The Nifty-FiftyThe Nifty-Fifty

A PowerPoint on the 50 states of the U.S. and their capitals and location.

By: Gloria McClure

Introduction• This unit plan is based on the fifty

states of the United States, their capitals, and their location.

Analyze Learners• This unit is focused on ten to eleven

year olds who are in the fifth grade. • The students will be placed in a regular

classroom setting.• The students have previously learned

correct grammar, writing styles, and how to use the Internet and construct one-page essays.

State Objectives• SS.5.4.1 read, interpret, and draw conclusions

from United States maps (e.g., special purpose maps, graphs, charts, tables, timelines.)

• SS.5.4.3 use a map to locate a country by hemisphere and its proximity to the equator.

• SS.5.4.7 identify and locate each of the fifty United States within their regions.

• RLA.5.2.2 use the writing process to develop a composition that contains specific, relevant details.

State Objectives• RLA.5.2.4 use strategies to write for a specific

purpose (e.g., creative; narrative; informative; persuasive).

• RLA.5.2.7 use a variety of sentence types (e.g., simple; compound; declarative; exclamatory; imperative; interrogative) avoiding run-on sentences and sentence fragments.

• GM.5.4.3 sing spirituals, gospel songs, and work songs and recognize their roles in American history.

Selecting Media and Materials

Sites Used:• http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es

• http://www.proteacher.net/archive/posts/2001/08/23/19718.html

• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/flags/

• http://www.proteacher.net/archive/posts/2002/03/04/29744.html

Selecting Media and Materials

Materials Used:• Worksheets• Pencils• Computers with Internet access, printers,

and computer paper to print reports onto.• Writing Paper• Crayons

Utilize Media and Materials

• The goal of this unit plan is for the students to learn about the states and capitals, while having fun, gaining group work skills, and a better knowledge of the Internet.

• This unit covers nine days and an outlizne of each is included.

Day One:• Unit plan topic will be introduced and

students will be informed of what they will learn.

• Students will learn of various, exciting plans and activities.

• Lesson on the 50 states and capitals will be presented, students will complete worksheets, and students will take part in group work.

Day Two:• Students will learn a song in music

class to help them remember the fifty states.

• The students will sing the song through several times with me and will then sing it without my assistance as a group.

Day Three:• This will be a computer lab day. • The students will be provided with

the website address and will be permitted to explore the United States virtually with guidance from me.

Day Four:• The students will write a letter to a

person they know, convincing them as to why they should visit a certain state.

• This enhances and encourages creativity, grammar, and content.

• This lesson also improves English composition skills.

Day Five:• This is another day which uses the

computer lab. • Students separate into groups.• Students will write a one page

essay on a state that has been assigned to them.

Day Six:• Students separate into groups once again.• Students will then review the essay they

wrote and make any needed corrections. • After a certain amount of time, students

make their presentations. • The grade they receive will be based on

presentation, content, and grammar.

Day Seven:• Students will take part in an

activity called “States and Capitals Bingo.”

• This gives them a break from lectures, essays, and other assignments.

Day Eight:• Students will take part in a lecture

today. • The lecture will cover each of West

Virginia’s surrounding states. • Items such as how the flag was

chosen and what the flag symbolizes will be discussed.

Day Nine:• Material from the previous day will

be reviewed and an opportunity to ask questions will be provided.

• Any questions will be answered and students will complete worksheets on West Virginia’s surrounding states.

Require Learner Participation:

• This unit plan is diverse, as it has many activities that give students a change from the normal lectures, in class assignments, and homework.

• This unit: lets students break out, work together in groups, teaches them valuable experiences, and interact with one another and me.

Evaluate and Revise:• Achievement will be evaluated

through maps, worksheets, essays, group work, participation, and one-on-one evaluation.

• Students will exhibit knowledge through completing assignments such as maps, flags, and essays.