USA in 4D

I mentioned that we've been working on a 4-D puzzle during our study of the fifty states. We completed our puzzle yesterday (almost two whole weeks early!).  The kids were enjoying themselves so much, they didn't want to stop working on it.

Trevor and I completed the first part of the puzzle, which shows the expansion of the United States with the various land purchases/wars and dates.  This part was fairly difficult, like 800 tiny pieces difficult, so the kids helped sort out the different colors and edges, but Trevor and I put it together.


The second part of the puzzle, the kids put together, showing the division of the states (in the order they ratified the constitution/gained statehood).  While I had planned for this portion to take an entire week, the kids completed it during one class period because they were so motivated. This part of the puzzle included raised foam pieces that are put together and then placed on top of the initial expansion puzzle.

The last part of the puzzle included the monuments.  This part was actually pretty intense and took a while to complete, but like last weeks' portion, the kids were so motivated we completed it in one extended class period.

Since I just got my camera back, I had to take all the "progress" pictures yesterday....but at least the different sections of the puzzle are visible.