Interesting Facts about Kansas

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These interesting facts about Kansas for kids include Amelia Earhart, the discovery of helium, the windiest city in the U.S., and Dwight Eisenhower’s birthplace.

This is part of the 50 states unit study as we travel around America, learning about the history of each state. Check out these Kansas facts for kids below! Find some fun crafts, activities, and books for each state that will engage kids of all ages.

5 Interesting Facts about Kansas

Nestled in the central-west part of the United States, Kansas stretches across vast plains and fertile farming land. Topeka, the capital, proudly stands at the heart of Kansas, which people affectionately call The Sunflower State. It became a state in 1861 and is 35th in population in the U.S. 

Fact One: Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean 

Amelia Earhart, born in Atchison, Kansas in 1897, broke barriers by becoming the first woman to earn a pilot’s license.

Not only did she achieve this groundbreaking feat, but she also became the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, inspiring countless others.

Later, in 1968, the National Aviation Hall of Fame inducted her, recognizing her as one of the most influential figures in aviation history.

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make this cool clothespin airplane with your kids. 
• Do this word search with Amelia Earhart. 
• This Story of Amelia Earhart book is a wonderful biography for young readers. 
• Do these Amelia Earhart worksheets and activities to learn all about this famous woman. 
• Make this awesome Amelia Earhart costume! 

Fact Two: Helium was discovered in a new well in Kansas 

In Dexter, Kansas, an oil well unexpectedly produced a strange gas, which scientists later identified as helium.

Following this remarkable discovery, researchers found helium reserves in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, significantly expanding its availability.

As a result, the U.S. emerged as the world’s largest helium producer in 2014, highlighting the nation’s pivotal role in the global helium market.

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make this colorful hot air balloon craft with your kids. 
• This tissue paper hot air balloon is a blast! 
• Read Hooray for Helium!
• These hot air balloon suncatchers are so much fun. 
• Make these yarn-wrapped hot air balloons with your kids. 

      

 

Fact Three: Dodge City, Kansas is the windiest city in the United States

While Chicago is named “The Windy City,” it’s not, in fact, the windiest city in the United States. That honor goes to Dodge City, Kansas. The average speed of wind throughout the year is 14 miles per hour and you can expect tornadoes often. 

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make these paper pinwheels for fun in the wind.
• Your toddlers will love making this Japanese fish kite. 
• Read about the wind in Feel the Wind. 
• Help your kids make this beaded wind chime at home. 
• These colorful stained glass kites will make any room in your house sparkly. 

Fact Four: Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Abilene, Kansas 

President Dwight Eisenhower was born in 1890 and was the 34th president of the United States. He was a five-star general in the United States Army and commanded many battles during his time as president. He is known as one of the best leaders of the country.  

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make this fun Duck for President craft with construction paper, scissors, and glue. 
• Try this President’s Day Flap Book filled with writing activities for kids. 
• Read this fun biography of President Eisenhower in Who Was Dwight D. Eisenhower?   
• These 4th of July Math Activities are perfect for learning math. 
• Get creative with these President’s Day photo props. 

Fact Five: The Highline Bridge is double-tracked and double-decked

 The Highline Bridge can carry trains on both levels and was built in 1919. It connects large rail yards and carries both passengers and non-human haul. 

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make this fun bridge with paper cups and plates. 
• Build this strong popsicle stick bridge with your kids. 
• Use this paper model kit book to help your kids build a bridge in How to Build a Bridge.
• This bone bridge made out of Q-tips, skewer sticks, and clothespins is a blast. 
• This STEM engineering bridge is a fun activity for older kids. 

More Kansas Resources:

• Famous Kansas Recipes 
• Kid-Friendly Things to do in Lawrence Kansas 
• Kansas Crafts for Kids 
• Kansas State Books for Kids 

Interesting Facts about Other States:

• Interesting facts about Ohio
• Alaska Interesting Information
• 5 fun facts about Minnesota
• Learn about California

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