Symbol Safari Slides
Illinois State Symbols
Grade 4 Social Studies
Interactive Expedition
Illinois State Symbol Safari
Let's explore the stories, nature, and culture behind the emblems that make the Prairie State unique!
Prepare your Safari Handout for guided notes!
Slide 1 of 8
The Big Picture Introduction
What is a State Symbol?
A state symbol is an animal, plant, object, or food that represents a state's unique history, environment, and culture.
Safari Question #1:
Why do states choose symbols? (Hint: Think about pride, identity, and sharing our story!)
The Land of Lincoln
Illinois became the 21st state in 1818. Over the years, citizens (including school kids!) have voted on symbols that represent our home.
Write the definition of "symbol" on your handout.
Slide 2 of 8
Flora & Fauna Safari Wild Illinois
Mammal & Bird: Prides of the Prairie
State Mammal
White-tailed Deer
Chosen by Illinois schoolchildren in 1980! These graceful animals are known for their white tails that flash when they run. They live in woodlands and open prairies.
Fact: Excellent jumpers; can clear fences up to 8 feet high!
State Bird
Northern Cardinal
Voted as state bird in 1928. The male is famous for its bright crimson red feathers and sweet whistling song. They do not migrate, staying in Illinois all winter long!
Fact: Both male and female cardinals sing, which is rare for birds!
Fill in the Deer and Cardinal sections on your notes.
Slide 3 of 8
Flora & Fauna Safari Wild Illinois
Tree & Flower: Roots of the Prairie
State Tree
White Oak
Adopted in 1907. These mighty giants can live for over 300 to 400 years! They provide crucial homes and food (acorns!) for Illinois forest creatures.
Fact: A single mature oak can drop over 10,000 acorns in a good year!
State Flower
Purple Violet
Voted by schoolchildren in 1907. These tiny, beautiful purple blossoms pop up across yards, woods, and prairies in early spring. They are incredibly hardy and resilient!
Fact: Both the leaves and flowers are high in Vitamin C and are actually edible!
Add the White Oak and Purple Violet details to your notes.
Slide 4 of 8
Historical Icons State Pride
The Flag & Great Seal: Sovereignty and Union
The State Flag features the official Great Seal of Illinois. On the seal, a majestic bald eagle holds a banner with the state motto:
"State Sovereignty, National Union"
This means Illinois governs itself locally while remaining deeply loyal to the United States.
The shield has 13 stars & stripes (original colonies)
Dates 1818 & 1868 mark statehood and reorganization
Did You Know?
The flag was originally designed by Lucy Derwent in 1915 after a competition sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Sketch the motto phrase into your guided notes.
Slide 5 of 8
Cultural Icons Heritage & fun
Hat & Snack: A President & A Treat
State Artifact
Lincoln's Stovepipe Hat
Adopted in 2015 to honor Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president. He used his iconic tall black hat to store important letters, legal papers, and speeches!
Fact: Standing at 6'4", the 1-foot-tall hat made Lincoln look over 7 feet tall!
State Snackfood
Popcorn
Voted the state snack in 2003 thanks to determined elementary school students! Illinois has over 300 popcorn farms that grow millions of pounds of corn.
Fact: Popcorn pops because water trapped inside the kernel heats up and bursts!
Record the purpose of Lincoln's hat and the state snack.
Slide 6 of 8
Expedition Challenge Active Game
State Symbol Quick Match!
Let's test our memory. Shout out or raise your hand to answer these rapid-fire questions!
Question 1
Which symbol was voted by kids in 1980?
(A) Cardinal (B) White-tailed Deer (C) Violet
Question 2
Where did Abraham Lincoln store papers?
(A) Under his desk (B) In his stovepipe hat (C) In a mailbox
Question 3
How long can a mighty White Oak live?
(A) 50 years (B) 100 years (C) 300-400 years
How did you do? Let's verify with your neighbors!
Slide 7 of 8
What's Next? Independent Work
Safari Mission: Complete!
Great job following along! You are now an official Illinois Symbol Expert.
Finish Your Guided Notes
Make sure every blank on the front page of your handout is filled in.
Complete the Matching Activity
Flip your sheet over to match the symbol descriptions and test your skills.
Explorer Badge
Once your teacher checks your finished matching activity sheet, you will earn your Illinois Symbol Explorer Badge!
Work quietly with your table partners.
Slide 8 of 8
Symbol Safari Handout
Illinois Symbol Safari
EXPEDITION NOTES
Name:
Date:
How to play: Fill in the blanks as your class travels through the slides! Listen closely for facts, dates, and historical stories.
1 What is a State Symbol?
A state symbol is an , plant, object, or food that represents a state's unique , environment, and culture.
2 Flora and Fauna (Plants and Animals)
White-tailed Deer
Voted by school kids in . They flash their tails when frightened or running.
Northern Cardinal
Voted as the state bird in 1928. The cardinal is famous for its bright red color.
White Oak
Adopted in 1907. These trees live over years! They drop seeds called .
Purple Violet
A tiny, beautiful blossom. Its petals and leaves are edible and super rich in Vitamin !
3 Historical Emblems (Great Seal and Flag)
The banner held in the bald eagle's beak on the flag and seal reads:
"State , National Union".
The shield in the eagle's claws contains stars and stripes representing the original American colonies.
4 Cultural Heritage & Fun
Lincoln's Stovepipe Hat
Adopted in 2015. President Abraham Lincoln stored legal papers and inside his tall 1-foot hat!
Popcorn (State Snack)
Voted in 2003 because of efforts from . Illinois grows millions of pounds of it!
Turn page over to start matching activity! Page 1 of 2
Illinois Symbol Safari
MATCH & CREATE
Safari Challenge Sheet
A Symbol Matchup Mission!
Write the letter of the correct description in the badge circle next to each Illinois state symbol.
1. Northern Cardinal
2. Popcorn
3. Great Seal of Illinois
4. White-tailed Deer
5. Stovepipe Hat
6. White Oak
A. A mighty tree that can live over 300 years and supplies acorns to forest critters.
B. The state snack food produced by over 300 farms in Illinois.
C. Voted by schoolchildren in 1980; is famously alert and has a white tail.
D. President Abraham Lincoln's favorite headwear used to hold important speeches.
E. The state bird; bright red feather coat and sings beautiful morning whistles.
F. Features a bald eagle holding a banner saying "State Sovereignty, National Union".
B Create Your Own Illinois Emblem!
If you could add one brand new state symbol to represent Illinois (like a State Insect, State Toy, or State Food), what would it be? Draw and justify your choice!
