For many people, the state of Florida is synonymous with vacation. After all, with world recognized locations like Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens and hot spots like South Beach, Miami and Key West, enjoying the treats of Florida tourism is viewed as the perfect panacea for pleasure. However, there is much more to Florida than tourist attractions. It is also rich in a colorful history that traces its roots to European explores and adventures.
10 Questions About Florida
Florida’s history is filled with legends of the Fountain of Youth, Native American folklore, war heroes, adventurers and determined explorers. So, if one is a homeschooler, then Florida tourism offers many opportunities to combine entertainment with education. Before setting out on a Florida vacation, why not see what one’s family can recall? Here are 10 questions to use:
- What city celebrated its 450th anniversary of the first Spanish settlement attempt in 2009?
- What is the name of the first free black community in North America, established north of St. Augustine in 1738?
- What city will celebrate its 450th anniversary of its founding in 2015?
- Who founded St. Augustine in 1565?
- What Spanish explorer observed the first Christmas in Florida in 1539 in present-day Tallahassee?
- Which explorer will be celebrated in 2013 for the 500th anniversary of his arrival and exploration of Florida?
- Which city is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in America?
- What is the name of the explorer who landed in Pensacola Bay in 1559 with his expedition?
- What Spanish man, tattooed and versed in multiple native languages, was found in 1539 by Hernado de Soto to be living among natives, years after having gone in search of P`anfilo de Narvaez?
- When and where was the first European Thanksgiving in North America celebrated? (Hint: It’s not in New England)
Answers to the Florida Questions
- Pensacola
- Fort Mose
- St. Augustine
- Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
- Hernado de Soto
- Juan Ponce de León
- St. Augustine
- Tristán de Luna
- Juan Ortiz
- September 8, 1565 in St. Augustine
So, how did it go? If these questions were difficult, don’t feel bad. There are many interesting stories to be learned when enjoying the delights of Florida tourism. So when planning a trip, make it a point to not only have an enjoyable time surfing, sunbathing, and swimming but to also learn about this beautiful state. There are many opportunities for combining education with entertainment.
If one is a homeschooler, then it is not uncommon to plan trips in the off-season. But just because it is vacation, doesn't mean that learning gets forgotten. Take advantage of the learning opportunities in Florida. Whether it is a day in St. Augustine learning about the explorers, taking a trip through the Everglades, or visiting the Pensacola Lighthouse there are many ways to have fun and learn at the same time.
J. Marie Cunningham-Slagell - Whether I am writing about diabetic health care, mobile phone companies or visiting a new state, I take time to research my topic ...
