Welcome to the next addition in our 50 States Unit Study: Tennessee! Tennessee is home to beautiful mountains and forests. The capital is Nashville, home to country music. Read on to discover more about Tennessee. Then, check out the other states in the 50 states unit study.
From the Great Smokey Mountains national park to the Grand Ole Opry (the heart of country music), Tennessee is home to several celebrities, beautiful landscapes, and is the 16th most populous state in the US.
Tennessee Facts
Tennessee is home to many celebrities and some of the biggest names in country music, such as Dolly Parton and Trace Adkins. It’s also home to many mountain ranges including the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Mountains, and part of the Appalachian Mountains. Its nickname is the Volunteer State, which it received in the War of 1812. There is a little something for everyone in Tennessee.
Fact One: Tennessee has more tree species than any other state.
Because of the wide variety of mountains and landscapes, Tennessee has more tree species than any other state.
Learn more about trees with these ideas:
- Grab Q-tips to make an autumn tree.
- Use handprints for this tree craft.
- Trees: A Rooted History is a giant book filled with vivid images about the history of trees.
- The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green shows kids how incredible trees are. It includes beautiful watercolor images to bring trees and their beauty to life.
- Make a 3D Christmas tree with this engineering craft.
Fact Two: The Raccoon is the Tennessee State Mammal.
The raccoon is the Tennessee state mammal. This sly creature is native to North America and are around the size of a small dog. Don’t let their size fool you. Raccoons are known for their intelligence and curiosity. They might be found breaking into your garden or trash can!
Learn more about raccoons with the ideas below:
- Sneaky bandit! Make this acorn holding raccoon.
- Try this shape-based raccoon craft.
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a classic picture book about a young raccoon and his mother.
- Learn about woodland animals and their habitats with these printables.
- Grab a cup for this 3D raccoon craft.
Fact Three: Davy Crockett was from Tennessee.
Pioneer and American folk hero Davy Crockett grew up in East Tennessee.
Learn more about Davy Crockett with these ideas:
- Make a Davy Crockett style coonskin cape.
- What did kids play with back then? Make this simple pioneer children’s toy.
- A Pioneer Sampler shows what life was like during the Pioneer Era.
- Who Was Davy Crockett? is a great introduction to Crockett’s life.
- Design a colonial settlement that can withstand the elements and challenges with this simulation activity!
Fact Four: The Honey Bee is the Tennessee State Insect.
Honey bees are crucial for agriculture and crops. Honey bees are the only insect that produces food that humans can keep. Bees pollinating flowers helps keep flowers looking fresh and beautiful!
Here are some resources to help you learn more about honey bees:
- Make a bee puppet with a paper straw.
- The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall is a lovely picture book about honey bees.
- Practice coding with this bee-themed game of chance.
- Try this 3D life cycle of a bee.
- Grab some cardstock for this wooden bee craft.
Fact Five: Nashville, TN is the country music capital of the world.
Tennessee has given us a plethora of great musicians, and it’s no wonder that Nashville is the country music capital of the world. Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry, a large concert hall known for classic performances.
Learn more about Nashville and country music with these:
- Create a toy guitar out of recycled materials.
- Use your footprint for this guitar-themed art activity.
- Who is Dolly Parton? can introduce kids to one of the most well-known country singers.
- Create a rubber band guitar with this STEM activity.
- Make your own country sheet music with this fingerprint activity.
More STATE Resources:
- 14 Pages: Tennessee State Unit Study
- 208 Kid Friendly Things to See and do in Tennessee
- Tennessee Crafts for Children
- Free Tennessee State Fact File Worksheets
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