Print out pictures and words that represent key events or facts about early Indiana history. For example, print out the titles of significant treaties that affected Indiana, such as the Northwest Ordinance or the Treaty of Paris. Then copy images, such as pictures of William Henry Harrison (a president born in Indiana) or James Whitcomb Riley (a famous Hoosier poet). Make two copies of each picture or group of words and cut them out in equal squares. Use cardstock when printing so students cannot see the graphic through the back. Turn the papers upside down on a table and have the students turn over two pieces during their turn. The goal is to make a match. Making matches keeps players in the game. The last person remaining wins. Take advantage of students' interest in matching the cards by explaining the event or person's significance in early Indiana history.
Gather the names of famous Hoosiers or those who affected early Indiana history, for example, Johnny Appleseed (a missionary), George Rogers Clark (an early explorer), Benjamin Harrison (a U.S. president) or Wilbur Wright (an inventor). Have one child sit in front of the rest and represent this famous person to the class. Instruct the other students to ask yes-no questions of the child to find out what famous person she represents. Hand the student in the hot seat a fact sheet on her famous person so she knows how to answer the questions. Interject with facts during the game to teach the students additional information.
Modern-day Indiana has 92 counties, but when it became a state in 1816, it only had 13. Create a large map of Indiana as it was in 1816 and place it on a bulletin board. Transform the classic "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" game into "Place the Pin on a County." Ask the students to guess the name of the county and to state a fact about it, such as what kind of crops the people living there produced. Once they have guessed, tell them the county's name and actual facts about the county.
The black bear, mountain lion, bison and porcupine, among others, were common in early Indiana history. However, these animals are not typically seen in the Hoosier state anymore. Split the students into two teams and ask one player to represent the team and come up the to chalkboard. Hand the student a picture of one of the animals that was once a regular inhabitant of Indiana. Ask the student to try to draw the animal and instruct his team members to make guesses about which animal he is trying to recreate. The students may not be able to guess, but after time runs out, you can teach them more about the featured animal.