A symbol is something that stands for something else. Many states and nations have chosen symbols to represent something special or unique about their area, such as our country’s national bird, the Bald Eagle, which is found only in North America.
The Young Naturalist’s Guide to Florida; page 3
Updated 1/26/09
Lesson:
Read pages 1-7 in The Young Naturalist’s Guide to Florida
Activities:Print out the Florida State Symbols PDF and include in your notebook
Suggested Reading:Florida Facts and Symbols by Emily McAuliffe (2003)
Discussion Questions:
1.) How many Florida Symbols do you know?
2.) Are there any symbols that surprised you?
3.) What is your favorite state symbol and why?
Click on a link below for study information on each individual symbol.
Or click here for a complete list one one page.
State Flower- The Orange Blossom
State Bird- The Northern Mockingbird
State Tree- The Sabal Palm
State Shell- The Horse Conch
State Stone- Agatized Coral
State Nickname– The Sunshine State
State Motto– In God we trust
State Gem- Moonstone
State Marine Mammal: The West Indian Manatee
State Saltwater Mammal- The Porpoise
State Mammal- The Florida Panther
State Freshwater fish- The Largemouth Bass
State Saltwater Fish- The Sailfish
State Reptile- The Alligator
State Soil- Myakka Fine Sand
State Wildflower- Tickseed or Coreopsis
State Butterfly– Zebra Longwing Butterfly
State Pie– Key Lime Pie
State Song– Swanee River
Additional Online Resources:
Florida Kids website
Florida Division of Historical Resources
Florida symbols and emblems from Netstate Chronicle
Sunshine Junior Symbols Page
