This is one of the most active sites I have checked out. I think it has a little bit of everything for everyone. It has information on just about any topic one would want to check out. It has beginning of the year activities. It has helpful worksheets and ideas for things from social studies to English to science. It is a great site to check out. If it has an activity for one grade there is probably a way to adapt to another or from topic to topic as well.
Facts about states presented in kid friendly format, information is up-to-date, would be a nice companion piece for states research done in fourth grade. Consider pulling data from this site to use in making charts and graphs (fifth grade).
Lincoln Public Schools - social studies - U.S. Regions - grade 4
* Regions are composed of states with capitals
* Each region has unique characteristics: geography, climate, food sources; plants and animals; people and culture, landmarks
This site, sponsored by the US Census Bureau, introduces elementary students to basic information gathered in the US Census. The student clicks on a state and is given information about that specific state, including population, age of residents, the number of households, and the urban and rural populations. Information is offered for the 1990 and 2000 census, so students can compare figures.