Alaska State Flag
Alaska became the forty-ninth state of the United States in 1959. Alaska is by far the largest state, but only two states have less population. Juneau is the state capital. The state has experienced booms in furs, fishing, whaling, gold, and oil. Idea: Children could research Alaska more and try to predict its next economic focus.
Petroleum was discovered in Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1859. W. A. Smith found oil as he was sinking a shaft in Pennsylvania. The rig was soon producing twenty barrels of crude oil a day. Children can learn more about oil production and refinement at: