Title of Unit: 3rd Grade Geography

Title of Lesson: Learning the names of the state capitals

Submitted By: Jamie Holst

A. Summary of the Lesson Plan:

This lesson requires time in the computer lab. Students will continue learning about
states and capitals by completing a state report for one state.
B. Target Population:
Grade Level: 3
Skill Level: on level
Grouping: Whole group for procedure steps 1-5. Individual practice completing the
state report worksheet for step 6.
C. Materials:
State report worksheet (1 per student and 1 for teacher)
Elmo
Pens, pencils
Crayons, colored pencils, markers
Computers
Computer lab
MP3 file Wakkos 50 State Capitals Song
Popsicle sticks (a student name written on each)
Paper with suggest websites for the students to use in the computer lab
D. Objectives:
o NV State Social Studies Standards

G5.3.2 Differentiate between a city and a state using appropriate

examples.

Student-Friendly Standards

G5.3.2 I can create a graphic organizer with information on a state and

its capital.

E. Procedure:
1. To review capitals from the previous day, students will take out their lyrics paper and
sing the 50 State Capitals Song.
2. Explain that each state and its capital are unique.
3. Using the Elmo and a blank state report, demonstrate the steps the students will be
completing. Use Nevada as an example. Students will be using internet resources to
find the answers. Tell students to be creative and to be specific when writing their
answers.
4. While in computer lab, students should research information for their state report based
on the websites on the handout provided. Students should write down the facts found
Nevada State College

EDEL 453 - Spring 2013

Karen Powell- Instructor

page 1

Title of Unit: 3rd Grade Geography

Title of Lesson: Learning the names of the state capitals
Submitted By: Jamie Holst

for each part of the state report. Instruct students that all parts of the state report need
to be completed.
5. Call students randomly using popsicle sticks and ask which state he/she would like to
research. Make a list. Students cannot choose Nevada since it was used as an
example.
6. Students will work on the state report individually in the computer lab. Instruct students
to use the websites provided on the handout to complete their report.
7. CLOSURE: Students will tell their shoulder 1 interesting fact they learned about their state
while working on the report.
F. Assessment:
What will you use to measure student understanding?
1.
The state report will be used as the assessment in this lesson.
Explain how you will know students understand the concepts from the lesson.
1.

The state report will show if the student understands the difference between a
state and capital. It will also show if the student has knowledge of how to use a
map to locate and color in the correct state. This is important because the
future lessons will focus on individual state information.

them.

Nevada State College

EDEL 453 - Spring 2013

Karen Powell- Instructor

page 2

Title of Unit: 3rd Grade Geography

Title of Lesson: Learning the names of the state capitals
Submitted By: Jamie Holst

State Report
Name of My State
(Use big and colorful letters.)

Capital: _______________________________

Describe the climate of this state.

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
List the bordering states.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
What is the population? _________________________________

Nevada State College

EDEL 453 - Spring 2013

Karen Powell- Instructor

page 3

Title of Unit: 3rd Grade Geography

Title of Lesson: Learning the names of the state capitals
Submitted By: Jamie Holst

Write five fascinating facts about this state.

1. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Nevada State College

EDEL 453 - Spring 2013

Karen Powell- Instructor

page 4

Title of Unit: 3rd Grade Geography

Title of Lesson: Learning the names of the state capitals
Submitted By: Jamie Holst

Color your state on the USA map.

Nevada State College

EDEL 453 - Spring 2013

Karen Powell- Instructor

page 5

Title of Unit: 3rd Grade Geography

Title of Lesson: Learning the names of the state capitals
Submitted By: Jamie Holst

Popsicle sticks that would be used to choose students names for the state report.

MP3 of Wakkos 50 State Capital Song

Wakko's 50 State Capital Song.mp3

Nevada State College

EDEL 453 - Spring 2013

Karen Powell- Instructor

page 6

Title of Unit: 3rd Grade Geography

Title of Lesson: Learning the names of the state capitals
Submitted By: Jamie Holst

List of Websites for State Report

Use the following websites to complete your State Report!

1. United States Census Bureau

http://www.census.gov/schools/facts/
2. State websites
http://kids.usa.gov/learn-about-the-states/index.shtml
3. 50 States
http://www.50states.com/
4. Geography of the 50 States
http://www.netstate.com/state_geography.htm

Nevada State College

EDEL 453 - Spring 2013

Karen Powell- Instructor

page 7