50 States Notebook
Ranked #19 in Education, #466 overall
Explore America with a Notebook Project
The Fifty States of America is a popular notebooking topic. It can be the basis of a unit study, or it can be a supplement to your American history curriculum. When you're finished, you have a wonderful, homemade reference book, filled with facts and memorabilia about the states of America. Here you will find free printables, books, ideas for what to put in the notebook, and supplementary activities.
Symbols of America
What to Put on Your State Notebooking Page
Your notebook will be at least 50 pages -- one for each state. But what exactly will you put on that page? Look at the list below for ideas.
You may want to have two, three, or even more pages per state after you see all the great, free resources on the Internet.
For more ideas on planning your 50 states study, see this State Unit page.
If you're planning for an independent learner (middle or high school), Accelerated Christian Education's PDF state study may be the perfect guide for him to create a state notebook on his own.
-
State Map -- Consider if you want a simple outline map, a physical map detailing the geography of the state, or a political map labeling the major cities.
-
State Motto
-
State History Overview -- Do you want a simple list of events? Should you include the date of statehood?
-
State Tree, Bird, Rock, Fish, Flower, and more-- Do you want just the name or also a picture?
-
Important Places and Tourist Attractions
-
Origin of the State's Name -- many have very interesting stories behind them. Check an almanac for the stories.
-
State Nickname(s) and significance
State-by-state Guide
United States Of America
Most of us teachers and homeschoolers are book lovers. It's hard to plan a unit study without at least a couple of reference books as a basis. Here is a good choice to consider.
Need it now? CurrClick offers immediate download of ebooks including unit studies to lapbooks to notebooking pages.
The United States of America: A State-by-State Guide
Amazon Price: $4.30 (as of 02/13/2012)
The 50 states are arrange alphabetically. Each state features a large labeled map as the visual center for each page, around which are arrayed fact snippets that range from state birds, trees, population, landforms, famous citizens, and endangered species.
Online Examples & Products
For a 50 States Notebook
Visit these links to see what a 50 States Notebook can look like or to buy some notebooking pages.
- RETAIL --50 States Notebooking Pages Set
- This retail set is beautiful. Visit this page for samples and you'll see for yourself! Although it's priced at a bit under $20, you may find the price well worth the effort of creating your own or hunting resources online.
- EXAMPLE --Marine Corp Nomads -- Our United States Lapbook
- This family used a lapbook format for their 50 states study. Beautiful!
- EXAMPLE --Learning by Living Blog
- This homeschooling family has put a twist on the 50 States Notebook -- it's a combination lapbook/notebook. To see an example of a specific state's section, see their TN lapbook.
- EXAMPLE & RETAIL -- Notebooking Nook's State Pages
- Here is a set of photos that show off Notebooking Nook's State sets. These are sold at CurrClick by individual states and in a complete 50 states set.
- RETAIL -- Journey Through Learning Notebooking Across America
- This set of pages includes landscape orientation pages with color graphics. The simpler format may be more suitable for younger learners.
American License Plates
For more license plates, state by state, visit Green Earth Office Supply. While you're on a trip, mark the license plates you find with this free printable map.
Online Reference
For the Fifty American States
Your state study can be done completely with online resources! Try these sites for a wealth of information.
- 50 States.com
- From the main menu list of the states, you can reach a massive list of other links particular to each state. There is enough information here to create multiple notebooking pages on each state.
- Our 50 Great States Email Newsletter
- Our 50 Great States is an email course. Sign up for the program and learn about all 50 states in the order they were admitted to the Union. At the end of 25 weeks (2 states per week), you'll have a United States Notebook filled with information about each state; and, if you're up for the challenge, you will try recipes from all 50 states.
State Flowers
For a list of each state's official flower, see the flower page at 50 States.com. For a coloring page with each state flower, see State Flower Coloring Page.
Free State Notebooking Templates
Choose a layout for your state notebook. There are many free options. Or get inspiration from these and create a customized layout on your own.- My Own State Notebooking Page Template
- Pictured to the right, this is the two page template I designed for my daughter. It is hosted at my page at Homeschool Launch
- State Notebooking Page
- This blank template from Notebooking Nook is hosted at Mediafire. Another option is to download it from HSLaunch.
- State Study Notebooking Page
- A freebie hosted at Scribd.
- State Notebooking Pages
- Another layout for state notebooking pages, offered free by a homeschool mom.
- Megan's 50 States Notebooking Pages
- Look for her PDF titled General U.S. 50 States notebooking pages (2). It's a very nicely done two page spread!
- The United States of America Travel Guide
- One page for each state, complete with the name of the state, and a nice layout for notetaking.
- US States Study Sheets
- A very attractive layout with lots of areas for details about each state.
- Two Page State Layout
- This two page layout provides room for a motto, the flag, capitol, abbreviation, nickname, quarter, seal, bird, flower, and interesting facts. Highlight the state on the US map at the bottom of the first page.
More Free Printables
This is what you want -- the free stuff!
- Crayola's State Pages
- These coloring pages are very well designed. Each one has the state flag, the name of the state, the state bird, and one other distinguishing symbol.
Crayola also offers a flashcard template with each state's outline and some facts. - State Reports
- This site gives most of the state information in the form of attractive printables. Each one is offered in PDF format or HTML format. I especially like the state stamp images which come from the USPS Greetings from America postcard and stamp series.
- 50 State Quarters Program
- The US Mint offers these free educational lessons, including reproducibles! What a great addition to a state notebook!
If you want one download that has images of all 50 coins, use this PDF link. - Notebooking Pages Freebies
- Free outline maps for each state, a list of states and abbreviations, and an entire set of US Geography pages which go along with the popular audio recording Geography Songs.
- List of 50 States in Chronological Order
- Here is a chart with the 50 States in order of when they entered the Union. The date is included. We used this as the title page of our 50 States Notebook.
- Homeschool Share US Geography Resources
- Homeschool Share is a fabulous site for notebookers or lapbookers! This page has printable templates for State Symbols Tab Books, and Where is....? Shutterfold Books. You can also find State Flower and Bird Coloring Pages.
- School Express
- Although this site is not very attractive with its overabundance of ads, there may be something worth printing here. Each state has a cover sheet (outline map), fact sheets, a wordsearch puzzle, a comprehension question worksheet, etc.
- State Flags
- Click on the LARGE link to the right of each state. That will result in a simple, black and white outline of the state flag.
- Friends Across America
- A coloring page for each state's bird and flower as well as other American symbols and places.
- Worksheet Works
- This worksheet generator site is in its beta stage. I suspect that later this will be a for cost site. But it's free right now! Look for states and capitals pages, state maps, and regions of USA.
- State Stickers
- Print these full color pages onto adhesive paper for DIY stickers! These are very attractive circular stickers with the outline of the state and its year of statehood.
- Fact File -- Patriotic Symbols
- This attractive PDF has simple line drawings and easy to read explanations for several American symbols -- Uncle Sam, the Great Seal, and more. This would make a great notebooking page for your 50 States Notebook.
- State Automobile License Plates
- This website features color images of each state's standard license plate. These would make an interesting addition to a state notebook page!
- Homeschool Helper's Free State Lapbook Templates
- These free printable minibooks can be used to make a state lapbook. Or add some of the minibook options to your notebook by affixing them to the notebook pages. Want to see a preview of these minibooks? Visit this Picasa Web Album.
Homeschool Helper also has a 50 States Unit Study with worksheets for each state. - The 50 States - Elementary Worksheets
- Outline map graphics plus handwriting practice.
- State Lessons, Facts, and Photo Tours
- Right now not all 50 states are covered. But the website says more will be added. However, scroll to the bottom of the page for some free printables:
* List of US States and Capitals
* State Nicknames - Flash Cards
* State Flowers - Flash Cards
* State Dates Admitted to Union - Flash Cards
* US State Capitals - Flash Cards with Maps
* State Map Worksheet
* Blank Map of the USA - Homeschool Views The Fifty Nifty United States
- Use these great printables to help teach your homeschoolers about the important role that every one of the fifty states plays in order to make up our great country. Each state has a map page, a flag page to color, and a fact worksheet.
- State by State American Flag Lapbook
- Make a stars and stripes lapbook with these minibook templates. A freebie from Trying to Walk Wisely.
- State Flag Coloring Pages
- Links to printable coloring pages for every state flag of America.
- State Flower Coloring Pages
- Free printable pages featuring the state flower of each of the 50 states of America.
American States Notebook
During my daughter's third through fifth grades, she studied American history with Winter Promise curriculum. During that time, as each state entered the Union, she made a notebooking page. Here are some photo examples of that notebook that ended up being about four inches thick!
You can see all the photos of this notebook over at Flickr where I have a 50 States Notebook photo set.
The front of the Florida page.
The Ohio page, front and back.
Additional Ohio pages with postcards.
Smart About the Fifty States
Smart About the Fifty States (Smart About History)
Amazon Price: $3.74 (as of 02/13/2012)
The kids in Ms. Brandt's class create a special report on the United States of America, with each child doing research on ten states. There's a double-spread map of the whole U.S. and a page for every state jam-packed with trivia, interesting facts, handwritten captions, and jokes. At the end of the book is a map showing how the United States grew over time, a spread on the presidents and what states they hailed from, as well as a "bibliography" of books the kids used in their research. Written by a team of well-known author/artists, this 64-page Smart About History book is a great guide for kids.
State Birds
These images come from the State Birds group at Flickr.
For a list of each state's official representative bird, see the bird page at 50 States.com.
State Birds
State Birds Stickers and Seals: 50 Full-Color Pressure-Sensitive Designs
Amazon Price: $18.98 (as of 02/13/2012)
I own this very lovely book. The stickers are attractive and realistic drawings. There is one for every state, even multiple versions of the cardinal, a very popular state bird.
Learning the 50 States with the Little Man in the Map
The Little Man In the Map: With Clues To Remember All 50 States
Amazon Price: $13.20 (as of 02/13/2012)
For lots of reviews of this product, visit Homeschool Crew. In the Mr. Linky there are dozens of reviews. The publisher has some free coloring pages to go along with this book as well. Visit Schoolside Press.
The Little Man in the Map
This video will show you the concept behind the book. It looks totally clever and will work wonderfully for your visual learners!
Living Books
for each state
- 50 States Book List
- This is a great list of living books to go with each state. According to the website, "books were selected based on story setting or author's home (past or present)."
- State by State Booklist
- Another book list, this one offered by the National Education Association.
Projects and Online Games
- Projects for the 50 States
- Ideas for projects to learn about America -- hands-on, mail projects, and traveling projects.
- Ben's Guide
- Benjamin Franklin is a cartoon guide on this interactive games page. Play Place the State, a map game or color some American symbols.
- Sheppard Software
- Enjoy these online geography games while you review the placement of the 50 states.
- Explore the States
- More information than games, but this would be a great site for an upper elementary child to do some online research about each state.
- 50 States Puzzle
- From Jigga-Jigga.com. Drag states where they belong with your mouse.
- (RETAIL) USA Coloring Map
This 40" x 28" map kit includes an activity book and markers. Color the map and learn facts about each state.- States & Capitals Mnemonics
- Click on a state and see a drawing and explanation of a silly mnemonic for remembering the capital city of that state.
- United States History Map
- Tying map skills with American history, this very well done interactive designed for grades 5-8 also has a quiz for identifying the 50 states.
Scrambled States Game
Scrambled States
Amazon Price: $9.97 (as of 02/13/2012)
Used Price:
This game is great! It's the perfect combination of fun and learning. My daughter and I have learned so much from this game -- geography, state nicknames, and capitals.
Hands on State Projects and Games
- Salt Dough Maps
- Choose a state or two and make a salt dough map. Creating the landforms with his own hands really helps to cement the geography into your child's mind. We made one of Alabama. This link will show you how we did it.
- States and Capitals Memory Card Game
- This is a free printable matching game to help you learn the states' capitals.
- Spectatular State Studies
- This Scholastic article has some great ideas for hands-on projects that would fit any state! There is even a free printable to go along with one of the ideas.
Little Passports
Monthly Subscription for Children
Little Passports is a fun supplement to your geography studies. Each month, your child receives a packet in the mail, featuring a particular country. This subscription service is available in 3, 6 and 12 month packages.
The monthly packet includes a letter from Sam and Sophia, stickers, souvenirs, and activity pages. Plus there is a special code that can be used for more learning online.
Featured countries include: Brazil, Japan, France, Egypt, Australia, Mexico, South Africa, India, England, China, Argentina, Russia, Israel, Thailand, Ireland, Kenya, Spain, Antarctica, Canada, Italy, Iceland, Poland, and Turkey.
Reader Feedback
I hope that you found what you wanted for your American States unit study.
Feel free to leave a comment.
-
Reply
-
jimmyworldstar
Feb 4, 2012 @ 6:09 pm | delete
- This is a great idea for anyone who wants to memorize facts and knowledge about each state.
-
-
Reply
-
HOPEHomeSchoolConsulting
Feb 3, 2012 @ 6:38 am | delete
- Thanks for all the information! Great stuff.
-
-
Reply
-
kerryhrabstock
Dec 6, 2011 @ 7:38 pm | delete
- Love this lens. The state stuff I learned about as a child stuck with me.
-
-
Reply
-
RobinDM
Nov 24, 2011 @ 1:48 pm | delete
- Excellent lens! Thanks for the great information!
-
-
Reply
-
jenniferteacher
Nov 2, 2011 @ 2:32 am | delete
- I just ordered the super-duper giant bundle from Currcllick. Thanks for this-- my students hate social studies, so I'm trying to spruce it up in an educational way. State notebooks would be perfect!
-
- Load More
by Jimmie
Hello! I am a homeschooling, stay at home mom who loves to teach, cook from scratch, write (and blog), sew, listen to great sermons, and travel.
You...
more »
- 153 featured lenses
- Winner of 19 trophies!
- Top lens » Homemade Calzone
- This lens »
Won purple star
Explore related pages
- Notebooking Exhibit Notebooking Exhibit
- Lapbooking Versus Notebooking Lapbooking Versus Notebooking
- Winter Promise American Story 1 Extras Winter Promise American Story 1 Extras
- State Flag Coloring Pages for the United States of America State Flag Coloring Pages for the United States of America
- Winter Promise American Story 2 Links Winter Promise American Story 2 Links
- State Flower Coloring Pages for the United States of America State Flower Coloring Pages for the United States of America
Nifty Plates from the Fifty States
Nifty Plates from the Fifty States: Take a Ride Across Our Great Nation*Learn About the States from Their License Plates!
Amazon Price: $10.18 (as of 02/13/2012)
Take a Ride Across Our Great Nation & Learn About the States from Their License Plates!
Want to Make Your Own Template?
10 Days in USA
10 Days In The Usa Game
Amazon Price: $15.39 (as of 02/13/2012)
A really fun way to learn the geography of the 50 States.
