What state was the birthplace of history-making astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn as well as Orville Wright, one of the inventors of the airplane? Ohio of course! And on March 18, 2002, the United States Mint, together with thousands of Ohioans, celebrated the release of the seventeenth state's quarter design, honoring this "Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers." The ceremony, held at the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, marked the release of the seventeenth state to be celebrated as a part of the 50 State Quarters® Program!
Teachers, below you will find several activities and links that will bring the excitement of Ohio's "State Quarter Day" into your classroom.
Ohio Quarter
Learn more about the latest quarter and the "Buckeye" state that inspired it.
50 State Quarters Program
Find out more about this program that honors every state in America!
50 State Quarters Program Lesson Plans
The 50 State Quarters Program lesson plans are ready for you to use in your classroom! Take a look at the lessons created specifically to celebrate the Ohio quarter: Pioneers In Space (K–1), Flying High In Ohio (2–3), and A Life Without Flight (4–6)! After that, be sure to check out the rest of the state-specific plans, FREE to download in sets designed specifically for grades K and 1, 2 and 3, and 4 through 6.
State Quarter Day Classroom Activities
Here are some fun ways to infuse your curriculum with activities that celebrate the arrival of the newest quarter in circulation!
Also, take a trip to Get a Clue About Collecting to Find the Hidden Coins that are a part of the 50 State Quarters Program.
Flying High with the Ohio Quarter
Want to learn more about the aviation pioneers mentioned on this new quarter? Take a look at March 2002's Coin of the Month and then try out the accompanying Teacher Feature, Coins In Space. These new coins are really out of this world!
Connected Coins and Medals
The Ohio quarter isn't the only coin with a connection to aviation. Read on to learn about the connection between numismatics and flight:
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While Orville and Wilbur Wright made Ohio their home, the amazing "First Flight" that they're known for actually occurred in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Take a look at the North Carolina Quarter reverse to see how this state celebrated this grand achievement!. |
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At the same time that the first female space shuttle commander, Eileen Collins, ventured into space, so did one of the United States' newest coins, the Sacagawea Golden Dollar. Read more about the travels of this special coin in the Fall 1999 issue of the HPC Making Cents newsletter. |
Our Foreign Friends
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The coins produced for the 50 State Quarters Program share much in common with the European currency, the euro. With your students, visit the interactive cartoon, Coins of the World, to see how these two programs are similar (here's a hint: look at the backs of euros from different countries, and then look at their fronts). |
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Quarter Games
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Here's a challenge for your students! Put all the pieces of the Ohio quarter back together—in three minutes or less! |
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Are your students budding artists? Let them try their hands at painting the Ohio quarter. A blue astronaut, a purple bi-plane...let your imagination run wild! |
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Here's a word search all about quarters and other coins. Can your students find all the words on each list? |
A Coinage Cartoon
Teachers' Network
Teachers, if we've piqued your interest with the activities above, please sign up for the Teachers' Network. As a member, you can receive information about all of the new educational resources that become available from the United States Mint!
