One of our favorite units of study was when we studied all 50 of the U.S. states. We took about two years to complete our exploration of each state. In addition to learning basic facts and history about each state and recording that information in our notebooks we experimented with state specific recipes, virtually visited each state through travel books and videos from the library and watched movies that were set somewhere in the state we were learning about. America is such an interesting and diverse place.

During our studies, we created pages and mini books for each state using something similar to these free State Study Notebook Pages and Mini Book printables.

There are also whole lot of wonderful resources available for free online to make your state studies fun and engaging for your family. Here are just a few that we found.

General Information and Printables:

50States.com – This was our go-to site for just about everything state related.

USA Facts for Kids – This site has a boatload of information, printables, interactive quizzes and more.

teAchnology - Printable 50 States of America Lessons and Worksheets – Find printable maps, worksheets, lesson plans and more at this site.

Our Journey Westward - Around the USA Study – Check out this wonderful list of "living literature 'tour guides'" for younger students.

Coloring pages and fact sheets:

USA-Printables – Organized by state, find coloring pages for state maps, stamp, flag, quarter and more.

Teaching Squared - United States Coloring Pages – Here you will find a coloring/fact page for each state that feature a map, state symbols, and other info.

123Homeschool4me - FREE State Coloring Pages – These coloring/fact pages not only include a map, flag, and state symbols, but also have a state landmark. There is also a YouTube video of "50 States that Rhyme" song.

Crayola.com - History and Social Studies – Use the search box on this page to find a specific state and you will not only find coloring pages but also the flash card for that state. (Be sure to select the magnifier when using the search tool. Clicking enter does not bring results.)

Woo! Jr. - State Flower Coloring Pages – These pretty coloring pages include the flower with the state name across them on a ribbon.

Paint the World Super Coloring - State birds coloring pages – Print out these state bird and state flower images or color them online.

Just for Fun:

Learning Games for Kids - US State Games – Play interactive games such as Memory Match, Hangmouse, Word Search, puzzles, videos and more focused on each state.

Seterra - United States Geography Games – Use interactive maps to learn states, cities and more.

Owl & Mouse – Your Child Learns – Find interactive and printable maps, puzzles, and more not only for the U.S. but for other studies.

Deceptively Education has two resources we thought would be fun – United States BINGO Game and Pegboard Practice {States & Capitals}.

Cooking Light - 50 Recipes That Celebrate The 50 States – Try one of these recipes for a yummy addition to your state study.

Spoon University - The 50 Foods Each State is Known For – Check out these state signature foods many of which include recipes. (Please note that several of the links brought error messages, but we thought the information and food images on the site made it worth-while to include on our list.)

Wikipedia - Films set in the United States by state – Just as the name says, this list sorted by state provides movies that have their setting in a specific state.

Please be sure to preview these websites prior to allowing your students to visit to ensure appropriateness for your family.