3.3.4 PA's Human Characteristics

​Pennsylvania's Human Characteristics
Learners can: 

• identify at least two human characteristics of Pennsylvania

​Did you know that each state has symbols that best represent that state?

For example, each state has its own flag representing the state and its people.
Pennsylvania's flag shows the state's coat of arms.

A coat of arms is a symbol that combines objects and colors that have special meanings.

​The bald eagle shows that Pennsylvania is proud to be part of America.
In the center of the coat is a shield. The ship at the top represents how PA transports goods all over the world. The plow in the middle represents PA's resources and the 3 bundles of wheat represent PA's good soil and wealth.
On both sides of the shield stand two horses, there are a symbol which means hard work.
The corn stalk and olive branch represent peace and good fortune.
The state's motto is at the bottom
EDIO VIDEO PAGE 3

​The Settlement of Pennsylvania

In March of 1681, King Charles II gave William Penn the charter, or an official document, for the land that would become the colony of Pennsylvania.

In October of 1682, Penn traveled to the new land he owned. At the time, most of the land was covered in thick forests. It was named Pennsylvania, or “Penn's Woods,” in honor of his father, also named William Penn.

When Penn first arrived in Pennsylvania, he came upon a settlement that had already been established. He named the settlement Chester, after a town in England, and created it as a safe place for Quakers.
Quakers were a religious group with many traditions and beliefs that differed from many regions at that time.

Quakers believed in:

• living simply;

• staying away from any violence or war; and

• treating all people equally.

  
  

​Later, in 1682, Penn traveled North on the Delaware River and founded the city of Philadelphia. Its name means “brotherly love.” Before arriving in Pennsylvania, Penn created plans for a new city. Philadelphia proved to be the perfect place to build a new settlement. Philadelphia was the first city to be planned before it was built in North America. It became a model for how future cities would be built in the United States. Philadelphia was strategically planned and built for its success and population growth. With over a million people living there, it is the most populous city in Pennsylvania. In 1787, after America gained its independence, Pennsylvania became the second official state of the United States of America.

​Popular Places in Pennsylvania

Due to its favorable climate, natural resources, location, and historical beginnings, Pennsylvania is a popular place to settle.

Pennsylvania is the fifth most populous state, with a population of almost 13 million people. In addition to Philadelphia, there are many well-known places in Pennsylvania due to their contribution to American history or their popular attractions. Pennsylvania is a populated state with many notable places, including places like: Pennsylvania's largest cities are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. They are both port cities, which makes it easier for large ships to load and unload people and goods.
Pennsylvania's Industries

A state's economy is the way it produces and uses natural resources, goods, and services.

Much of Pennsylvania's economy uses its natural resources. These resources create many jobs. Many of Pennsylvania's nonrenewable natural resources provide energy. Coal, oil, and natural gas can all be found in Pennsylvania, creating jobs in energy production. After Texas, Pennsylvania is the United States' second-largest natural gas producer!
Pennsylvania is home to many modern manufacturing businesses, also centrally located between major cities, also has become a popular state for medical companies, logistics and distribution has found their home here as well as plastics and finally food processing.

​Culture is the way a group of people live. It can include language, clothing, food, and traditions.
Language: About 80% of PA's residents speak only English, however there are currently over twenty language spoken here. Pennsylvania Dutch is a common German language that is spoken by many members of the Amish community.
Food: PA is well-known for a lot of its food such as Philly cheesesteak from Philadelphia, Shoo-fly Pie that comes from Lancaster, or bologna from Lebanon. Much of PA"s food is influences by the Dutch ancestors.
Clothing: Due to the temperate climate of PA, residents dress for the temperature outside.
Traditions: A few traditions in PA are groundhog day and many people in PA eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day.

Multiple Choice

Much of Pennsylvania's culture was influenced by which group of people?

• Chinese

• Dutch

• French

• Speanish

Word Cloud

What are two human characteristics of Pennsylvania?

Today, you learned about Pennsylvania's human characteristics.

You learned about how Pennsylvania was named and how Philadelphia, the state's most populated city, was first developed.

Pennsylvania has many well-known places that are popular for their contribution to American history, amusement parks, or the industries they provide.

Pennsylvania has a great economy that provides many jobs for its people!

Finally, you learned that Pennsylvania has a rich culture, much of which stems back to its Dutch heritage.

Great job today!