Student Activities for New York State Guide
Essential Questions for New York
- What are some significant events in the history of New York?
- What are some facts and features that make New York unique?
- What are some interesting places in New York that people would want to visit?
All About New York
Date of Statehood: July 26, 1788
State Motto: Excelsior (Ever upward)
State Nickname: The Empire State
State Bird: Bluebird
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Rose
Tourist Attractions: Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, Lake George, Cooperstown, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks.
Famous Citizens of New York: Michael Jordan, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, Colin Powell, Lou Gehrig, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jay Leno, Walt Whitman, Norman Rockwell, and Mariah Carey.
Capital City: Albany
Major Cities: New York City, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and Yonkers.
Brief History of New York
Many years ago, before the Europeans, Native Americans inhabited New York. The two major tribes were the Iroquois and the Algonquian people. In 1609, Henry Hudson, an English explorer for the Dutch, found the Hudson River and New York Bay. Soon, settlements began to form, first in Fort Nassau in 1614, then Fort Orange in 1624, and then Fort Amsterdam, which later became New York City, in 1625. In 1664, the English arrived and took control of New Amsterdam, renaming the colony and the city New York. Many years later, in 1754, was the French and Indian War. The French and the English took sides with different Native American tribes and fought over the land. The war ended in 1763 with an English victory. During the Revolutionary War, some of the most important battles took place in New York. The Battle of Long Island, which took place in 1776, was the largest battle of the war, and the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was the turning point of the war.
On July 26, 1788, New York became the 11th state to join the Union, and Albany became its capital city in 1797. Almost 30 years later, the Erie Canal opened in 1825. This waterway created a route between the Atlantic Ocean and New York City to the Great Lakes, making the transportation of goods and products more efficient and faster. In 1892, Ellis Island opened and immigrants from all over the world began coming to America, and in 1929 the New York Stock Exchange crashed, beginning the Great Depression. Many years later, on September 11, 2001, the famous Twin Towers were destroyed by terrorists.
Students will create a historical timeline, a postcard, a spider map, and a fun facts storyboard showing what they have learned about New York. 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.
How Tos about New York State Guide and Activities
Engage students with a New York State scavenger hunt activity
Create a list of famous landmarks, state symbols, and historical facts for students to find. This interactive search helps students connect with New York’s geography and history.
Organize students into small groups for collaborative research
Guide students to use a variety of research sources
Facilitate the creation of visual presentations
Celebrate learning with a classroom showcase
Frequently Asked Questions about New York State Guide and Activities
What are some important historical events in New York State?
New York State has witnessed key events such as Native American settlements, European colonization by the Dutch and English, the French and Indian War, pivotal Revolutionary War battles like Long Island and Saratoga, the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, mass immigration through Ellis Island, and the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
What makes New York State unique compared to other states?
New York State stands out for its diverse geography, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls, rich history, role in immigration, and influence in culture, finance, and innovation. Its nickname is The Empire State, and its motto is Excelsior (“Ever upward”).
What are some fun and easy activities to teach students about New York State history?
Teachers can use activities such as creating historical timelines, postcards, spider maps, and fact storyboards to help students learn about New York State history in engaging, visual ways that appeal to different learning styles.
Who are some famous people from New York State?
Notable individuals from New York State include Michael Jordan, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, Colin Powell, Lou Gehrig, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jay Leno, Walt Whitman, Norman Rockwell, and Mariah Carey.
What are some top tourist attractions in New York State outside of New York City?
Popular attractions in New York State beyond New York City include Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, Lake George, Cooperstown, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks.
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