Tag: State Unit Study
Unit Study Supplement: US Territories
In addition to the 50 states we are all familiar with, the United States also includes a number of territories and commonwealths. So what’s the difference between the two? A commonwealth is an independent country that is voluntarily part of the U.S., while a territory is an organized division of the U.S. that doesn’t fully […]
Unit Study Supplement: Hawaii, U.S. 50th State
Hawaii is named after Hawai’I Loa, the legendary figure who discovered the islands. The state’s nickname, the Aloha State, reflects the Hawaiian way to say both “hello” and “goodbye.” A popular tourist destination, Hawaii is known for its breathtaking scenery and beaches (some with colored or black sand), surfing and whale watching, and pleasant weather. […]
Unit Study Supplement: Rhode Island, U.S. 13th State
How did Rhode Island get its name? Who discovered Rhode Island? These and other questions are answered in our Rhode Island unit study supplement! No one really knows how Rhode Island got its name. Some think that explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano inspired the name by comparing the region to the Greek island of Rhodes while […]
Unit Study Supplement: Oregon Facts, U.S. 33rd State
How did Oregon get its name? Who lived in Oregon first? These and other questions are answered in our Oregon unit study supplement! While the origin of the word “Oregon” is unknown, its nickname of the Beaver State reflects the valuable fur trade that brought early settlers to the region. In this article you’ll learn […]
Unit Study Supplement: West Virginia, U.S. 35th State
How did West Virginia get its name? What is it known for? What happened in the state throughout its history? Find the answers to these and other questions in our West Virginia unit study supplement! At first, it was going to be called “Kanawha” in honor of a Native American tribe living in the area; […]
Unit Study Supplement: Vermont, U.S. 14th State
Vermont got its name from two French words, “vert” meaning “green” and “mont” meaning “mountain.” Its nickname of the Green Mountain State is in honor of the Green Mountain Boys, who protected Vermont from New York and later served in the American Revolutionary, Civil, and Spanish American Wars. Keep reading to learn more interesting facts […]
Unit Study Supplement: Virginia, U.S. 10th State
How old is the state of Virginia? Where did the name Virginia come from? Did you know that Virginia is the home of our country’s defense headquarters, the Pentagon? These and other questions are answered in our Virginia unit study supplement! The state was named after Queen Elizabeth I, known as the Virgin Queen. The […]
Unit Study Supplement: New Hampshire, U.S. 9th State
How did New Hampshire get its name? Why is the state important to the history of the US? The founder of New Hampshire, Captain John Mason, named the colony after his homeland in Hampshire County, England. He invested in developing the colony but never even set foot in New Hampshire! The state’s history of granite […]
Unit Study Supplement: Mississippi, U.S. 20th State
Did you know that the Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of blues music, Elvis Presley, and Mississippi Mud Pie? Did you know that some of the sports greatest athletes got their starts in Mississippi colleges, including Eli Manning, Brett Favre, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, and Steve McNair? “Mississippi” comes from a Native American word for […]
Unit Study Supplement: Nebraska, U.S. 37th State
How did Nebraska get its name? Nebraska got its name from the Oto Native American word “Nebrathka” meaning “flat water” (referring to the Platte River). How did Nebraska get its nickname? Nebraska got its nickname “the Cornhusker State” from the University of Nebraska’s football team, but it also reflects the fact that Nebraska is the […]
Unit Study Supplement: Minnesota, U.S. 32nd State
How did Minnesota get its name? What does the name Minnesota mean? Minnesota is named after the Minnesota River and comes from the Dakota word “mnishota,” which means “sky-tinted” or “cloudy/milky water.” Its official nickname, the North Star State, comes from its motto “Star of the North” which is featured on its flag and state […]
Unit Study Supplement: Wyoming Facts, U.S. 44th State
Which states does Wyoming border? When did Wyoming became a territory and then a state? What’s Wyoming’s nickname? Learn the answers to these and many other questions in our unit study supplement about Wyoming! The origin of the state’s name is unknown, though some believe “Wyoming” might have come from Native American words describing the […]
Unit Study Supplement: Maine, U.S. 23rd State
Why is Maine called Maine? How and when did Maine become part of the United States? These and other questions are answered in our unit study supplement about Maine. Make sure to check out our series of unit study supplements on all 50 states! Maine is the northernmost state of the United States. The origin […]
Unit Study Supplement: Idaho, U.S. 43rd State
What is Idaho’s state animal? Idaho’s official state animal is the Appaloosa horse. How did Idaho get its name? The origin of the name “Idaho” is actually unknown, but some people believe that the name came from a Native American word meaning “gem of the mountains.” This may be where the state’s nickname, “The Gem […]
Unit Study Supplement: Kansas, U.S. 34th State
What is the state animal of Kansas? The buffalo is the official state animal! Learn more about Kansas’s state symbols, historical facts about Kansas, a Kansas history timeline, geography facts and more in this unit study supplement. Did you know that two military posts, Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, are important training centers located in […]
