From year to year, the U.S. Mint releases new coins representing each state. Allow a student to choose any state and ask him to study the coin and the history behind it. Because each state chooses its own design, there is a considerable amount of thought and state history that went into its look. After he studies the coin, have the child create a large replica of the front and back of his coin. Provide him with a poster board cut into a large circle as a base for his replica. Use markers and colored pencils to decorate the coin.
The 50 states can be divided into various geographic regions, such as the Midwest and the Southwest. Allow students to choose any of these areas and then, based on their choice, divide students into groups. Have each group prepare a tri-fold science fair board explaining the history, climate and any interesting facts about the states found in that region of the United States. Ask the groups to include photos and drawings of landscapes from the states found in that area. Allow each group to present the tri-fold display, and then place the displays in the school cafeteria for other classes to view.
Each state has its own unique flag. Work with one or more other classes studying the United States and assign each student one state to study. This allows you to represent each of the 50 states. Ask each student to write a paper on the flag of one state and then to make a replica of the flag. Provide the students with various art materials such as fabric, construction paper and markers to create their flags. Combine all classes' flags and display them in the hallway.
Create a trivia game based on the 50 states in the Union. After teaching about the United States, create trivia questions on index cards based on the information you presented to students. Ask questions based on the state flags, coins or history. Write the question on one side of the card and the answer on the other side. Invite students to create one index card with a question and answer to contribute to the game's content. Divide the class into two groups and ask the trivia questions as a game to review the historical content you taught.