It’s not a mandate, but Iowa schools have been encouraged for the past few years to incorporate Iowa history in every grade — replacing the traditional practice of one unit of Iowa history in fifth or sixth grade.

Leo Landis is curator of the State Historical Museum and a member of the Iowa History Council. Over the past few years, Landis and others in the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs have been developing Iowa history curriculum for younger kids.

Kids learning about Iowa history may know that tomorrow is statehood day. December 28th, 1846 is the date Iowa became a state — so THIS December 28th is Iowa’s 175th anniversary.