Kids can learn about Arizona state history through variety of activities.
Arizona's history is a fascinating story of conquest and settlement in the stunning landscape of this western state. Arizona's multicultural past and present can make great activities for classrooms, school groups or families on vacation. The Grand Canyon State has the ringtail as its state mammal, the rattlesnake as its state reptile and turquoise as its state gem. And that's just the beginning.
Crafts
Try making the official state neckwear of Arizona, the Bola tie. This simple craft involves strip of leather or cloth and a bead to string two ends through so it can be fastened around the wearers neck. You can also make crafts with turquoise beads or make a dream catcher in honor of Arizona's Native American heritage. Have your kids draw pictures of scenes from Arizona's history like the Spanish explorer Coronado's first view of the Grand Canyon or the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican War.
Worksheets and Games
A variety of worksheets and games are available that focus on Arizona history. Try the Arizona State Word Find at the website Apples 4 the Teacher. Your kids can play this game online to keep them occupied with history learning during downtime on a trip or in the classroom. It can also help them to learn computer skills. You can also print out coloring worksheets from the Apples 4 the Teacher website for times when you don't have a computer or Internet access. State history coloring books or workbooks can also keep kids occupied and learning.
Trips
Take your kids on educational trips around the state or your local area. Arizona has a variety of historic sites. From old west towns to Spanish missions' you are sure to find something to suit your needs. Arizona has a number of history museums focusing on local history or state history. There are also archaeological sites that can be visited by the public. A trip can give your kids firsthand knowledge of the history of Arizona.
Research
Give your kids a research project. For young children, this might involve reading a picture book about the history of Arizona or learning something on a museum trip. For older kids, this could involve looking up facts online or at the library and taking notes while visiting historic sites. Whether its the Wild West or haunted houses, let your children choose the area of Arizona history that interests them most and they'll be motivated to learn more about it.
Tags: Arizona history, your kids, history Arizona, about Arizona, Apples Teacher, area Arizona