This lesson plan teaches 4th grade students about U.S. geography by having them learn and locate states and their capitals. Students will place states on a SMART board map to learn their locations and shapes. They will then match capital city names to their corresponding states. Adaptations ensure accessibility, including removing state names from the SMART board resource and providing printable maps. Universal design principles like multiple means of presentation and perception are followed to engage all learners.

1. U.S. GEOGRAPHY
LESSON
Developed by Claire Bewalda

2. Target Learners
■ This lesson has been developed for 4th grade students
■ The goal of this lesson is to teach student about U.S. geography, specifically states and
capitals
– Objective 1: Have students learn what states look like and where states are located
by having them place states on a map
– Objective 2: Have students learnU.S. capitals by matching them to their states

3. SMART Board Resources
■ SMART Board Resource 1: http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=83b43e77-
38c3-46ca-9b5c-3be076b12213
■ SMART Board Resource 2: http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=7f243423-
ec74-41a6-80b3-982684b31590

4. Lesson Plan
■ Begin by drawing the name of a state out of a hat and having students
take turns placing the selected state on the map using Resource 1
– Adaptation that needs to be made to Resource 1 is taking the names
of states off of the SMART board resource
■ This will allow students to gain an understanding of what the state
looks like as well as where it is located on a map
– Have all students follow along with what is happening on the SMART
board by filling out their own personal maps in front of them
(https://www.itsybitsyfun.com/blank-usa-map.html)
■ After going through all 50 states, pull up Resource 2 and have students
match capital names
– This can be used as a second part to the lesson later on if students are
still struggling to recognize and locate states
– Have students add the capitals onto the same maps they used in the
first part of the lesson (https://www.itsybitsyfun.com/blank-usa-
map.html)

5. Universal Design
■ Equitable Use
– Auditory cues can be added to both Resource 1 and Resource 2 to
make the SMART board resources accessible to all students
■ Flexibility in Use
– Students have the option to learn both through interaction on the
SMART board as well as writing their own personal map
■ Simple and Intuitive
– Maps are easy to follow and understand and instructor is there to
navigate the process for each student
■ Perceptible Information
– Information is clear and presented in a systematic manner with the
opportunity to learn it through both the SMART board resource as
well as the map worksheet so students can learn information
regardless of surroundings and learning style
https://www.washington.edu/doit/programs/accesscollege/faculty-room/universal-design

6. Universal Design
■ Tolerance for Error
– Program Resource 1 and Resource 2 to bounce state or capital back if it
is placed incorrectly
– The instructor can help guide students through placing both states and
capitals allowing them to have multiple chances while providing them
support and encouragement
■ Low Physical Effort
– Students only have to drag states and capitals a short distance and
instructor can provide support if there are limitations.
■ Size and Space for Approach and Use
– Ample space around SMART board for manipulation and instructor will
make any appropriate accommodations for students who are unable to
help with moving states or capitals.
https://www.washington.edu/doit/programs/accesscollege/faculty-room/universal-design