Requirements

1. Michigan History Every state has a history…research Michigan’s. When was it settled? When did it become a state? How has the State of Michigan changed? Research online or at the library. Create a timeline of Michigan history. Cover a decade, a century, or go back as far as you like. Include at least 20 historical events.

2. Michigan’s State Flag Learn about the State flag. When was it adopted? What do the symbols stand for? What do the words mean? What is our State motto. How has it changed over the years? Search the web, download a picture of the flag, and color it as accurately as possible.

3. Michigan Lighthouses Michigan has a rich maritime heritage. Did you know that Michigan has over 120 lighthouses, more that any other state? Each lighthouse has it’s own unique design. Find a picture of one. Tour or research a lighthouse and learn how they work or learn about keepers and their tools.

4. Michigan Landmarks Research locations of National Historic Landmarks and Michigan Historical Markers. What is the difference between the two designations? Michigan has many National Historic Landmarks including the Fox Theater, Grand Hotel, Soo Canal, USS Silversides, and Cranbrook, just to name a few. Michigan Historical Markers are located throughout the state…there just may be one in your own community! Visit one and discover more about it.

5. Michigan Legends The legend of Paul Bunyan grew out of the early Michigan logging industry. The legend of the Sleeping Bear Dunes is even older. Learn about one of these legends or find other legends about Michigan. Write a play or puppet show about one or create one of your own. Perform the show for a younger troop or at your next meeting,

6. Michigan Industry The three largest income-producing industries in Michigan are manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. Plan a trip to a Michigan tourist destination. Include a budget for transportation, tickets, food, lodging, and miscellaneous. Write to the Visitor's Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for some tourist flyers and information. MICHIGAN Water, it’s the reason European explorers and fur traders arrived in Michigan long before they got to many other parts of the Midwest. With shoreline on four of the five Great Lakes it’s also the reason it attracts travelers today. Michigan also have vast forests, farmland, large cities, and small towns. The state is a paradise of recreation in both the summer and winter months. Michigan is a great place to live or a great place to visit! Our Own Council’s Michigan Junior Badge continued

7. Michigan State Parks The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) operates all Michigan parks. There are State parks, National Forests, and pathways. Learn about our park system by visiting one. Many parks offer educational programs, or you can join the State Explorer Program.

8. Michigan Wildflowers Identify at least 5 wildflowers found in Michigan. Look them up in a book on regional wildflowers and find out to which family each belongs. See if you can find them in you back yard or at a local park. Learn about rules that protect wildflowers.

9. Michigan Native Americans Native Americans were living in the land that became Michigan before it was settled by the Europeans. Name three major tribes that lived in Michigan. Find out about one of them. Make something that they used during their daily life, prepare a traditional dish, or play a game they would have played.

10. Michigan’s Car Industry Michigan is known as the car capitol of the world. How did Henry Ford change the auto industry? What is the “Big Three”? How have cars changed since the first ones were built? Are they safer? More reliable? Faster? Design your dream car.

11. The Mighty Mac Construction of the Mackinac Bridge began in March of 1954. Learn more about the bridge and answer the following questions: How long did it take to construct and what day did it open to traffic? Why was it called the “Mighty Mac”? What type of bridge is it? How long is it? What event is held at the bridge on Labor Day each year? Create a poster to share with others illustrating these facts. Include a sketch, picture, or postcard of the Mighty Mac.

12. Michigan’s Hall of Fame Write a short report or presentation about a famous person from Michigan or a famous person who made their home in Michigan. Use props if you like and perform for your troop or family.