In a ceremony on October 22, 2002, the United States Mint celebrated the release of the newest state quarter, at a ceremony in Jackson, Mississippi. The ceremony, held at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, marked the release of the twentieth state's quarter to be celebrated as a part of the 50 State Quarters® Program, and the final quarter released in 2002.
Teachers, below you will find several activities and links that will bring the excitement of Mississippi's "State Quarter Day" into your classroom!
Mississippi Quarter
Learn more about the latest quarter and the beautiful blossom 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 Mississippi quarter: Sounding Out the Symbols (K–1), State Flower Show (2–3), and A Financial Flower Garden (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.
A New Coin Is In Bloom!
Wondering about the flower featured on the country's newest quarter? Take a look at November 2002's Coin of the Month and then test out the accompanying Teacher Feature, State Symbols. It's sure to help your students' interest in coins continue to blossom!
Connected Coins and Medals
Mississippi's quarter reverse is not the only U.S. coin to feature an important flower. Take a look at these coins which honor some of our country's natural beauties:
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What garden is so special that a commemorative coin was made in its honor? In 1997 the United States Mint created the U.S. Botanical Garden Commemorative Silver Dollar to celebrate this impressive national treasure. |
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South Carolina, just like Mississippi, is proud of their state symbols. Take a look at the 2000 South Carolina quarter reverse to learn about its state flower, the Yellow Jessamine, and some of the other symbols that are held dear. |
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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi quarter. A magnolia blossom with green petals and purple leaves...let their imaginations 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!
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