Social Studies: People, Places and Environments

Pre-K-12: Standard 3

• Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of people, places and environments. The study of people, places and human-environment interactions assists learners as they create their spatial views and geographic perspectives of the world.
  

National Council for the Social Studies, Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (Washington, D.C.: NCSS, 1994). This book may be purchased by calling 800-683-0812. Electronic copies of it are not available.

Source: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

This USA Puzzle reinforces an understanding of US regions and states within each region. Teachers can use this Puzzle to develop understanding of state capitals, geology, commerce, lifestyles or local flora and fauna. This learning tool can also be used as a form of assessment, group practice or independent study.

Supplies Used: Cardstock or Construction Paper, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Glue, Craft Sticks, Scissors

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut the USA Puzzle from various colors of cardstock or construction paper. Alternatively, die-cut from white paper and allow students to color each region.
2. Consider die-cutting from cling vinyl to store away on plastic sheets (see Main Photo).

Note:When using poly foam, perforations for individual states may be less prominent.