States

Drive a Big Rig all around the states picking up and delivering products. As you drive from place to place you will be driving across state lines. Which of the 50 states would you have to cross if you drove from New Mexico to Kansas? What about driving from Maine to Ohio? How many times would you have to play this game before visiting all 50 states?
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Owl and Mouse Interactive US Map

Free Downloadable Map Game to learn the 50 States

United States Map
United States Map
Buy This Allposters.com



Move each state puzzle piece to it's place on the US map. Match state names to states on the map. Match capitals to states.

Fun, fast paced and competitive if you like or turn off the timer for a more thoughtful game. My kids loved this game and it really helped the whole family learn the 50 States.
Interactive Map of the United States
On-line interactive map of United States borders, countries, capitals and surroundings.

Games to learn USA Geography

Interactive USA Geography Games

USA Map Puzzles

Photo Credit: Built-Rite Map Puzzles of the USA Box
on Flickr, Creative Commons.

USA Geography - Map Game - Geography Online Games
US geography games galore - over 38 fun online map games teach capitals, state locations, and more. Also info on the United States culture, history, and much more
Can you name the U.S. States? - sporcle
U.S. States Quiz

Type in each of the states and watch their names float over to the appropriate state. Try to beat your best time.

State Quarters

Map of the 50 State Quarters

State Quarters

The quarters of the 50 states are another way that children can get interested in learning the names and capitals. Whenever I get change back I allow my children to look through it for quarters that we are still missing. Each time we find a new one the children eagerly add it to the map and then we spend some time learning a little more about that state's history, traditions and geography.

Thank you Lizzy for reminding me.
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Lenses that Feature the 50 State Quarters

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State Birds

Do you know the State Birds?

State Birds
White Mountain Puzzles State Birds and Flowers
Available on Amazon


Robins are the state bird of Wisconsin. What is the state bird in your state? If you don't see a lens about it here, why not write one and submit it? The best State Bird lenses will be featured here:
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The 50 State with their Capitals

Naming the The 50 State with their Capitals

Alabama - Montgomery
Alaska - Juneau
Arizona - Phoenix
Arkansas - Little Rock
California - Sacramento
Colorado - Denver
Connecticut - Hartford
Delaware - Dover
Florida - Tallahassee
Georgia - Atlanta
Hawaii - Honolulu
Idaho - Boise
Illinois - Springfield
Indiana - Indianapolis
Iowa - Des Moines
Kansas - Topeka
Kentucky - Frankfort
Louisiana - Baton Rouge
Maine - Augusta
Maryland - Annapolis
Massachusetts - Boston
Michigan - Lansing
Minnesota - St. Paul
Mississippi - Jackson
Missouri - Jefferson City
Montana - Helena
Nebraska - Lincoln
Nevada - Carson City
New Hampshire - Concord
New Jersey - Trenton
New Mexico - Santa Fe
New York - Albany
North Carolina - Raleigh
North Dakota - Bismarck
Ohio - Columbus
Oklahoma - Oklahoma City
Oregon - Salem
Pennsylvania - Harrisburg
Rhode Island - Providence
South Carolina - Columbia
South Dakota - Pierre
Tennessee - Nashville
Texas - Austin
Utah - Salt Lake City
Vermont - Montpelier
Virginia - Richmond
Washington - Olympia
West Virginia - Charleston
Wisconsin - Madison
Wyoming - Cheyenne

Recipes from all 50 States

Use your sense of smell and taste to remember the 50 States

Food Map of the United States

Food Map of the United States
Buy at AllPosters.com



From Alabama Chocolate Pecan Pie to Wyoming Sheepherder Chili, Marlen has found a recipe to connect to each of the 50 States.
State Recipes
Compiled by Marlen

A poster looking to improve her child's geography grade asked for a recipe from each of the 50 States. Marlen decided to take on the project, with the self-appointed criteria that each recipe had to have the name of the State in the title and that, whenever possible, the recipe reflect a typical ingredient or dish from the State (i.e., Wisconsin Cheese Soup).

Many teachers are using it in their classrooms to teach Home Economics as well as Geography. Others are printing the recipes and giving them out as gifts.

Cooking Up the 50 States

50 States Cookbooks

Stir and mix, smell and taste the flavors of the 50 states.
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The Scrambled States of America

50 States Puzzle

Read the story about how the states all decide to trade places and then play games that are related to the book as a fun way to learn all about the 50 States.

This game is recommended by Squidoo's own Jimmie who loves to use games for educational fun.
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50 States Math Problem

The Famous Map Coloring Problem with a 50 States Twist!

50 States Coloring Problem

Here is a map of the 50 States. Can you color each of the states withing having any colors touching? Mathematicians have for years tried to see if it is possible to color with just four colors. Sometimes it is possible to color with just three colors. This map has been started for you.

Extend the activity:
Try to list the names and capitals of each of the states according to their colors.

50 States Worksheets

US Geography

Geography Centers: Know Your States (Grades 3-4)



These are activities that children can use independently to practice their budding geographical knowledge. Use the 50 States Alphabetical Order worksheet to list capitals and other facts about each of the states.
50 States Worksheets
Tons of worksheets for teaching students about the 50 states. Maps, Mystery State Activities, USA Capitals, and More.
List of 50 United States in Alphabetical Order - Worksheet
List of States.

Divide 50 States into Regions

Math Manipulatives

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Featured New England Lenses

Royalton Bed and Breakfast

Driving in Vermont

Photo Credit: Vermont Dirt Road
on Flickr, Creative Commons.

Drive the scenic roads of Vermont North and South on Route 100. Then travel east and west over Lincoln Gap and come back over Appalachian Gap. Take the dirt roads where the trees still grow over the road forming a green canopy. And when you are done come back to Evelyn's Royalton B&B for the night.
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Vermont Capital Quiz

Featured 50 States lens from the Southern States

The lenses I feature here are ones that I believe will help your child the most about South Carolina when studying the 50 States. After learning about the state symbols of South Carolina, check out the other lenses below to learn more about the southern states.
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Featured Lenses from the Midwest

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Featuring Alaska and Hawaii

The Newest of the 50 States

Alaska and Hawaii are the newest of our 50 states. These are the two states that are not directly connected to the lower 48. You will find Alaska way up north next to Canada and Siberia. Hawaii is way off in the Pacific Ocean, not far from the end of the Aleutian Islands that stretch out from Alaska. Come learn more about these final two of the 50 States.
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Washington, DC

Capital of the 50 States

United State Statistics

Check out the census. What can you learn from all those numbers? Have you compared populations of the various states before and after Katrina? What about before and after the Civil War or the Great Depression?

Compare populations living near major rivers and lakes with areas far from water. What do these numbers mean? How do these natural features determine populations in various states? Are the capitals of each of the 50 states situated on major waterways?
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My State Lenses

Learn unique facts and impressions of the states of Vermont, Florida and Louisiana. Vermont is one of the 6 New England States. Florida sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean on the south eastern corner of the 50 States. Louisiana is at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Have you written about your favorite states?
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Vote for Your Favorite State!

50 States Poll

Which is your favorite of the 50 States? Is it the state that you grew up in? Is it a state that you have visited or moved to? Is it a state that you would like to move to? Vote for your favorite state in the 50 States Poll:

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The 50 States are in the Stone Stoup Homeschooling Online Unit Study Directory

Stone Soup Internet Directory of Unit Studies
Thank you to the Four Wheelers for having included the The 50 States in their directory. This directory has now been passed on to Stone Soup Homeschooling.
Unit Studies: Stone Soup Homeschool Network - Stone Soup Homeschool Network
A free Unit Study Database, featuring unit studies on nearly every subject!

How did you learn the 50 States and their Capitals?

If you were to do it over again or if you are teaching a child, what method would you use?

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About the Author of this Lens


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Evelyn's Hands-On Learning Blog.

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50 States in the Kingdom

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