Kansas

Geography:

What states, country, or bodies of water border it? Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma

What is the state capital?Topeka

What are some major cities? Wichita, 354,865; Overland Park, 164,811; Kansas City, 144,210; Topeka, 121,946; Olathe, 111,334; Lawrence, 81,816; Shawnee, 57,628; Manhattan, 48,668; Salina, 45,956; Lenexa, 43,434

What is the area (in square miles) of your state?81,815 sq mi

What is the highest point and how high is it?Mt. Sunflower at 4,039 feet

What is the lowest point and how low is it? The lowest point is Verdigris River at 679 feet. 

History:

Tell when it became a state and what number state it is.Jan. 29, 1861 (34)Jan. 29, 1861 (34)

How did the state get its name? From a Sioux word meaning “people of the south wind”

List some of the Native American tribes found in this state:

The Arapaho tribe

The Comanche tribe

The Kansa tribe

The Kiowa tribe

The Osage tribe

The Pawnee tribe

Tell about a famous person from this state. (1920 - 1955) One of the most influential improvising soloists in jazz, and a central figure in the development of bop in the 1940s. Born in Kansas City, KS

Civics:

Who is the governor?Gov. Kathleen Sebelius

Who is the lieutenant governor? Mark Parkinson

Who are the U.S. senators from this state? Brownback, Sam - (R) and Roberts, Pat - (R)

How many U.S. House of Representatives members are from this state? 4

State Flag: Kansas

Economics:

List mining resources found in the state:Crushed and broken stone, Portland Cement, Helium, Coal, Salt

List agricultural resources found in the state:

Wheat, Corn, Hay, Sorghum, Soybeans,  Cattle, Hogs, Milk

Climate:

What is the average high January temperature of the state capital? 37°F

What is the average high July temperature of the state capital? 88°F

What is the average low January temperature of the state capital? 16°F

What is the average low July temperature of the state capital? 67°F

What is the average precipitation for January of the state capital? 1.0 inches

What is the average precipitation for July of the state capital? 3.6 inches

Population:

What is the population of the state (year 2000 or later)? 2,775,997 (2007)

Symbols:

State bird: Western Meadowlark

State flower: Sunflower

State tree: Cottonwood

State song: Home on the Range

State nickname: Sunflower State; Jayhawk State

State animal: buffalo

Recreation:

Mid-America Air Museum

This exciting air museum boasts the fifth largest collection of military and civilian aircraft in the United States.  The museum is more than just aircraft.  It houses one of the country's finest 'hands-on' aviation science exhibits, hosts special events like its Liberal Air Show, and features aerospace education to students in its theater.

University of Kansas Natural History Museum

Exhibits at the museum include: Fossils, naturalistic dioramas of birds, mammals, and plants, live bees (in a working hive), snakes, and fishes, the Panorama, the largest diorama display of its type, depicting animals, plants, and natural environments from the Arctic Circle to the tropics and more.

Other:

What other interesting things did you learn about this state?

Bibliography (Where did you find your information?):

"Ben's Guide (3-5): Quick Facts: Kansas." Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids. 13 Mar. 2009 <http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/state/kansas.html>.