StudyStates Relay Set
Students rush across the play area to the bag of state pieces, grab a state, and run back to begin assembling the puzzle. This engaging game challenges students to race, collect, and assemble 45 durable vinyl pieces to form a complete map of the United States. Along the way, they'll learn state locations, abbreviations, capitals, and fun facts, making it a perfect blend of education and exercise.
A convenient storage solution adds an extra layer of fun to game play, keeping pieces shuffled and ready for action. Ideal for PE classes or cross-curricular activities, this relay game promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and physical movement while reinforcing geography skills. Assembled puzzle is 5'5"L x 3'7"W x 1/4" thick; 18 lb.
Set includes 45 pieces, a VersaBag storage bag, and activity instructions.
15 Physically Active PE Activities Using the StudyStates Relay Set!
The StudyStates Relay Set from Gopher is a fast-paced, team-based activity that combines U.S. geography and physical movement. What makes this product unique is its integration of academic learning with active play. The set includes 50 durable vinyl state cards, 6 mesh storage bags, and 6 dry-erase answer boards—perfect for relay-style challenges where teams race to find and place correct states in response to questions or prompts. It's ideal for cross-curricular physical education, combining fundamental movement skills with cognitive learning. The following 15 activity ideas creatively use the StudyStates Relay Set to keep students moving, thinking, and working together through high-energy geography games!
1. State Sprint Search: Teams run relay-style to a pile of state cards, find the correct one, and race back—practices locomotion, teamwork, and geography recall.
2. Slide to the State: Students slide laterally between cones to get their state card, then slide back—builds agility and directional movement.
3. Skipping States Showdown: Students skip down and back during their turn in the relay—reinforces rhythm and endurance.
4. Crawl to the Capital: Students use a bear crawl or crab walk to find a state card that matches the called capital—engages full-body locomotion.
5. Leap for Learning: Students leap over cones or hurdles before grabbing the correct card—adds power and body control.
6. Slide, Sort, & Say It: After sliding to a pile, students must sort the cards and say the state name aloud before returning—adds verbal processing to physical play.
7. Balancing Act to Boston: Students carry a beanbag on their head or walk heel-to-toe while carrying their state card—teaches balance and concentration.
8. Jumping Jack Geography: Students perform a number of jumping jacks equal to the number of syllables in the state name—reinforces coordination and language awareness.
9. Dizzy State Dash: Students spin in place (360° turns) three times, then race to find the correct state—adds fun vestibular challenge to the game.
10. Scooter State Shuffle: Students use Rainbow Scooter Boards to scoot to the state pile and back—blends mobility and core control.
11. Jump to Geography: Students perform two-foot jumps across floor spots to reach their destination—develops leg power and focus.
12. Dance for Dakota: Students perform a short dance move (e.g., floss, dab, robot) before heading out—adds expression and excitement to the game.
13. State Stack Challenge: Students must stack cards by region or direction after retrieving them—adds spatial reasoning to physical movement.
14. King of the Capitals Relay: Call out a capital city. Students race to get the correct state card and place it on the dry-erase board—teaches decision-making under movement.
15. Relay Map Build-Off: Teams collect and place state cards to build the full U.S. map. Each card must be earned through movement—encourages team collaboration and locomotor skills.