Mississippi entered
the Union on December 10, 1817 as the 20th state. It's capital and largest city is
Jackson, and is nicknamed the Magnolia State. Mississippi borders Arkansas to the
northwest, Louisiana to the southwest, Tennessee to the north, and Alabama to the
east. The Yazoo River and the Big Black River flow into the Mississippi River and
the Tombigbee River. 55% of Mississippi is covered with forests, which have oak,
pine, and hickory trees. Hernando de Soto was the first European to visit
Mississippi. Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle named the state Mississippi.
Mississippi has year-round places to camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the
state parks.
Do you need a project for a state report? Here are some ideas from Challenge
magazine, Issue 84, which you can use to show what you have learned about Mississippi.
www.funbrain.com make a word search.
 | Research the cotton gin. Use what you learn to create an illustrated
booklet. |
| Write a report on the life of Eli Whitney. |
| Make a model of a steamboat from a shoe box. |
| Research Southern dance popular in the early 1800's. Teach it to your
class. |
| The magnolia is the state flower. Paint a picture of the beautiful
magnolia. |
| The mockingbird is the state bird. Find pictures of the mockingbird and
research a song or movie that uses the word mockingbird. |
| Discuss with your class the importance of Vicksburg during
the Civil War. |
| Mississippi Mud Pie was a favorite in the south. Research the recipe and
make some for your class. |
| "Go Mississippi" is the state song. Learn to play it on the piano
and perform it for the next school assembly. |
| Elvis Presley hailed from
Mississippi. Make a costume similar to one Elvis would have worn at his
concerts.(Type Elvis Presley in the search box) |
| Dig out some old Elvis tunes and teach your class how to jitterbug. |
