Philadelphia Unit Study Ideas

Let’s create an exciting unit study on Philadelphia! This historic city holds a treasure trove of stories, events, and landmarks that have shaped American history. In this blog post, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of children’s books, lesson ideas, and educational products that will make learning about Philadelphia engaging and memorable for elementary-aged children. Let’s dive into this captivating journey through the City of Brotherly Love!

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Book List for a Philadelphia Unit Study

Lesson Ideas

1. Create a Liberty Bell craft using paper plates, paint, and jingle bells. Discuss its historical significance.
2. Organize a virtual field trip to Independence Hall and have children present a short play reenacting the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
3. Construct a mini replica of the Philadelphia Museum of Art using recycled materials and explore famous artworks from the museum’s collection.
4. Have children research and create a timeline of key events in Philadelphia’s history, including the founding of the city, the American Revolution, and more.
5. Prepare a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak or soft pretzel recipe and discuss the city’s culinary traditions.
6. Conduct a virtual tour of the Reading Terminal Market, exploring different vendors and their products.
7. Design a “Philadelphia Landmarks” board game, where players move through famous sites like the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, and Franklin Institute.
8. Explore the Philadelphia Zoo online and have students create informative posters about their favorite animals.
9. Make quill pens and write your own “Declaration of Independence” for how your homeschool is governed.
10. Visit a local park or go on a nature walk to study trees and their importance, inspired by the rich tree heritage of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

Educational Resources

1. “The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!” by Gabrielle Balkan
2. “Independence Hall 3D Puzzle” – A fun and educational puzzle to build the iconic hall
3. “The Kids Guide to Philadelphia” by Eileen Ogintz
4. “Philadelphia Adventure Map” – A foldable map featuring notable landmarks and attractions in Philadelphia.
5. “Philadelphia: A Photographic Portrait” by Paul Scharff – Stunning photographs capturing the beauty and history of Philadelphia.
6. “Wild Philly: Explore the Amazing Nature in and Around Philadelphia” by Mike Weilbacher

You can find all educational resources for a Philadelphia Unit Study on our Amazon Storefront.

By embarking on this Philadelphia unit study, your elementary-aged children will gain a deep appreciation for the rich history, culture, and landmarks of this remarkable city. Through engaging books, hands-on activities, and educational resources, they will develop a strong connection to Philadelphia’s past and present. Happy exploring, and may this unit study ignite a lifelong love for learning and discovery in your young learners!

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