NEW MEXICO PATCH PROGRAM
Our kit offers an interactive book to learn and create at the same time.
It is reproducible for your group.
All levels need to only complete 3 requirements

1. New Mexico is the 47th state and is nicknamed the "The Land of Enchantment". It also has the oldest capital city in the United States. Locate the state on a map of the United States. Identify the capital, state flower, flag and bird.

2. New Mexico has a history rich in Native American culture. The New Mexico patch depicts a "pueblo" house and Native American pottery. The word "pueblo" is the Native American term for house. Learn more about a Native American tribe in New Mexico or create pictographs, or learn a dance, attend a festival, create a craft or view their art work. Some well-known tribes are Anasazi, Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, Comanche and Ute.

3. In 1598, New Mexico's first permanent colony was established at San Juan by Spanish settlers. Spanish culture begin merging with Native American traditions. They learned to share their knowledge and live together while keeping their traditional events in tact. This created a variety of festivals, fairs and events to celebrate. Choose a festival to celebrate or learn more about. Some examples are: Whole Enchilada Fiesta, International Balloon Fiesta, Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, and Albuquerque Indian Market.

4. Did you know that the White Sands National Monument is a desert, not of sand, but of gleaming white gypsum crystals and that many people have used New Mexico's hot springs for hundreds of years to soothe their aches and pains? Choose a historical site, museum, or natural site to view or learn more about. For example: Ice Caves, Bisti Badlands, Four Corners Monument, or Shiprock Pinnacle.

5. New Mexico is the 3rd largest art market in the United States. It offers a variety of art, jewelry, pottery, and preserved historical art at their local museums, galleries and local events. Create an art project representing the New Mexico culture or scenery. Some examples include: pottery, scenic paintings, jewelry, rugs, beadwork, baskets and furniture.

6. New Mexican food is a unique blend of the cultures that reside there. To a recipe or food that represents New Mexico. Some examples include: fajitas, enchiladas, chips and salsa, tacos, nachos, squash, and fry bread.

7. There are over 100 lakes and rivers, 29 State Parks, and 5 National Forests located in New Mexico. Visit a state park, collect litter in parks, take a nature hike, or have an outdoor scavenger hunt for wildlife.

8. William Hanna created the characters Yogi Bear and The Flintstones. Research two famous people that resided in New Mexico. What did they accomplish and where were they from? Some examples are: Judy Blume, Georgia O'Keefe, Demi Moore, and Maria Benitez.

9. A Navajo sheepherder, Paddy Martinez, discovered uranium in New Mexico. What color is uranium and what is it used for? What other resources or crops does New Mexico produce? Some examples include: Chile peppers, pecans, barley, afalfa, onions, hay, and milk.

10. During the 19th century, Rodeos began in New Mexico. Today the population of cattle and sheep are greater than the number of people. Research more about rodeos, cowgirls or cowboys, watch a rodeo, ride a horse, draw a picture of a cowboy or girl or find out some of the equipment or clothing needed to ride a horse or be in a rodeo.

11. Excluding the southeastern corner of New Mexico, dinosaur bones have been found all across the state. In addition, archeologists have found preserved footprints and teeth of dinosaurs. Today they are displayed in many museums throughout the world. Choose two dinosaurs to learn more about. Did they eat meat or plants? Fly or walk? Examples are: Alamosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Seismosaurus, Torosaurus, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus.