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Let’s tour the Land of Lincoln with destinations like Apple River Canyon State Park, Chicago, and Springfield. You’ll learn about the historical ties behind many of them. There’s plenty of nature to attract your eye, from cardinals to violets. Take a look at the economy, rooted in soil. Activities include building a skyscraper and candy making. Illinois has got something for everyone!
Buy NowStudents explore Illinois-related science through hands-on learning—engineering a skyscraper, studying prairie ecosystems and animal instincts, and learning about local plants and wildlife (like violets, cardinals, oaks, turtles, and migration). Older students extend topics with weather phenomena (like lake-effect snow and thundersnow) and deeper investigation into structures and systems.
Learners map and locate key Illinois features and places, including Springfield, Chicago, Lake Michigan, major rivers, and notable landmarks and parks. They also study Illinois’s three regions (Northern, Central, Southern) and expand outward by tracing travel and connection routes (like canals, airports, and broader U.S./world locations) at higher levels.
This unit builds vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing through Illinois-themed readings and activities. Students answer comprehension questions, solve or write riddles, and complete a unit project (banner or presentation) featuring state facts, symbols, industries, and a Lincoln spotlight—older students add summaries, guided notes, and more structured writing.
Students learn key moments and developments in Illinois history, including statehood (December 3, 1818), early exploration and conflict, westward settlement, and the growth of agriculture and transportation. They also study Chicago’s historical milestones (like the Great Chicago Fire and early skyscrapers), famous inventions/foods, and Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Civil War era.
Learners engage with Illinois culture and civic life through state symbols, Chicago landmarks and traditions, local foods, and quirky laws. Older students dig deeper into government structure and politics, cost of living, current events research, and communication skills through news-report style writing and conflict-resolution practice.
Students study and reflect on Chicago’s famous Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)—observing the artwork and discussing or writing reflections based on their level.
Bible lessons focus on character, wisdom, and spiritual formation through Scripture—God as a firm foundation, learning to follow His guidance, using God-given gifts, working better together, servant leadership, and responding with gentle words. Older students include additional passages that broaden reflection and application.
Students do a practical kitchen project by making a creative Illinois-themed treat: chocolate-covered graham crackers.
Access helpful materials, guides, and downloads that support your learning journey with Gather ’Round. Explore our growing library of resources designed to make teaching simple and engaging.
Explore ResourcesAccess helpful materials, guides, and downloads that support your learning journey with Gather ’Round. Explore our growing library of resources designed to make teaching simple and engaging.
Explore ResourcesW is For Windy City: A Chicago City Alphabet
by Steven L. and Deborah Dover Layne
Journey to Cahokia: A Boy’s Visit to the Great Mound City
by Albert Lorenz and Joy Schleh
Across Five Aprils
by by Irene Hunt
Follow the Flyway: The Marvel of Bird Migration
by Sarah Nelson
The Illinois Chronicles: The Story of the State of Illinois From Its Birth to the Present Day
by Mark Skipworth
Birds of Illinois Field Guide
by Stan Tekiela
Popcorn Country: The Story of America’s Favorite Snack
by Cris Peterson
Fair Weather
by Richard Peck
The John Deere Story: A Biography of Plowmakers John and Charles Deere
by Neil Dahlstrom
L is for Lincoln: An Illinois Alphabet
by Kathy-jo Wargin
I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871
by Lauren Tarshis
Lincoln: In His Own Words
by Abraham Lincoln, edited by Milton Meltzer
Hands-on Activity
Science: Skyscraper Construction (Lesson 1, page 2)
Home Economics: Creative Candy (Lesson 3, Page 4)
Check out the scope and sequence for this unit.
When you complete the unit, grab a certificate to celebrate your progress!
Download CertificateWhen you complete the unit, grab a certificate to celebrate your progress!
Download Certificate
