Exploring the 50 States using the 50 states research Cube Project

The United States is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories, each state contributing its unique thread to the national story. Teaching students through the 50 states research project is not just about memorizing names and locations; it’s about understanding the essence of each state and its role in the broader American narrative. The Cube Project offers a hands-on, engaging way to explore this diversity, turning state research into a creative showcase. Here’s how to guide your students through the 50 states research project and presenting their findings in an innovative cube format.

What Students Should Research

For each state, students should focus on several key aspects that capture its uniqueness and significance. These include:

1. State Symbols: State bird, flower, tree, and any other official symbols.

2. Geography: Location, major cities, notable landscapes, and natural resources.

3. History: Founding date, significant historical events, and historical figures.

4. Culture: Music, art, festivals, and culinary specialties that define the state.

5. Economy: Major industries, employers, and economic contributions to the nation.

6. Interesting Facts: Unique laws, famous residents, and quirky trivia.

Great Sites for Kids to Use for the 50 states Research project

The internet offers a wealth of resources tailored for young learners. Here are some great, kid-friendly websites for state research:

1. Kids.gov: The official kids’ portal for the U.S. government, providing a wealth of information on the states in an accessible format.

2. National Geographic Kids: Offers engaging content on U.S. states, including geography, wildlife, and culture.

3. Fact Monster: A reliable source for facts on the 50 states, including history, economy, and interesting trivia.

4. Time for Kids**: Features articles and reports on different states, focusing on culture, history, and current events.

5. Ducksters: Provides easy-to-understand information on each state, including geography, history, and key facts.

Creating the Cube Project

Materials Needed

– Cardstock or heavy paper

– Coloring materials (markers, crayons)

– Scissors

– Glue or tape

• If you want to use our that has the template already built onto it, check it out here!

Steps to Create the Cube

1. Prepare the Cube Template: Start with a printable cube template. Each side of the cube will represent a different aspect of the state’s research.

2. Assign Research Topics: Divide the research topics among the cube’s six sides. For instance, one side for geography, one for state symbols, and so on.

3. Conduct Research: Using the recommended sites, students gather information on their assigned state, focusing on the assigned topics.

4. Design Each Cube Side: Students use their research findings to design each side of the cube. Encourage creativity! They can draw, write, or even collage their findings onto each side.

5. Assemble the Cube: Once all sides are designed, cut out the cube template and fold along the lines to form a cube. Secure it with glue or tape.

6. Presentation: Students can present their state cubes to the class, sharing interesting facts and insights they’ve discovered through their research. This can also be a great opportunity for a display or exhibition where students can explore the cubes created by their classmates.

The Cube Project for the 50 states not only enriches students’ knowledge of the country but also hones their research, critical thinking, and creative skills. By exploring the diverse tapestry of the United States in a hands-on, multidimensional way, students gain a deeper appreciation for the nation’s complexity and beauty. This project transforms state studies from a memorization exercise into an engaging exploration of geography, history, and culture, laying the groundwork for informed citizenship and lifelong curiosity about the world.