MODULE 2 Chapter 1

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Module 2 Chapter 1

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Idaho's Symbols---What They Tell About Our State

Hi Students!

The purpose of this activity is to help you learn about:
    a) Idaho's state symbols.
    b) Why we have state symbols.

Each of our 50 states has its own state flag, seal, and motto. Each also has its own state flower, state bird, state nickname, and various other symbols. Each symbol says something about that state.

Idaho's nickname is the "Gem State." Other states have other nicknames. California is the "Golden State", Colorado is the Centennial State," Oregon is the "Beaver State," and Utah is the "Beehive State."

Idaho's Great Seal contains symbols for Idaho's different kinds of land, natural resources, industries, and hope for the good of her people. In the center of the shield is a picture of Idaho's different kinds of lands: farms, timber, great rivers, and majestic mountains. The pine tree stands for our forests, and the river stands for irrigation. Above the shield is an elk's head, which stands for Idaho's richness in wildlife.

The woman holding the scales is Justitia, goddess of justice. She also holds a spear with a cap on top to represent liberty. The man is a miner with a pick and shovel, standing for Idaho's vast mineral wealth. There are two cornucopias ("horns of plenty") and a shock of wheat to stand for the richness of Idaho's land. Above the elk's head is the State Motto of Idaho, "Esto Perpetua," meaning "It is forever."

The Great Seal of the State of Idaho was designed in 1890 by Mrs. Emma Edwards Green. It is the only Great Seal in the 50 states that was designed by a woman. A picture of the Great Seal of Idaho can be seen on page 16 of the The Story of Idaho, Millennial Edition.

REVIEW QUESTION

What are Idaho's symbols?

QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION

1. Why do you think Idaho is called the "Gem State?"

2. Why do the people of a state want to have symbols like those discussed above?

3. What are some things people think about when they choose state symbols such as flowers, birds, trees, nicknames, and other such ideas?

4. The State of Pennsylvania shows a sailing ship on its Great Seal. The Great Seal of New Mexico shows an eagle standing on a cactus and holding a snake. Louisiana's Great Seal shows a mother pelican feeding its young. The Great Seal of Florida shows a palm tree. Do you think any of these symbols would be right for Idaho's Great Seal? Why or why not?

INQUIRY ACTIVITIES

Pretend the county where you live is going to become a new state. You have been chosen to decide on the symbols for your new state.

1. What are some of the features of your county, which you and your community can be proud of? Which of these things would make good symbols for your new state? Make a list of them.

2. Decide on the following symbols for your new state:

State Animal - Appaloosa
State Bird - Mountain Bluebird
State Dance - Square Dance
State Fish - Cutthroat Trout
State Flower - Syringa
State Fossil - Hagerman Horse
State Fruit - Huckleberry
State Gem - Star Garnet
State Motto - Esto Perpetua
State Nickname - Gem State
State Tree - White Pine
State Vegetable - Potato

3. Design a Great Seal for your new state. Keep in mind the ideas you used in the questions above.

4. What name will you call your new state? What are your reasons for choosing the name?

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