50 States Notebook

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Ranked #48 in How-To, #489 overall

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.

American Symbols 

06.04.03 Mount Rushmore Monument by dean.franklin

Mount Rushmore

Liberty Bell by zoonabar

The Liberty Bell

Liberty 2 by badboy69

The Statue of Liberty

Lincoln Memorial by chadh

The Lincoln Memorial

Northern Bald Eagle by Andrew_N

Bald Eagle

Uncle Sam Wants What? by Joe Wilcox

Uncle Sam

What to Put in Your State Notebook 

50 States Notebook
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.
  1. 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.
  2. State Motto
  3. State History Overview -- Do you want a simple list of events? Should you include the date of statehood?
  4. State Tree, Bird, Rock, Fish, Flower, and more-- Do you want just the name or also a picture?
  5. Famous People from the State
  6. Important Places and Tourist Attractions
  7. State Flag
  8. Origin of the State's Name -- many have very interesting stories behind them. Check an almanac for the stories.
  9. State Nickname(s) and signifigance

50 States Books 

a foundation for your study

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 are some good choices to look at.

Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $8.10

The United States Cookbook: Fabulous Foods and Fascinating Facts From All 50 States

Amazon Price: $10.10 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $5.61

State-by-state Guide (United States Of America)

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $2.44

State-by-State Atlas

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $0.66

National Geographic Our Fifty States

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $4.96

Online Examples & Products 

Visit these links to see what a 50 States Notebook can look like or to buy some notebooking pages.
50 States Notebook at Academia Nut
This teenage blogger shares her 50 States notebook. She has incorporated items from collected from her travels as well.
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.
Marine Corp Nomads -- Our United States Lapbook
This family used a lapbook format for their 50 states study. Beautiful!
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.
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.

American License Plates 

I've been here, there & everywhere........ by *hb19

Cthulhu License Plate by sigsegv

Odd, Unusual and Interesting License Plates by Triborough

Array by shadowplay

Online Reference 

Your state study can be made 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 challange, you will try recipes from all 50 states.

State Flowers 

These lovely images come from Flickr's State Flowers group.

For a list of each state's official flower, see the flower page at 50 States.com.

Lilac by junebugmomma

Lilac -- NH

Southern Magnolia by ~~Lori~~

Magnolia - LA and MS

Showy Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium reginae) by kojo_46

Showy Lady's Slipper -- MN

Columbine by MicheKerr

Columbine -- CO

Poppy shadows by marymactavish

Poppy -- CA

"Dogwood," Cornus florida by Just Back

Dogwood -- NC and VA

Free Printables 

This is what you want -- the free stuff!


Greetings from WI

State Notebooking Page -- PDF
This blank template from Notebooking Nook is hosted at mediafire.
My Own State Notebooking Page Template
I custom made this notebooking page (letter size) for our own fifty states notebook. It's a two page document which you can print front and back. Or you can do as we did and print it onto two pages of sturdy cardstock. On the blank backs we attached state postcards.

This same template in A4 size is here.
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.
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.

American States Lapbook 

For more inspiration, visit these great photos of a States Lapbook and a 50 States Notebook hosted at Flickr.

Nathan's US Lapbook by Szatkowski Family

Region & States Booklets by Szatkowski Family

Presidents of the US by Szatkowski Family

Jacob's US Lapbook by Szatkowski Family

Open Lapbook by Szatkowski Family

Opened Lapbook...even more by Szatkowski Family

Federal Lands booklet by Szatkowski Family

State Page by Szatkowski Family

state notebook by jimmiehomeschoolmom

working on states notebook by jimmiehomeschoolmom

state notebook by jimmiehomeschoolmom

working on states notebook by jimmiehomeschoolmom

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.

Cardinals Upclose 5 by missahomespun

Cardinal --IL, IN, KY, NC, OH, VA, WV

Tennessee State Bird --Northern Mockingbird by Momba

Northern Mockingbird -- AR, FL, TN, MS, and TX

Blue, Blue, Blue-Bird by Momba

Blue Bird -- ID, NV, MO, and NY

Brown Thrasher by Momba

Brown Thrasher -- GA

California Quail by amkhosla

Quail -- CA

Alert by ImageInnovation Photography

Chickadee -- MA, ME

State Birds 

VA

State Birds Stickers and Seals: 50 Full-Color Pressure-Sensitive Designs

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009)Buy Now

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 

US state flags

The Little Man In the Map: With Clues To Remember All 50 States

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/03/2009)Buy Now

For lots of reviews of this product, visit Homeschool Crew. In the Mr. Linky there are dozens of reviews.

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!
powered by Youtube

Living Books 

for each state

Photobucket

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.

Stars and Stripes Forever 

Ripple by taylorkoa22

American flag by Claudecf

American Flag Redux by The Opus

The American flag atop Mt. Soledad by slworking2

American Flag by ONE/MILLION

Maps 

ND

Ready-to-Go Super Book of Outline Maps (Grades 4-8)

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009)Buy Now

See Google Books for a preview of this book.

Mail Projects 

of the 50 states

Incorporate some writing into your study by requesting printed materials or by exchanging postcards with other families. When the mail starts coming to your home, your children will be thrilled! The full color materials will add interest to your state notebook.
Travel and Tourism Sites for the 50 States and U.S. Territories
This official US government page has a link for every state's official tourism office. Visit each site and request free information! The free brochures, maps, postcards, and posters can be used in your notebook.
Postcard Kids Yahoo Group
This group is especially for homeschoolers who want to trade postcards. Many collectors here are looking for a postcard from each state. Then those postcards can be used in a state notebook. Some people ask for map cards; others ask for state capitol houses. Still others don't care; they just want something representative from your state.

Online Fun and Games 

OH

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.
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.

Scrambled States Game 

Scrambled States

Amazon Price: $12.31 (as of 07/03/2009)Buy Now
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.

Games and Puzzles 

Inject some fun with these fun activities that will teach the entire family!

The 50 Great States Game

This card game will teach your family about the states as you play.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $31.31

The 50 States Book and Magnetic Puzzle Map

Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/03/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $5.00

Hands on State Projects and Games 

salt dough map of AL
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.

Reader Feedback 

I hope that you found what you wanted for your American States unit study.
Feel free to leave a comment.




NE

KonaGirl wrote...

Jimmie, this is a fabulous lens! I love what you have done here. It is not only educational, but beautiful too. 5 stars for a job well done. I can tell that you are an excellent home school Mom!. Two of my daughters in Hawaii home school also and I believe it is the best way to go.

I lensrolled this lens to all of 6 of my Big Island of Hawaii lenses since it is part of the 50th state. I also joined your Fan Club and added you to my Faves.

Thank you for stopping by my Surviving On a Tight Budget lens. Unfortunately when you were there I had just started it and their wasn't much to see. I just added some more, but it is not done yet. Stop by again when you have the time.

ReplyPosted June 19, 2009

Lensmaster

Kari C in SC wrote

Thank you for putting all of this together. We are planning to study the states next year and I couldn't find a curriculum that really did what I wanted. This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! You are amazing!

Reply Posted June 05, 2009

Lensmaster

tristan jones wrote

thank you,

now i have a good idea on how yo do my social studies project.

Reply Posted May 16, 2009

Lensmaster

Betsy wrote

Hi Jimmie,

Thanks for adding the pics of my kids finished state notebooks. Unfortunately, the link expires on those facebook pages, I guess. Here's a link to the finished notebooks on my blog.

http://notebookingnook.blogspot.com/2009/05/completed-state-notebooks.html

Great job on all your squidoo pages, I LOVE them and refer to them frequently... such wonderful resources!!!

Thanks for all your hard work!
Betsy

Reply Posted May 14, 2009

MsSnow4a wrote...

I love this lens, I want to make a 50 states notebook for me hehehe

ReplyPosted May 12, 2009

ChineseKitesforKids wrote...

what a great idea for a lens, were all so lucky to live here in the good ol' USA. nice job

ReplyPosted April 22, 2009

Lensmaster

Kim wrote

Thank you for all of these links and resources!

Reply Posted April 16, 2009

mbrownauthor wrote...

Another fantastic teaching lens. What a cool idea!!!!!! Love it!

ReplyPosted March 13, 2009

Lensmaster

MarniR

Great stuff! We are to make state notebooks for our curriculum- A New World of Adventure, and this information works perfectly. Thanks!
~marni
www.buildingthishouse.blogspot.com

ReplyPosted February 19, 2009

Lensmaster

Lisa wrote

Thank you thank you thank you!!

Its snowing outside and I decided to waste time on the computer and start planning next years state study.

All the info you have provided in one place is invaluable!!

Thanks so much!!

Reply Posted January 28, 2009

 
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