I am not kidding you, my daughter (age 12) begged me to cut loose of the planned curriculum and instead watch another section of "The States" from the History Channel.  I don't mind, it is a really interesting and fun DVD series, that teaches me something new each time, actually a lot of new things.   We are in Vol. 1, pt 3, and the States in this section are: New York, Oregon, Louisiana, New Mexico and Vermont.

By the way, I love the way the DVD skips around the country, it's like getting a surprise each time!  We have come up with some great lesson plan ideas while viewing, and I will suggest some to you as we go through each State.

New York:  The New York segment touches on the Hudson Rivers' importance to the state.  It is also the largest producer of wine on the east coast, reveals how "Uncle Sam" came to be (surprised me!), and explained sky-scrapers and 9-11.  Future lesson plan? 9-11

Oregon:  Oregon the State of "thinkers"  Did you know that in Oregon you cannot pump your own gas?  Oregon is also the first state to okay assisted suicide (I wouldn't brag, but oh well..), and the only inland State attacked by a Japenese plane.  Future lesson plan? The Oregon Trail

Louisiana:  Terry Bradshaw was the celebrity speaker for Louisiana.  Louisiana has more bridges than any other state.  Learn where the Cajun really came from. History on Andrew Jackson and a touching view on Hurricane Katrina and other horrible natural disasters that have hit the State. Our pick for future lesson plan? Update on Katrina victims (my daughter's suggestion)

New Mexico:  Neil Patrick Harris was the celebrity spokesman for this state. New Mexico has more P.h.d.'s than anywhere else in the Country.  History of Billy the Kid and the Manhattan Project are both covered.  Also showcases New Mexico's art community, and a fascinating look at New Mexico's Zozobra, which we will study some time later (we never heard of it!)

Vermont:  The section on Vermont is so pleasant that it makes you want to move there.  Home of the very first patent and Ben and Jerry's ice cream.  Learn why their granite is rated grade A, and all about their maple syrup and snowboarding activities.  Future lesson plan?  Plan a trip to Vermont!!

That's it for this section.  I urge you to add this series to your home-school library, it is so full of history, geography, facts and fiction, and holds your interest the entire time!  Back in a few weeks with more!

Order "The States"