In a ceremony on May 21, 2001, the United States Mint celebrated the release of the newest state's quarter, at a ceremony in Newport, RI. The ceremony, held at Fort Adams State Park, marked the release of the thirteenth state's quarter to be celebrated as a part of the 50 State Quarters® Program.
Teachers, below you will find several activities and links that will bring the excitement of Rhode Island's "State Quarter Day" into your classroom.
Rhode Island Quarter
Learn more about the latest quarter and the important symbols that inspired it.
50 State Quarters Program
Find out more about this program that honors every state in America!
50 State Quarters Program Lesson Plans
The 50 State Quarters Program lesson plans are now available on the H.I.P. Pocket Change™ Web site for use in your classroom! Check out these exciting plans that are FREE to download, and are available in sets designed specifically for grades K–1, 2–3, and 4–6.
State Quarter Day Classroom Activities
Here are some fun ways to infuse your curriculum with activities that celebrate the arrival of the newest quarter in circulation!
Also, take a trip to Get a Clue About Collecting to Find the Hidden Coins that are a part of the 50 State Quarters Program.
Connected Coins and Medals
Rhode Island may be known as "The Ocean State," but it certainly isn't the first coin to feature a boat on one of its sides. Take a look at these coins which feature important ships which have played a part in the formation of our country:
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The ships that carried cargo and crew to our nation's oldest settlement are honored with another of the coins from the 50 State Quarters Program, the 2000 Virginia quarter design. Read more about these ships and the historic voyage that they made when you stop by the Coin News section of H.I.P. Pocket Change. |
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Some more of our nations earliest settlers arrived on one of the best known ships in American history, the Mayflower. See how this important journey is commemorated when you read about the Pilgrim Tercentenary commemorative coin from 1920. |
Our Foreign Friends
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The coins produced for the 50 State Quarters Program share much in common with the European currency, the euro. With your students, visit the interactive cartoon, Coins of the World, to see how these two programs are similar (here's a hint: look at the backs of euros from different countries, and then look at their fronts). |
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Quarter Games
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Here's a challenge for your students! Put all the pieces of the Rhode Island quarter back together—in three minutes or less! |
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Are your students budding artists? Let them try their hands at painting the Rhode Island quarter. A green sailboat on a purple sea...let your imagination run wild! |
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Here's a word search all about quarters and other coins. Can your students find all the words on each list? |
A Coinage Cartoon
Teachers' Network
Teachers, if we've piqued your interest with the activities above, please sign up for the Teachers' Network. As a member, you can receive information about all of the new educational resources that become available from the United States Mint!
