Since the independence of the United States in 1776, there have been 27 different versions of the American flag. The flag changed over time with the addition of stars for each new state that became part of the country it is today. The most modern of US flags was actually designed by a high school student, Robert Heft of Ohio, who received a B- for his project submission. His grade was later upgraded to an A once the US adopted it as the official flag design.
Read more about it from the National Flag Foundation or watch this video for a quick history lesson:
Below are five more USA-themed things to teach your kids.
1. A silly joke.
This funny joke may put you into a state of laughter:
What is a dog's favorite state? New Yorkie!
2. A new vocabulary word.
Often used to describe buildings, stately is an adjective that means having an impressive or grand appearance.
The Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion is a prime example of a stately building. Its decorative columns, ornate sculptures, and gold-accented finishes are just a few touches that add to the building's stately appearance.
Want to visit Boettcher Mansion? Tours are free! Register for a tour of Boettcher Mansion online.
3. A word puzzle.
To solve a rebus, consider not just the words, but the placement, size, color, and quantity of everything within the box (and sometimes just outside the box!) when trying to decipher the puzzle.
4. A fun fact.
At 14,440 ft, Mount Elbert is the tallest peak in Colorado. Only two other states have peaks higher than that. Alaska hosts Danali, a ginormous peak that reaches 20,310 ft and Califonia is home to Mount Whitney which rises 14,505 ft into the sky.
How about the lowest points in the US? California sets the record for the lowest elevation with a whopping -282 ft below sea level at the Badwater Basin in Death Valley.
The lowest point in Colorado (the Arikaree River near the Kansas border) has an elevation of 3,317 ft and is higher than the tallest point in 18 other US states. The states that are lower in elevation than the entirety of Colorado include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
Want to learn more about the highest and lowest points in all fifty states and additional US territories? Check out Wikipedia's Elevation Table.
5. Teach a personal discovery.
Did you know there are 15 states within a 10-hour drive of the Denver Tech Center? It's road trip time!
How many states have you visited? Use this fun Interactive Visited States Map to create your own visual representation of places that you've visited. You make one for international destinations as well!
"The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them." – Michelle Obama
