Although the American Bald Eagle has been a symbol of the United States since it first appeared on the Great Seal, it technically is NOT the national bird of the United States. On July 29, 2024, the Senate passed a bill to make it officially the national bird, and it is now awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. Track the bill's progress through Congress here: congress.gov
Learn all about bald eagles on the U.S. National Park Service Bald Eagle, Channel Islands National Park page. Image of the bald eagle from nps.gov.
The American bison became the national mammal on May 9, 2016, when President Obama signed the the National Bison Legacy Act.
Source: National Park Service
Learn all about the American bison from what they look like to what they eat to where to see them and conservation efforts to protect them on the U.S. National Park Service Bison page. Image from nps.gov.
American Bison by
American bison are an icon of the American West, but they nearly disappeared forever. American Bison reveals the importance of America's national mammal to the West, how hunting in the 1800s nearly led to its extinction, and how people are using science to save the species. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
The Bald Eagle by
This strong and beautiful bird is a symbol for an entire country. It is the bald eagle, and Americans made it their national emblem more than 200 years ago. Join Bill the bird keeper to see how this bird lives and how it became a symbol of the United States.
Colton's Time Machine by
The new series, Colton's Time Machine books, are spin-offs from the original Colton's Pocket Dragon books. Colton felt it was time for his dragons to get a little education about history, so he built a machine that would take all of them back in time. In this book Colton and his dragons will travel back in time to 1789, in Philadelphia, to ring the "Liberty Bell" with President George Washington. Then Colton and the dragons will go to 1782, in Philadelphia, to help in choosing our national symbol, "The Bald Eagle." Their final stop will be 1814, to work with Francis Scott Key to finish writing our National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Oaks, The Mighty Tree by
Oaks, the Mighty Tree will teach your child a bit about science, a little about history, and much about the span of tree life.
Oaks is an engaging character with observations over the lifetime of three hundred years to help your child to see life from the eyes of a tree!
Once introduced, your child will love Oaks!
Explore a large assortment of resources designed for K-5 students to help them learn about national symbols. Explora - Elementary contains relevant articles from children's magazines, ebooks, and reference materials.
Note: Articles can be translated into over 130 language for ESL students. When accessing articles, select Online Full Text versions rather than PDF versions when available to utilize the translation feature. Open the Online Full Text version of the article, and then click the globe icon in the top right corner to access the translation feature.
Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald? by
A bald eagle doesn't sound like an attractive bird. But it's pictured on the Great Seal of the United States and on the dollar bill. Why was this bird chosen as a national symbol? Join Ms. Patel's class as they find out why bald eagles are important, what the Great Seal stands for, and how bald eagles live in the wild. A special guest also pays the class a visit!
Look at an Oak Tree by
Study the different parts of an oak tree, including the roots, trunk, seeds, and leaves.
Oak Tree by
Describes the life cycle of the oak tree from flower, to acorn, to towering tree.
Discover a large collection of ebooks, articles, and reference materials all about national symbols, perfect for middle and high school students. Below is a sample of available titles.
Note: Articles can be translated into over 130 language for ESL students. When accessing articles, select Online Full Text versions rather than PDF versions when available to utilize the translation feature. Open the Online Full Text version of the article, and then click the globe icon in the top right corner to access the translation feature.
The Bald Eagle by
Describes The History Behind The Symbol Chosen To Be Significant By The People Of The United States.
Bald Eagles in the Wild by
The majestic Bald Eagle was adopted in 1782 as America's official bird. It has historically been a symbol of freedom and patriotism in the United States of America, and for good reason. The bird is associated with authority and has a fierce beauty that speaks to those who look upon it. Today, the Bald Eagle is a protected species. Once on the brink of extinction, it is currently enjoying a comeback. In this book, wildlife and bird photography specialist Jeffrey Rich showcases over 150 of his storytelling photographs of Bald Eagles and shares insights into the birds' habitat, feeding habits, mating patterns, the care of their young, and more. Readers will marvel over images of birds in flight, in nests with their young, at rest, preening, and capturing prey, as Rich chronicles the daily lives, in detail, of America's favorite bird.
Great Plains Bison by
A Project of the Center for Great Plains Studies and the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska Great Plains Bison traces the history and ecology of this American symbol from the origins of the great herds that once dominated the prairie to its near extinction in the late nineteenth century and the subsequent efforts to restore the bison population. A longtime wildlife biologist and one of the most powerful literary voices on the Great Plains, Dan O'Brien has managed his own ethically run buffalo ranch since 1997. Drawing on both extensive research and decades of personal experience, he details not only the natural history of the bison but also its prominent symbolism in Native American culture and its rise as an icon of the Great Plains. Great Plains Bison is a tribute to the bison's essential place at the heart of the North American prairie and its ability to inspire naturalists and wildlife advocates in the fight to preserve American biodiversity.
Yes, You Can Grow Roses by
We hear roses are hard to grow. . . . We hear they require constant care and treatment. . . . Depending on where we live, we hear they can't stand the heat . . . the cold . . . the humidity . . . the arid air. The list of reasons not to grow roses is long, yet we persevere.--from the first chapter Most gardeners have tried, with more or less success, to grow roses. For a plant that has been in cultivation all over the world for millennia, roses have an oddly persistent reputation for being finicky and disease-prone, difficult to establish, and in need of constant tending. And then you see a sprawling shrub, loaded with yellow blossoms, spilling carelessly over a church dumpster or a climbing mass of red roses clambering over a chain link fence. You wonder why growing a rose bush in your backyard should be so intimidating. Now, veteran gardener and author Judy Barrett tackles the persistent rumors and illusions that inhibit many of us from trying our hand at cultivating roses. She answers the most common questions (how to water, prune, train, and choose the best locations, among others) and then points readers in the direction of the many good choices to be had among both antique and old roses (the Bourbons and China roses, for example) and some newer varieties (hybrid teas, miniatures, and others). She also gives advice about cold-hardy roses and offers tips for ensuring success with heat- and drought-tolerant Earth-Kind® roses. Illustrated with gorgeous photographs throughout, Yes, You Can Grow Roses will convince you that these beautiful plants are not nearly as fussy, frail, and persnickety as you thought. By following Barrett's advice, you'll enjoy season after season of durable, aromatic beauty in your garden.
In 2004, the Arbor Day Foundation held a vote of the American people to see what tree should become the national tree. The bill was passed and signed into law on September 8, 2004.
Source: congress.gov
Access the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Field Guide to Native Oak Species of Eastern North America. Image of a bur oak tree from USDA.
On October 7, 1986, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation declaring the rose to be the national flower.
Source: house.gov
Learn more about roses including fun facts at KidsGardening.org. Image of roses from the School Photo Project.
Read or listen to reference entries about national plants and animals, plus see the correlated Missouri Learning Standards for each article. Also, browse art featuring the symbols. Select articles from World Book Kids for students in grades K-5, World Book Student for students in grades 6-12, and Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos for students in grades K-5.
Scholastic Teachables offers a variety of lessons and clip art to supplement your classroom activities. Below is a sample of lessons about bald eagles.
Use the search box below to find items in our catalog. Below is a sample of available titles.
The American Buffalo: A Film by Ken Burns (Movie) by
The American buffalo
Published : 2023 | English
For Later
Options
America's national mammal sustained the lives of Native people for untold generations before being driven to the brink of extinction, eventually prompting an unlikely collection of people to rescue it from disappearing forever.
The Bald Eagle by
If you watch the majestic American bald eagle fly above the treetops, it's easy to see why it stands for freedom and strength in the United States. As the national emblem, it's seen on government buildings and documents, and is often used to symbolize national pride. Readers learn how the American bald eagle came to be the national bird of the United States and the many ways its image is used. Full-color photographs of the American bald eagle highlight its fierce beauty. A timeline guides readers through its creation as a national symbol.
Eagle Power (Movie) by
"The bald eagle is a North American legend, with a deep connection to Native American cultures and emblematic status that helped it make a remarkable journey back from the brink of extinction. But what makes this iconic predator so extraordinary? And how does it fit into the global family of some 60 eagle species spread across six continents? NOVA takes you into the lives of these spectacular birds, following a next of bald eagle chicks as they face everything from sibling rivalries to insect swarms and learn the skills they'll need to survive."--Container
History Comics: the American Bison by
An American Library Association 2021 Best Graphic Novel for Children Turn back the clock with History Comics, First Second's new nonfiction graphic novel series! In this volume, learn how millions of buffalo once roamed the American prairie--until they were nearly driven to extinction. In the early 18th century the American prairies shook under the hooves of nearly 30 million bison. Fast as a horse, tall as a person, and heavier than both combined, they roamed from coast to coast. A century later, people struggled to find a single one left alive. How did the great herds disappear, and what will it take to bring them back?
Oak Tree by
A giant oak tree grows in a park. It was once a little acorn. So how did it get so big? Beginning readers will discover how an acorn turns into an oak tree in clear, simple steps in this basic introduction to plant development. Each 24-page book features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The clear text, fresh design, and colorful, eye-catching photos are sure to capture the interest of emergent readers.