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Lesson Plan Image

State Birds

Every state has official symbols, which could include state trees, animals, colors, flowers, etc. Students will learn about official state birds, then illustrate them in a way that represents the states they symbolize.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have students learn about iconic features of various states. For example, Georgia is known as the peach tree state; Tennessee is the home of Nashville, the country music capital; Idaho is known for its potatoes, etc. And every state has an official state bird. 

  • Step 2

    Have students explore the official bird of each state, then have each student choose a different state bird to research and illustrate. They can learn about the bird's habitat, migration pattern if any, diet, etc. Have them sketch the bird on heavy paper, then decide how the bird will be portrayed to represent the state. For example, they might illustrate a brown pelican, the state bird of Louisiana, wearing a Mardi Gras mask and beads. Have them leave space at the base so they can write the name of the bird and the state it symbolizes, then cut the bird out. 

  • Step 3

    Have students present their birds to the class and discuss features about the bird and the state it symbolizes. Then arrange and display the art in a way that is aligned with where each state is located.

Standards

SS: Describe factors important to the development of personal identity and the context of identity within families, peer or affinity groups, schools, communities, and nationalities. 

Adaptations

Invite a wildlife specialist to talk to the class, either in person or via video, to talk about birds in the area and how to protect their health and habitat. Have students prepare questions in advance.

Most states have an official state flower, tree, and bird. Some states have surprising official symbols. For example, four have an official state microbe and four have an official state muffin! Seventeen states have an official state dinosaur. Have students find out which states they are and the dinosaur that represents them.