Monday, December 30, 2013

50 States: New Jersey

NEW JERSEY


The Garden State is our nation's third state.  It was granted statehood on December 18, 1787.  The postal abbreviation is NJ, and the capital is Trenton.  This capital city was named after one of the wealthy landowners in the area, William Trent.  This is the place where George Washington crossed the Delaware River on December 25, 1776, during the Revolutionary War.  Trenton also served as the nation's capital for a brief time.

New Jersey is the 47th largest state by area and has nearly 9 million people living within it.  Those who live in this state call themselves New Jerseyites or New Jerseyans.  Some famous people born here include the team of Abbott and Costello, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Virginia Apgar who is responsible for the Apgar Scoring System for newborns, jazz musician Count Basie, country singer Clint Black, Judy Blume, Aaron Burr, President Grover Cleveland, author James Fenimore Cooper, illusionist David Copperfield, boxer Marvin Hagler, Whitney Houston, Jon Bon Jovi, photographer Dorothea Lange, Norman Mailer, Shaquille O'Neal, Queen Latifah, patriot Molly Pitcher, engineer Washington Roebling, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Frank Sinatra, and Wendy's founder Dave Thomas.  There have been more than 150 famous people born in New Jersey, including many actors, singers, sports stars, activists, and politicians.

Visitors to New Jersey can visit the birthplace of Grover Cleveland in Caldwell for free.  Other points of interest include Ellis Island which can be reached by ferry at Liberty State Park in Jersey City; Liberty Science Center also in Jersey City; amusement parks like Six Flags, Land of Make Believe, Clementon, and Storybook Land; the USS New Jersey in Camden; famous beaches like Ocean City and Cape May; Field Station: Dinosaurs in Secaucus; Atlantic City; and Thomas Edison National Historic Park in West Orange.

New Jersey's economy is sustained agriculturally by the growing of roses, orchids, and poinsettias, the raising of horses and mules, and the production of dairy products; the manufacturing sector produces pharmaceuticals and health & beauty items like shampoo and perfume; the fishing industry brings in large catches of clams.  Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy with locales such as Atlantic City, Cape May, Asbury Park, etc.

New Jersey's state symbols are:
Bird...Eastern goldfinch
Mammal...Horse
Insect...Honeybee
Shell...Knobbed whelk
Fish...Brook trout
Flower...Purple violet (is this redundant?)
Tree...Northern red oak
Fruit...Blueberry
Dance...Folk dance

There have been a number of dinosaur fossils found in New Jersey including Hadrosaurus foulkii, which is the state dinosaur.

The state motto is "Liberty and Prosperity" and is displayed on the state flag, which was adopted on March 26, 1896.


The flag displays the goddess of liberty and the goddess of agriculture.

New Jersey has the highest population density of any state.  More than 90% of its people live in the city.  There are more diners in New Jersey than anywhere else in the world.  Edison's Menlo Park is located in New Jersey.  The Miss America Pageant is held in Atlantic City every year, and this city's road are the inspiration for the game Monopoly.  The first drive-in theater was in Camden.

Play some online games and learn more about New Jersey here.

The following items are available at Christianbook.com.  If you purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission, as I am an affiliate.


494538: New Jersey Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8 New Jersey Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8
By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

The perfect reference guide. This handy, 4" x 6", easy-to-use guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which include basics, history, geography, people, places, nature, and more! Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

133408: Hidden New Jersey Hidden New Jersey
By Linda J. Barth / Charlesbridge Publishing

Discover the hidden facts about New Jersey. Each two-page spread presents interesting information, from famous inventors to locations to history. But along the bottom is a list of images to find---turn the pages every which way in order to find what you're looking for! Softcover.

064830: A Primary Source History of the Colony of New Jersey - Unabridged Audiobook on CD A Primary Source History of the Colony of New Jersey - Unabridged Audiobook on CD
By Tamra Orr & Jay Snyder / Brilliance Audio

Learn all about the colony of New Jersey, an important player in the American Revolution and the third state admitted into the Union, through primary source documents. Throughout its history it was a densely forested rural territory, celebrated for its abundant natural resources and rich farm land. Characterized by religious tolerance and a "live and let live" attitude, New Jersey became a haven for people who desired to only work hard and build a peaceful and prosperous life for themselves and their families.

Unabridged audio CD; approximately 1 hour 10 minutes; 1 CD.

495216: New Jersey My First Book, Grades K-8 New Jersey My First Book, Grades K-8
By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

An "early bird" intro to basic state facts. Covers state basics such as state nickname, seal, song, bird, motto, flag, regions, industries, neighbors, and weather, plus an intro to state history, people, and more. Includes drawing, mazes, matching, coloring, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states. Grades K-5; ages 5-10.

494929: Let"s Discover New Jersey CD-ROM, Grades 2-8 Let's Discover New Jersey CD-ROM, Grades 2-8
By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

Interactive CD-ROM with lots of fun facts for kids to learn about their state. Includes government, state symbols, a timeline, geography, civics, nickname, landmarks, parks, schools, historical places, and more. Each of four sections is completed with a quizzing game and rewards. Also includes a FREE printed reproducible quiz. Grades 2-8




903079: 13 Colonies: New Jersey
13 Colonies: New Jersey
By Roberta Wiener & James Arnold / Heinemann Raintree

When was Princeton University founded? For whom was the Delaware River and Bay named? What was name of the original Dutch town at the site of Jersey City? Find the answers to these and many other questions in New Jersey, a book about one of the original thirteen colonies. It details the history of the colony beginning with the decisions made in Europe to explore and settle the Americas followed by a description of the land and its inhabitants as they appeared to the first European arrivals. The story continues through the growth of the colony and the events leading to the American Revolution and concludes with a brief description of the modern-day state.

Each book in these series includes maps, contemporary art and primary resources, timeline, glossary, index, and sources for further research. Softcover, 64 pages. Ages 9-12.

5011449: Drive Thru History: New York, New Jersey, and Washington"s  Warriors Drive Thru History: New York, New Jersey, and Washington's Warriors
By Tyndale House

In a fast style all his own, Dave Stotts explores the rich history of New York and New Jersey. We learn about New York's "Freedom Trail," the place of George Washington's inauguration, and much more!

This jam-packed series also includes stories on Saratoga, West Point, and the Revolutionary War battles of Trenton and Princeton. As always, Dave includes the Christian influences that have shaped history.





67665: Independence Now: The American Revolution 1763-1783
Independence Now: The American Revolution 1763-1783
By Daniel Rosen / Simon & Schuster

By 1763, the people of England's American colonies were shaping their own lives apart from their royal rulers. Ties between the British and the colonists were becoming weak, and a new sense of being "American" was developing. Independence Now takes the reader from the colonial period when young men like George Washington were becoming leaders and the British oppression was growing, to the days of the fiery Revolutionary War.
Topics covered in this book include the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Declaration of Independence, and the issues surrounding these events. The book discusses the reasons for the war from the American and British perspectives, the involvement of African-Americans and women in the revolution, and our long, hard path to victory.
The book also features a "Points of View" section that shows the debate over whether or not America should be independent through the words of Benjamin Franklin and his son, the royal governor of New Jersey, William Franklin. Comparisons are also made between the strengths and weaknesses of England and America at the time to help readers understand both sides of the fight.
Independence Now ends with a "Legacy," telling a short bit of follow-up history to the events covered in the text. Like the other titles in the Crossroads America series, this book is illustrated with period paintings, drawings, and photographs. Also included are a glossary and an index.


238833: One Giant Leap One Giant Leap
By Robert Burleigh / Philomel

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary moment in human history, Robert Burleigh and Mike Wimmer have created a breathtakingly beautiful tribute that transports readers to the stars, where they will experience the moon landing just as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did.

112358: A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts
By Andrew Chaikin / Penguin Putnam Inc.

On the night of July 20, 1969, our world changed forever when two Americans, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, walked on the moon. Now the greatest event of the twentieth century is magnificently retold through the eyes and ears of the people who were there. Based on the interviews with twenty-three moon voyagers, as well as those whose struggles got the program moving, journalist Andrew Chaikin conveys every aspect of the missions with breathtaking immediacy: from the liftoff to the heart-stopping lunary touchdown to the final hurdle of reentry.

26816EB: Are You There God? It"s Me, Margaret - eBook Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret - eBook
By Judy Blume / Delacorte Press


113713: Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr
By Nancy Isenberg / Penguin Putnam Inc.


570371: Forgotten Conservative: The Life of Grover Cleveland Forgotten Conservative: The Life of Grover Cleveland
By John Pafford / Regnery Publishing


22654DF: 16 Extraordinary Americans with Disabilities, 2nd Edition - PDF Download [Download] 16 Extraordinary Americans with Disabilities, 2nd Edition - PDF Download [Download]
By Walch Education

A new kind of reader, students will be engaged by short profiles on 16 amazing people, each of which includes background notes, vocabulary lists, answers, and a bibliography. While reading, students will also come to understand the profound impact each person has had on America's past and present. 16 Extraordinary Americans with Disabilities will introduce students to 16 key figures who have made a difference despite their disabilities. 148 reproducible pages, softcover. Grades 6-12, readability 4+. Revised edition.
Mini-biographies feature:

  • Laura Bridgman, Teacher
  • John Wesley Powell, Explorer
  • Washington Roebling, Engineer
  • Walt Disney, Cartoonist
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States
  • Ray Charles, Musician
  • Katharine Hathaway, Writer
  • Glenn Cunningham, Runner
  • Roy Campanella, Baseball Catcher
  • Cher, Singer and Actress
  • Temple Grandin, Scientist and Inventor
  • Whoopi Goldberg, Comedian and Actress
  • Mark Wellman, Mountain Climber

  • Tuesday, December 24, 2013

    50 States: New Hampshire

    NEW HAMPSHIRE

    Located in the northeastern United States, our 9th state is New Hampshire.  The postal abbreviation is NH.  (Nevada was NV.)  It was one of the original 13 colonies and became a state on June 21, 1788.  The capital is Concord and was named in honor of the peaceful agreement reached between Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 1762.  The city, originally named Mumford, was incorporated by Massachusetts but was later found to actually be within the boundaries of New Hampshire.

    This state is relatively small, just over 9,000 square miles, making it the 46th biggest state.  With more than 1.3 million people living here, it ranks as the 41st most populous state.  Those who call New Hampshire home are referred to as New Hampshirites.

    According to Biography.com, there were at least 26 famous people born in New Hampshire, including activists and political leaders, authors and actors, athletes and astronauts.  The list includes such people as Dan Brown, Benjamin Butler, Salmon P. Chase, Mary Baker Eddy, Horace Greeley, John Irving, Scotty Lago, Mandy Moore, Franklin Pierce (14th President), Alan Shepard, Daniel Webster, Harriet E. Wilson, and Henry Wilson.  Many of these people played a prominent role in our nation's history.  Pick one and research him or her.

    The economy of New Hampshire is supported by tourism, manufacturing of electronic equipment and metals, and the mining of sand and gravel.  Agriculture is another important sector of the economy with dairy farming, greenhouse products, and hay.

    New Hampshire's motto is "Live Free or Die."  It is credited to Revolutionary War hero, General John Stark.  The state nickname is "Granite State" due to its history of quarrying granite.  Granite is also the state rock.

    The state bird is the purple finch, and the state animal is the white-tailed deer.  The ladybug is the state insect, and the Karner blue butterfly is the state butterfly.  The pumpkin is the state fruit (what makes it a fruit and not a vegetable?).  The state flower is the purple lilac, and the state tree is the white birch.  The pink ladyslipper is the state wildflower.  The state sport is skiing.  There aren't too many other states with a state sport.  Vermont and Colorado share skiing as their states' official sport.

    The New Hampshire flag was adopted in 1909.  The seal depicts the Revolutionary War ship, "Raleigh," near a large chunk of granite.  Nine yellow stars (NH is the 9th state) surround the seal, combined with yellow laurels.


    New Hampshire has some little known but very interesting details.  For example, the author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," Sarah Josepha Hale, was from Newport.  Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who died in the Challenger explosion, was from New Hampshire.  The hamlet of Merrimack is where the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales reside (you've seen the winter commercials with those humongous horses, haven't you?).  A man from Concord invented the alarm clock in 1787.  I wonder what he was always late for.

    If you are planning a visit to New Hampshire, there are quite a few things you should see:

    Mount Washington stands at 6,288 feet tall and is the tallest mountain in the Northeast.  The park provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in both summer and winter.  Camping, hiking, swimming, skiing, snowmobiling, and mushing are some of the activities available.  The Mount Washington region also has beautiful waterfalls, an aerial tram ride, covered bridges, Clark's Trading Post, a scenic drive on Kancamagus Highway, the Cog Railway with the steepest railroad tracks in the world, The Brick Store, and a mile-long alpine slide to ride.

    There are amusement parks and theme parks.  Caves abound in New Hampshire for spelunking.  The outdoor history museum, Strawberry Banke, is located in Portsmouth.  Tour the 16-room mansion, Castle in the Clouds, in Moultonborough.  Canterbury Shaker Village is a unique hands-on experience where visitors can catch a glimpse of Shaker life in the 19th century.  Ruggles Mine is a working-mine-turned-tourist-attraction located in Grafton.

    Old Man of the Mountain Memorial, Flume Gorge, and the Isles of Shoals are some other interesting and beautiful sites.

    If you are interested in learning further about New Hampshire, the following items can be found at Christianbook.com.  If you purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission.



    300340: Voices from Colonial America: New Hampshire 1603-1776 Voices from Colonial America: New Hampshire 1603-1776
    By Scott Auden / Random House, Inc


    497766: New Hampshire Poster/Map New Hampshire Poster/Map
    By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

    This oversize map features key cities, landmarks, historic sites, rivers, regions, borders, and major geographic features plus an array of state"must-haves" including state symbols, as well as fascinating state trivia, a timeline of important state events, and more. Excellent as a classroom, library, or resource center's primary visual focus. Available for all 50 states! All ages.


    496743: New Hampshire Wheel of Fortune, Grades 3-8 New Hampshire Wheel of Fortune, Grades 3-8
    By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

    Students learn about history, geography, people, economics, civics and more, while developing math, spelling, and language skills! Students will solve word puzzles about wars, women, agriculture, transportation, government, and more. Includes game instructions, how to make a "Lazy Susan wheel", and prize suggestions. Students will spin the wheel while learning state facts and improving grammar, critical thinking, and memory skills. Scoring makes it fun. Reproducible prize coupons included! Grades 3,8; ages 8-14.

    769728: It Happened in New Hampshire, 2nd: Remarkable Events That Shaped History It Happened in New Hampshire, 2nd: Remarkable Events That Shaped History
    By Stillman Rogers / Globe Pequot

    015974: History of the Second Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers History of the Second Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers
    By Martin Haynes / Applewood Books

    202273: Mary Baker Eddy Mary Baker Eddy
    By Gillian Gill & Gill Gillian / Da Capo Press

    016377: A History of the Struggle for Slavery Extension or Restriction in the United States A History of the Struggle for Slavery Extension or Restriction in the United States
    By Horace Greeley / Applewood Books

    096415: Alan Shepard: Higher and Faster Alan Shepard: Higher and Faster
    By Janet Benge & Geoff Benge / YWAM Publishing
    The Heroes of History series chronicles the true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history.

    When he wasn't soaring above the clouds, astronaut Alan Shepard used his expertise to benefit others, raising money to fuel the dreams of science students and guiding NASA missions. The achievements of this high flyer—America's "Lindbergh of Space"—inspire all who dare to live their dreams.
    For ages 10 and up.

    096576: Heroes of History Unit Study: Alan Shepard Heroes of History Unit Study: Alan Shepard
    By YWAM Publishing

    This unit-study CD-ROM accompanies the sold-separately Alan Shepard: Higher and Faster. Perfect for homeschoolers, students, or teachers, one can easily print off student projects and activity sheets. This unit study includes the curriculum unit study guide; instructions for classroom, homeschool, or group use; a biographical sketch; and more.
    Unit Study elements include "Student Explorations" (writing assignments and hands-on projects); social studies activity sheets on geography and history; Scripture memorization; devotional applications; community links (service projects & field trips); and related cross-curricular themes to explore. A final project that includes displays, presentations, or era-based activities is also included. Ages 10 & up.
    System Requirements:
    Windows:

    • Intel Pentium II 450 MHz or faster processor or equivalent
    • 128 MB of RAM
    • 64 MB of VRAM
    • 800 x 600 SVGA display capabilities, 16-bit soundcard
    • CD-ROM Drive Macintosh:

      • PowerPC G3 500 Mhz or faster processor or Intel Core Duo 1.33 or faster processor
      • 128 MB of RAM
      • 800 x 600 SVGA display capabilities, 16-bit soundcard
      • CD-ROM Drive




    9142X: Daniel Webster, Sower Series Daniel Webster, Sower Series
    By Mott Media, LLC

    Daniel Webster was a farm boy who loved books. He became a lawyer, congressman, senator, and Secretary of State. He was also a strong Christian. In the halls of Congress, he debated Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. Before the Supreme Court, he argued for freedom from government intrusion for little Dartmouth College. Through every turn in his career, the silver-tongued orator was found always on the same side of every political debate—the side of the United States of America. For ages 9 to 13.

    Tuesday, December 17, 2013

    50 States: Nevada

    NEVADA


    The birthday of Nevada is October 31, 1864.  It is our 36th state.  There are roughly 2.8 million people, Nevadans, living in this state.  It is 7th biggest state and the 35th most populous.  The capital is Carson City, named after the frontiersman Kit Carson.  He was also a scout for expeditions through the Rocky Mountains and served as colonel in the U.S. Army during the Civil War.

    The largest city in Nevada is Las Vegas.  Nearly 40 million people visit this city every year for the shows and the gaming.  Lake Tahoe is another famous place to visit.  It is divided between California and Nevada.  Rachel, Nevada, caters to UFO enthusiasts with restaurants and hotels that are alien themed.

    Besides the interesting cities, folks who travel to Nevada can see the Hoover Dam.


    They can also see Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and catch a race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  They can take a tour of the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson.  The National Atomic Testing Museum is just north of Las Vegas, and the Bonnie Springs Ranch is in Blue Diamond.  Gearheads will love the National Automobile Museum in Reno.  There are also zoos, water parks, amusement parks, and national parks.

    Not surprisingly, one of the major industries in Nevada is tourism.  They also mine for gold and silver and produce hydroelectric power.  Nevada's gold and silver helped the Union Army during the Civil War.  The Comstock Lode was the first large-scale silver discovery in the United States.  

    Nevada means "snowcapped."  The highest point here is Boundary Peak at 13,143 feet.  The lowest point is the Colorado River where it forms the border with California.  It is still 479 feet above sea level.

    Nevada's nicknames are the Silver State and Sagebrush State.  The motto is "All for Our Country."  It was added at the same time that Nevada became a state.  The official state flag was adopted on March 26, 1929, but it was revised in the 1990s.  In the top left corner, it has a sagebrush, Nevada's state flower, and a silver star that represents the mineral riches of Nevada.  A yellow ribbon displays the words "Battle Born."


    Nevada's state symbols are:

    Bird...Mountain bluebird
    Animal...Desert Bighorn Sheep
    Reptile...Desert tortoise
    Fish...Lahontan Cutthroat trout
    Fossil...Ichthyosaur
    Flower...Sagebrush
    Trees...Single leaf pinon and bristlecone pine
    Metal...Silver
    Colors...Silver and blue

    There have been at least 12 famous people born in Nevada, including:

    Andre Agassi...tennis player
    Kyle Busch...race car driver
    Pat Nixon...first lady
    Harry Reid...U.S. representative
    Kevin Rose...computer entrepreneur
    Sarah Winnemucca...Native American activist and journalist

    Nevada was originally inhabited by Indians of the Paiute, Walapai, Washoe, and Western Shoshone tribes.

    If you are interested in learning more about Nevada through interactive games, try Learning Games for Kids online.

    The following are resources about Nevada that are available through christianbook.com.



    846900: Nevada Nevada
    By Melissa Fairley, Jonathan Brown & Catherine Gardner(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing

    Bolster students' knowledge of the state they live in! Discover the history of the state, including Native American history, colonial history, and modern history, and learn about the current demographics of the state, the land itself, the economy, state government, and cultural attractions. "Fun Facts," "Famous people," and "In history" sidebars provide interesting tidbits of information. Full-color photographs, timeline, glossary, and index included. 32 pages, softcover. Grades 2-4.

    975325: Nevada Nevada
    By Janet Craig, Jackie Ball(Editor) & Kristen Behrens(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing


    442077: Nevada Wildlife Viewing Guide Nevada Wildlife Viewing Guide
    By Globe Pequot

    From Red Rock Canyon's breathtaking sandstone cliffs, to the bountiful wetlands of Ruby Lake, to the aspen groves and alpine lakes of scenic Lamoille Canyon, the Nevada Wildlife Viewing Guide will lead you to fifty-five premier wildlife viewing areas and will better your chances of seeing wildlife once you get there. Included are detailed descriptions of each viewing site, maps and access information, helpful viewing tips, and more than forty color photographs featuring Nevada's wildlife and scenic natural areas.

    417970: Nevada History Project Book, Grades 3-8 Nevada History Project Book, Grades 3-8
    By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

    History projects include creating a cartoon panel describing how our state name may have come about, dressing up as a famous explorer, and recreating their main discovery and more! Grades K-8; ages 5-15.

    499203: Nevada Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8 Nevada Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8
    By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

    The perfect reference guide. This handy 4" x 6", easy-to-use guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which include basics, history, geography, people, places, nature, and more! Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.


    8233EB: Andre Agassi: On the Court with... - eBook Andre Agassi: On the Court with... - eBook
    By Matt Christopher / Little, Brown Books for Young Readers


    970174: Where Sin Abounds: A Religious History of Las Vegas Where Sin Abounds: A Religious History of Las Vegas
    By Stanley A. Steward / Wipf & Stock

    Tuesday, December 10, 2013

    50 States: Nebraska

    NEBRASKA

    www.pdclipart.org
    We are past the midway point of our 50-state study.  In alphabetical order, Nebraska is 27, but it was actually the 37th state to join the union.  It did so on March 1, 1867.  Located in the Plains, it is the 16th largest state by area and is home to more than 1.7 million Nebraskans.  Many of these people earn their living by farming corn, soybeans, and wheat.  Nebraska is also known for its cattle and hog raising, but they are venturing into new areas with coal mining and oil drilling.

    The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln.  This city was called Lancaster but was renamed in honor of President Lincoln since he was assassinated.  The capital of the Nebraska Territory had been Omaha, and it remains Nebraska's largest city.

    Before being explored by Europeans, Nebraska was inhabited by the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Dakota Sioux, Kansa, Kiowa, Missouri, Omaha, Oto, Pawnee, and Sauk.  There is some disparity between websites as to exactly which tribes were present, but these are some of the ones the sites had in agreement.  Europeans had been exploring the interior of North America since the late 1500s.  The French explorer, Sieur de La Salle, is said to have explored the Nebraska area in the late 1600s.  In 1724, the region was claimed for France and became part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.  Lewis and Clark traveled along the eastern edge of Nebraska in 1804.  Zebulon Pike explored southern Nebraska in 1806.  The Oregon Trail crossed through the central part of Nebraska, east to west, in the 1830s.  The Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 declared Nebraska a territory and allowed the area to decide for itself whether to allow slavery or not.  Two years after the Civil War, which ultimately decided the issue of slavery, Nebraska became a state.  A good site with an interactive timeline of Nebraska's history can be found here.

    The symbols of Nebraska are:
    State bird...Western meadowlark
    State mammal...White-tailed deer
    State fish...Channel catfish
    State fossil...Mammoth
    State insect...Honeybee
    State flower...Goldenrod
    State tree...Cottonwood
    State beverage...Milk
    State soft-drink...Kool-Aid


    President Gerald Ford was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha.  Other famous people include film stars Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Henry Fonda, and Larry the Cable Guy.  Famous authors Nicholas Sparks hails from Omaha as well.  Entrepreneur Warren Buffet, Vice President Dick Cheney, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams, and civil rights activist Malcolm X are some others who were born here.

    Museums, zoos, and parks abound in this Plains state.  Chimney Rock National Historic Site is touted as the most famous landmark on the Oregon Trail.  Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is an actual bed of fossils that has been left in place so that the public can view it.  Stuhr Museum in Grand Island is a hands-on living history museum that depicts the life of the early settlers.  Quilt lovers will enjoy the International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln.  It holds the largest public collection of quilts in the world.  There is also an air and space museum and many recreational areas throughout the state.

    Two of Nebraska's nicknames are the Cornhusker State and the Tree Planters' State.  The motto is "Equality before the law."  The flag, adopted in 1925, displays the motto on a banner above a blacksmith working on an anvil, a cabin, wheat, a steamboat, the railroad, and mountains.


    Play games online and learn more about Nebraska.

    The following items can be found at christianbook.com.  I am an affiliate with christianbook.com.  If you choose to purchase any items through my blog, I will earn a commission.



    22761DF: Nebraska State History Lapbook Journal - PDF Download [Download] Nebraska State History Lapbook Journal - PDF Download [Download]
    By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central


    287104: Sons of the River: A Nebraska Memoir Sons of the River: A Nebraska Memoir
    By Norm Bomer / Canon Press

    Sons of the River is a stunning introduction to the psychological meaning of rural Nebraska. Every geography emanates from within its own peculiar power of place. The essence of the Elkhorn Valley in northeastern Nebraska is captured in this book. Rooted in the memory of a young boy, Sons of the River recounts the founding, growth and decline of Ewing in the Elkhorn Valley.

    498908: Nebraska My First Book, Grades K-8 Nebraska My First Book, Grades K-8
    By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

    An "early bird" intro to basic state facts. Covers state basics such as state nickname, seal, song, bird, motto, flag, regions, industries, neighbors, and weather, plus an intro to state history, people and more. Includes: drawing, mazes, matching, coloring, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states. Grades K-5; ages 5-10.

    DL131957-15: Let"s Call The Whole Thing Off [Music Download] Let's Call The Whole Thing Off [Music Download]
    By Fred Astaire / Sony Classical/Legacy


    8293EB: The Choice - eBook The Choice - eBook
    By Nicholas Sparks / Grand Central Publishing

    Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life-boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his close buddies-he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is until Gabby Holland moves in next door.

    350688: The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley
    By Malcolm X / Ballantine Books

    If there was any one man who articulated the anger, the struggle, and the beliefs of African Americans in the 1960s, that man was Malcolm X. His autobiography is now an established classic of modern America, a book that expresses like none other the crucial truth about our times.

    869425: Young Jerry Ford: Athlete and Citizen Young Jerry Ford: Athlete and Citizen
    By Hendrik Booraem V / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.