Arkansas State Unit Study for K-3rd Grade

Are you ready to explore Arkansas? I’m participating in the Learning Through the 50 States series and I am bringing you an Arkansas state unit study for early elementary students. I’ve lived in Arkansas most of my life now, and there is actually a lot more here than you may expect. Did you know Arkansas is known as the Natural State? There are lots of great outdoor spaces to explore here! 

Arkansas State Unit Study

Arkansas History/Fun Facts

There are a lot of great websites to help you. Arkansas.com has almost all the interesting facts you would want to know about the state.

The Arkansas Secretary of State also has information for students that includes games and puzzles.

You can find some funny facts about Arkansas at Legends of America. 

Places to Explore in Arkansas

Arkansas is the Natural State and there is no shortage of places to explore the outdoors. There are several lakes in Arkansas. This is where we like to spend our summers. We fish, ski, swim and just laze around at the lake! There are also several state parks here that offer hiking trails, horseback riding trails, nature centers, and peace from the hustle and bustle of life. A few of my personal favorite places are:

Petit Jean State Park – This is a great place to visit for the hiking trails. You can even hike the Rock House Cave Trail and see Native American drawings for yourself. Petit Jean is considered the state’s first state park and is the perfect spot to take in Arkansas’ scenery.

Mount Magazine – Mount Magazine (pictured above) is another beautiful state park. Climb to the top of the mountain (or drive) and see Arkansas from the top of the world! 

Hot Springs – Hot Springs is the state’s spa city and said to be America’s first resort town. There’s lots to do here. Go downtown and visit the shops, tour Bathhouse Row (America’s first bathhouses), visit a lake, or hike a trail.

Garvan Woodland Gardens – This garden is actually located in Hot Springs, but it is a beautiful place to tour to see the different kinds of flowers that can be grown in Arkansas.

Blanchard Springs Caverns – Did you know Arkansas has caverns? Blanchard Springs will take you underground to learn all about caverns and caves.

Arkansas Recipes

When you visit Arkansas you have to try the sweet tea. It’s an icon, seriously. There aren’t a lot of people here who drink hot tea unless they are sick. That’s what coffee is for! We love sweet tea! Here’s my recipe.

Boil 2 quarts of water and steep a gallon size tea bag for about 5 minutes. I prefer Lipton brand.

Stir in 1.5 to 2 cups sugar until it dissolves.

Pour tea into a gallon sized pitcher and top with more water.

Serve over ice!

Printables/Lesson Plans

Here are a few helpful websites to help you with printable lesson plans:

Arkansas Travel and Tourism Lesson Plans

Arkansas Teacher and Student Resources

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