Indiana State Guide

General Facts

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Timeline

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Landmark Postcard

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Fun Facts

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Essential Questions for Indiana

1. What are some significant events in the history of Indiana?
2. What are some facts and features that make Indiana unique?
3. What are some interesting places in Indiana that people would want to visit?

All About Indiana

Date of Statehood: December 11, 1816 (the 19th state)

State Motto: The Crossroads of America

State Nickname: The Hoosier State

State Bird: The cardinal

State Tree: The tulip tree

State Flower: The peony

Tourist Attractions: Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Snite Museum of Art and Notre Dame, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Famous Citizens of Indiana: Larry Bird, James Dean, Gus Grisson, David Letterman, Dan Quale, and Wilbur Wright.

Capital City: Indianapolis

Major Cities: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend.

Brief History of Indiana

People have inhabited what is now Indiana for thousands of years. There were a number of Native American tribes living in the region when the Europeans arrived, such as the Shawnee, Illini, and the Miami people. In 1679, French explorer Robert de La Salle arrived, and many French explorers came down from Canada to trade fur. The first trading post was established in 1702, and in 1715, the French built Fort Wayne.

In 1754, the British and the French went to war over the fur trade, which is known as the French and Indian War. The Native Americans and the French were allies, but lost against the British in 1763, making the land a part of the British Empire. Although they lost the war, the Native Americans did not want to give up their land, and continued to fight under their leader, Pontiac.

After the American Revolution, the United States took control of Indiana, and it became a part of the Northwest Territory in 1787. In 1800, the region was named the Indiana territory when Ohio became a state. On December 11, 1816, Indiana was accepted as the 19th state in the United States.

Students will create a historical timeline, a postcard, a spider map, and a fun facts storyboard showing what they have learned about Indiana. Creating these visuals gives the students the opportunity to show their creativity and their unique view of the state that they have researched. In addition, the combined use of words and illustrations allows students with different learning styles to show what they know in an exciting and eye-catching way.

Frequently Asked Questions about Indiana State Guide

What are some quick and easy lesson ideas for teaching Indiana state history?

Quick lesson ideas include creating timelines of Indiana's history, researching state symbols like the cardinal and tulip tree, making postcards about famous landmarks, and exploring fun facts through storyboard activities. These approaches engage students and support a variety of learning styles.

How can students research and present facts about Indiana in the classroom?

Students can research Indiana using books, online resources, and museum websites, then present information using visual aids like spider maps, storyboards, or posters. This process builds skills in note taking, summarizing, and public speaking.

What makes Indiana unique compared to other states?

Indiana stands out for its nickname 'The Hoosier State,' rich Native American history, renowned museums, famous citizens, and tourist attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

What are some engaging activities for a state research project about Indiana?

Engaging activities include making historical timelines, designing postcards, creating spider maps about Indiana's cities, and collecting fun facts. These projects encourage creativity and help students understand the state's culture and history.

Which major cities and landmarks should students include in an Indiana research project?

Students should feature Indianapolis (the capital), Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend, plus landmarks like the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, and Notre Dame. Highlighting these places offers insight into Indiana's culture and attractions.