President Eisenhower signed a bill granting statehood for the Territory of Hawaii on March 18, 1959. Hawaii then formally became the 50th state of the Union on August 21, 1959 after a vote by 94 percent of residents in favor of statehood. Since becoming a state, millions of visitors have visited the island state to enjoy its unique culture, natural beauty, history, and people.

Hawaii consists of eight major islands, plus 124 minor islands, reefs and shoals, strung like a necklace across the Pacific for over 1,500 miles. The eight major islands (which make up over 99% of the total land area) are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (known as Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe (uninhabited), and Niihau (privately owned).

The Hawaiian Islands are stepping-stones linking the East to the West. Here Polynesian physicality, American pragmatism, and Eastern exoticism weave a tapestry of cultural extremes. Hawaii's multi-cultural society has had major immigration from: Polynesia — 700 A.D.; United States — 1820; China — 1852; Japan — 1868; Portugal — 1878; Puerto Rico — 1900; Korea — 1903; and the Philippines — 1906.

The Hawaiian Islands have only two seasons: "summer" between May and October and "winter" between October and April. The climate is subtropical, with a normal annual temperature of 77°F. Mark Twain was quoted as saying "- the peacefullest, restfullest, balmiest, dreamiest haven of refuge for a worn and weary spirit the surface of the earth can offer."

Assign students to select and report on one aspect of Hawaii: culture, economy, history, ecology, education, geography, tourism, or famous Hawaiians (you can add other categories if necessary). Students should write a report that cites at least two resources from the pathfinder below. Student reports should be at least 100 words or a presentation of at least two minutes or five slides.

Student should address the following essential questions for critical thinking in their reports (you can add or substitute others):

• Why did you select this topic about Hawaii?
• How is the information you're researching about Hawaii different than your state?
• If you visited Hawaii, what would be your three main interests and why?
• What are three major problems that Hawaiians have and why?

Select the Subject Heading search option > Type Hawaii in the Search box > Select from among the variety of topics links

Use our custom ProQuest models for written and PowerPoint-style reports.

Fifty years ago, on March 18, 1959, President Eisenhower signed a bill granting statehood for the Territory of Hawaii. Hawaii formally became the 50th state of the Union on August 21, 1959 after a vote by 94 percent of residents in favor of statehood.

Since becoming a state, millions of visitors have visited the island state to enjoy its unique culture, natural beauty, history, and people.

Hawaii consists of eight major islands, plus 124 minor islands, reefs and shoals, strung like a necklace across the Pacific for over 1,500 miles. The eight major islands (which make up over 99 percent of the total land area) are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (known as Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe (uninhabited), and Niihau (privately owned).

Hawaii's story is the story of creation—islands born from the Pacific depths some 40 million years ago. Hawaii has been shaped by the capricious forces of fire, magma, rains, and winds— and now, most recently, by man. About 30 miles southwest of the active volcano Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii, the newest island in the chain, Loihi, is forming—the newest land on earth.

Hawaii is sometimes called the Endangered Species Capital of the World. At least one third of all the endangered species in the United States are found in Hawaii—including the Nene Goose (official state bird), the Humpback Whale (official state marine mammal), the Pacific Green Sea Turtle, and the Pueo (Hawaiian owl). The exotic species, man, poses a greater threat than nature to Hawaii's native flora and fauna.

Inquiry-based learning activities about states are an important part of the curriculum for grades 3-8. This 50th anniversary of statehood provides a perfect opportunity for your students to learn more about this unique and beautiful state.

Assign students to select and report on one aspect of Hawaii: culture, economy, history, ecology, education, geography, tourism, or famous Hawaiians (you can add other categories if necessary).

Students should write a report that cites at least two resources from the pathfinder below. Student reports should be at least 100 words or a presentation of at least two minutes or five slides. Student should address the following essential questions for critical thinking in their reports (you can add or substitute others):

• Why did you select this topic about Hawaii?
• How is the information you're researching about Hawaii different than your state?
• If you visited Hawaii, what would be your three main interests and why?
• What are three major problems that Hawaiians have and why?

Type "Hawaiian history" in the Search box.

Use our custom ProQuest models for written and PowerPoint-style reports.