Get to Know Your States

Consider whether the origin of the state's name is tied to European royalty or local geography and indigenous tribes.

Look closely at the international boundaries surrounding this vast northern territory, including across the water.

Think about how internal tribal sovereignty might create an exception to statewide time zone laws.

Investigate whether the name Arkansas has deep indigenous and colonial roots or if it was a modern marketing gimmick.

Recall the famous historical event of 1849 that brought hundreds of thousands of fortune seekers to the West Coast.

Consider the geography of the Rocky Mountains and how that impacts the average elevation of the state.

Think about Connecticut's historic whaling ports and whether it actually touches tidal saltwater bodies.

Identify the primary reason Delaware takes immense pride in its order of entry into the early United States union.

Consider the terrain of Florida and whether it is known for mountain ranges or flat, low-lying coastal plains.

Check the geographic location of Georgia to see if it faces the Atlantic Ocean or the central Mississippi River basin.

Reflect on whether Hawaii is part of the contiguous continental United States or an isolated island chain.

Think about the iconic agricultural product that Idaho is famous for putting on license plates and grocery shelves.

Consider the location of Chicago's skyscrapers and whether they still sit directly on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Think about what kind of vehicles race around the famous oval track at the Indianapolis Speedway.

Picture the landscape of the American Corn Belt and whether it features steep alpine peaks or flat, fertile plains.

Look at a map of North America to determine if Kansas is located next to a salt ocean or deep inside the Midwest mainland.

Think of the famous annual sporting event that takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, involving jockeys and thoroughbreds.

Consider the natural landscape of Louisiana's swamp bayous and whether they would support high-altitude winter sports.

Check the geographic size of the Northeast states compared to the massive expanses of the American West and North.

Recall the famous body of water that splits Maryland into eastern and western shores, known for crabbing and sailing.

Consider whether early American history took place on solid geological ground or if the colonists lived on floating platforms.

Think about the major geographic body of water that shares a name with the state and whether it contains salt or fresh water.

Recall the typical weather patterns associated with a state that borders Canada and is known for ice fishing and hockey.

Check the southern boundary of the state to see if it touches the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Think about how centrally located Missouri is within the United States map and how many surrounding states crowd its borders.

Consider the name of Glacier National Park and whether a pristine wilderness area would contain lush mountain forests.

Recall the famous football team mascot of the University of Nebraska and what crop they are named after.

Think about the typical climate associated with Death Valley and the expansive Mojave desert landscapes found in the state.

Reflect on the famous, fiercely independent political motto found on New Hampshire license plates.

Consider how crowded the highway systems and suburbs are surrounding the New York and Philadelphia metro areas.

Think about the landscape of the American Southwest and whether it features hot deserts and cacti or frozen arctic tundra.

Recall who gifted Lady Liberty to the United States and whether she is a man-made copper statue or a natural rock formation.

Look at the state's official license plate slogan, which commemorates a monumental achievement in human transportation history.

Consider whether the highest mountains on Earth are located in Asia or in the middle of the North American Great Plains.

Check the location of Ohio relative to neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Michigan to see if it is landlocked or an oceanic island.

Recall the typical weather phenomenon associated with severe spring supercells in the southern Great Plains.

Consider the geological origin of Crater Lake (a collapsed volcano caldera) and what that implies about its depth and clarity.

Think about what materials are used to pave real roads, regardless of how famous a local candy company might be.

Recall which U.S. state is universally used as the benchmark for being the smallest geographic territory in the country.

Consider whether an entire American state could physically fit inside an artificial, climate-controlled indoor building.

Think about the climate required for a tropical jungle versus the windy, snowy plains of the American upper Midwest.

Recall the famous city nickname "Music City USA" and whether that implies a ban on musical instruments.

Reflect on whether Texas is known for its wide-open natural landscapes, deserts, and oil fields, or if it is an artificial platform.

Look at the name "Great Salt Lake" to deduce whether the water chemistry is fresh or highly concentrated with salt.

Think about what sweet, natural tree sap product you pour onto pancakes that Vermont is famous for producing.

Consider whether a state that houses Jamestown (the first permanent English settlement) would ban historical preservation.

Recall the famous weather reputation of the Pacific Northwest and whether it is known for heavy rainfall or absolute desert drought.

Think about the state's official nickname and the classic folk songs that celebrate its rolling country roads and ridges.

Look at the official state license plate slogan, which proudly labels the territory based on its premier farm output.