Arizona Adventure

Kelsey Sproat

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Arizona Adventure

Knowing where Arizona is on a map

In this lesson, students will learn to identify Arizona on a map through an engaging story, interactive activity, and a fun song or chant. The use of a story about a character traveling to Arizona, combined with a song, will make the learning experience memorable and fun. This lesson is important as it introduces young students to the basics of geography and helps them develop map reading skills.

Audience

1st graders

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Knowing where Arizona is on a map

Materials

Large map of the United States, Pointer for the map, Stickers or markers, Story about traveling to Arizona, Worksheet - 'Find Arizona', Discussion Guide - 'Arizona Adventure', and Lyrics for 'Arizona Adventure Song'

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Introduce students to the concept of maps and why they are important.
Show a large map of the United States and point out where Arizona is located.

Step 2

Story Time

10 minutes

Read a short story about a character traveling to Arizona. The story should include key landmarks and features, especially the saguaro cactus.
Use a pointer to show the character's journey on the map.

Step 3

Song or Chant

5 minutes

Teach the students a simple song or chant about Arizona and the saguaro cactus.
Have the students sing along, incorporating movements or a dance to make it fun.

Step 4

Interactive Activity

5 minutes

Have students come up to the map and place stickers or markers on Arizona.
Ask questions like, 'Can you find Arizona?' and 'What states are next to Arizona?'

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Review

5 minutes

Recap what they learned about Arizona and its location.
Ask students to share one thing they remember from the story or song.

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Discussion

Arizona Adventure Discussion

This discussion will help students recall and reflect on the key points from the story about traveling to Arizona. It will also reinforce their understanding of Arizona's location on the map.

What was your favorite part of the story about traveling to Arizona?

Encourage students to share specific details they remember from the story.

Can you describe the saguaro cactus we learned about in the story?

Ask students to describe its appearance and why it is special to Arizona.

Why is it important to know where Arizona is on the map?

Discuss the importance of geography and how maps help us understand the world.

Worksheet

Find Arizona Worksheet

This worksheet will help reinforce students' ability to identify Arizona on a map. It includes a simple map outline and questions to guide the students in locating the state.

Color in the state of Arizona on the map.

Look for the state shaped like a rectangle with a 'tail' on the left side.

What is the name of the cactus that is special to Arizona?

It starts with an 'S' and has long arms that stretch up towards the sky.

Worksheet

Arizona Adventure Song Lyrics

The lyrics for the 'Arizona Adventure Song' to help students remember where Arizona is located and its special features like the saguaro cactus.

(Verse 1)

We're going on an adventure, don't you see?
To a state that's special to you and me.
Arizona is its name, let's find it on the map,
A place of cacti and deserts, let's give it a clap!

(Chorus)

Arizona, Arizona, where the saguaro stands so tall,
In the sunny desert, it's a sight you'll love to recall.
With its arms up high reaching for the sky,
Let's find Arizona, let's give it a try!

(Verse 2)

Look at the map, find the rectangle state,
With a little tail, it's really great!
Next to California and New Mexico,
Arizona's the place we all should know!