Your Key to the Virginia General Assembly
Emblems of Virginia
Emblems of Virginia
The State Bird is the Cardinal
The Cardinal is easy to spot because it is bright red! You might see one in a dogwood tree.
The State Flower is the American Dogwood
The American Dogwood is unique because it is a tree and a flower. The blooms are white or pink.
The State Insect is the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
The Tiger Swallowtail has distinct stripes like a tiger and can be found across Virginia!
The State Freshwater Fish is the Brook Trout
This fish lives in the clear, cold waters of Virginia's mountain rivers and streams.
The Official State Folk Dance is the Square Dance
The State Saltwater Fish is the Striped Bass
The striped bass lives in the waters off Virginia's coast.
The State Boat is the Chesapeake Bay Deadrise
The boat is often used by harvesters to collect oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
The State Shell is the Oyster
Oysters live underwater in the Chesapeake Bay. They grow into different shapes and sizes.
The State Fossil is the Chesapecten Jeffersonius Fossil
This is a fossilized form of an extinct scallop. It was named for Thomas Jefferson because of his interest in natural history.
The State Rock is the Nelsonite
This tan and dark speckled, titanium-laced rock is named after Nelson County, Virginia where it was discovered.
The State Snake is the Eastern Garter Snake
This snake is eaither a greenish, brown or black color and has a distinct yellow or white stripe.
The State Dog is the American Foxhound
America's first President, George Washington, had foxhounds. They have white fur and tan spots.
The State Bat is the Big-Eared Bat
Bats have dark brown fur. You might see one flying outside at night.
The State Beverage is Milk
Milk comes from dairy farms and is often found in your school cafeteria.
The State Horse is the Chincoteague Pony
The State Pollinator is the European Honey Bee
Credit: Portraiture in this section (excluding state song) created by Michael and Karri Mohr / Capitol Classroom.
Click here for directions.
Directions: Click the image below to open the activity in a new window and select "Make a copy". Follow the directions for each emblem.
Additional Resources Needed: Access to Google Slides is needed for this activity.
Click here for directions.
Directions: Study the emblem icons and information in the dropdown boxes. Once you are done, go to the activity. Each statement is missing a word. Type the correct word for each statement to reveal a piece of the puzzle. Correctly complete each statement to reveal a picture of the official Virginia State Songs and links to audio of each song.
Additional Resources Needed: None.
Click here for directions.
Directions: Study the emblem icons and information in the dropdown boxes. Once you are done, go to the activity. Each statement is missing a word. Type the correct word for each statement to reveal a piece of the puzzle. Correctly complete each statement to reveal a picture of the official Virginia State Songs and links to audio of each song.
Additional Resources Needed: None.
Click here for directions.
Directions: For the state bird, flower, and insect, follow the instructions and color by number. For the state song and state dance, choose the colors you think are best for the picture.
Additional Resources Needed: Printer, 8 1/2"x11" printer paper, crayons, colored pencils or other art supplies.
Your Key to Emblems - State Dance
Your Key to Emblems - State Songs
Your Key to Emblems - State Bird/Flower
Your Key to Emblems - State Insect