Colorado State Symbol Redesign: A 4th Grade PBL
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Colorado State Symbol Redesign: A 4th Grade PBL

Grade 4Social StudiesScience24 days
In this 4th-grade project, students redesign a Colorado state symbol to better represent the state's unique environment, government, and history. They investigate Colorado's environment, government, and history, including plant and animal adaptations, and the roles of individuals in bringing about change. Students then create a new symbol and proposal, justifying their design choices and explaining how the new symbol better reflects Colorado's identity and values.
Colorado State SymbolsCivic ParticipationColorado GovernmentEnvironmental AdaptationSymbol DesignColorado HistoryState Identity
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we redesign a Colorado state symbol to better reflect its unique environment, government, and history, while also considering the adaptations of its plants and animals and the ways individuals can bring about change in the state?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do symbols represent a state's identity and values?
  • What are the key aspects of Colorado's environment, government, and history?
  • How does the Colorado Constitution protect individual rights?
  • How do the three branches of Colorado's government function?
  • How can individuals and groups bring about change in Colorado?
  • How do plants and animals adapt to Colorado's environment?
  • How do animals use their senses to interact with Colorado's environment?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to identify and describe the key aspects of Colorado's environment, government, and history.
  • Students will be able to explain how the Colorado Constitution structures government and protects individual rights.
  • Students will be able to describe the three branches of Colorado's government and how they perform their functions.
  • Students will be able to explain how the United States Constitution limits the power of the federal government through federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
  • Students will be able to describe the processes for becoming a naturalized citizen and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in Colorado and the United States.
  • Students will be able to explain the importance of historical and contemporary civic participation in Colorado and the United States.
  • Students will be able to identify different ways that individuals and groups have worked to address issues or bring about change in Colorado and the United States.
  • Students will be able to construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
  • Students will be able to use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
  • Students will be able to design a new Colorado state symbol that represents Colorado's unique environment, government, and history.
  • Students will be able to pitch their redesigned state symbol, providing evidence and reasoning to support their design choices.

Colorado Academic Standards

SS.4.4.2.a
Primary
Describe the processes for becoming a naturalized citizen and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in Colorado and the United States.Reason: Directly addresses the civic responsibilities and rights related to Colorado, which aligns with the project's focus on redesigning a state symbol to represent its identity.
SS.4.4.2.b
Primary
Explain the importance of historical and contemporary civic participation in Colorado and the United States.Reason: The project involves students actively participating in redesigning a state symbol, which is a form of civic engagement. Understanding the importance of this participation is key.
SS.4.4.2.c
Primary
Identify different ways that individuals and groups have worked to address issues or bring about change in Colorado and the United States.Reason: Redesigning a state symbol can be seen as a way to bring about change in how Colorado represents itself. This standard helps students understand the context of such actions.
SS.4.4.1.a
Primary
Explain how the Colorado Constitution structures government and protects individual rights.Reason: Understanding the structure of Colorado's government and the protection of individual rights is essential for designing a state symbol that accurately represents the state.
SS.4.4.1.b
Primary
Describe the three branches of government and how they perform their functions in Colorado (executive, legislative, judicial).Reason: The three branches of government are fundamental to Colorado's identity. A redesigned state symbol should reflect an understanding of these branches.
SS.4.4.1.c
Primary
Explain how the United States Constitution limits the power of the federal government through federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.Reason: Understanding the limits on federal power provides context for the state's own governance and identity, which is relevant to the symbol redesign.

Next Generation Science Standards

4 LS 1-1
Primary
Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.Reason: The unique environment of Colorado and how the plants and animals adapt will influence the design of the state symbol.
4 LS 1-2
Primary
Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different waysReason: The unique environment of Colorado and how the plants and animals interact with the environment through senses will influence the design of the state symbol.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Case of the Misrepresented Symbols

A mysterious package arrives at the classroom containing artifacts related to Colorado's current state symbols but each item is slightly 'off' or damaged. Students must analyze the artifacts to uncover what they represent and debate if these symbols still accurately reflect Colorado, leading to the question: What should Colorado's symbols be in the 21st century?

Time Capsule Challenge

The class receives a letter from the 'Future Colorado Historical Society' stating that the current symbols are outdated and don't resonate with future generations. Students are tasked with creating a time capsule showcasing what they believe best represents Colorado for future citizens, prompting them to think critically about lasting symbols.

Colorado Unfiltered: A Visual Exploration

Students are presented with a series of images and stories representing different facets of Colorado – its diverse landscapes, industries, and communities. They then engage in a 'symbol brainstorm,' generating initial ideas for a new state symbol based on these diverse representations, pushing them to think beyond traditional imagery.

State Symbol Spotlight: A Call for Change

Invite a guest speaker (local artist, historian, or government official) to present the history and significance of the current state symbols. The speaker then challenges students to consider how Colorado has changed and evolved since those symbols were adopted, prompting a discussion on the need for symbols to reflect contemporary values.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Symbol Deep Dive: Unearthing Colorado's Identity

Students will research current Colorado state symbols (flag, animal, tree, etc.) and analyze their historical context, intended meaning, and relevance to modern Colorado. They will document their findings in preparation for suggesting revisions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select one of Colorado's state symbols to research (e.g., flag, animal, tree).
2. Use library resources and credible online sources to gather information about the symbol's history, when it was adopted, and why it was chosen.
3. Analyze the original meaning and purpose of the symbol. What did it represent at the time it was adopted?
4. Reflect on whether the symbol still accurately represents Colorado today. Consider changes in the state's demographics, economy, and values.
5. Write a report summarizing your findings, including the symbol's history, original meaning, and current relevance. Add some initial ideas for updated symbols.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report on each current state symbol, including its history, original meaning, and current relevance, plus initial ideas for updated symbols.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS.4.4.2.a: Understands citizenship rights/responsibilities; SS.4.4.2.b: Explains civic participation; Learning Goal: Understand Colorado's key aspects.
Activity 2

Governmental Blueprint: Symbolizing Colorado's Governance

Students will investigate the structure of Colorado's government, focusing on the three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and how the Colorado Constitution protects individual rights. They will consider how these elements could be represented symbolically.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the three branches of Colorado's government: executive, legislative, and judicial. What are their roles and responsibilities?
2. Explore the Colorado Constitution and identify key sections that protect individual rights (e.g., freedom of speech, religion).
3. Create a visual representation (e.g., infographic, diagram) that illustrates the structure of Colorado's government and the relationship between the three branches.
4. Write a short explanation of how the Colorado Constitution protects individual rights, citing specific examples from the document.
5. Brainstorm ideas for how these governmental structures and constitutional rights could be represented symbolically in a state symbol.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual representation (e.g., infographic, diagram) of Colorado's government structure and a written explanation of how the Constitution protects rights, linked to potential symbol ideas.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS.4.4.1.a: Explains CO Constitution & rights; SS.4.4.1.b: Describes 3 branches of govt; Learning Goal: Explain CO Constitution.
Activity 3

Nature's Palette: Representing Colorado's Environment

Students will study Colorado's diverse ecosystems and the adaptations of its native plants and animals. They will consider how these natural elements could be incorporated into a new state symbol to represent Colorado's environment.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research Colorado's major ecosystems (e.g., mountains, plains, forests). What are the key characteristics of each ecosystem?
2. Identify native plants and animals that are representative of each ecosystem. Focus on species with unique adaptations.
3. Investigate how these plants and animals have adapted to survive in Colorado's environment. Consider both internal and external structures, as well as behavioral adaptations.
4. Create a presentation (e.g., slideshow, poster) that showcases Colorado's ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations.
5. Brainstorm ideas for how these environmental elements could be incorporated into a new state symbol to represent Colorado's natural beauty and biodiversity.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (e.g., slideshow, poster) showcasing Colorado's ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations, with ideas for incorporating these elements into a state symbol.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards4 LS 1-1: Plant/animal structures; 4 LS 1-2: Animal senses & environment; Learning Goal: Describe plant/animal adaptations.
Activity 4

Change-Maker Spotlight: Reflecting Colorado's Progress

Students will research individuals and groups who have worked to address issues or bring about change in Colorado's history. This helps students understand how a symbol change can represent progress and evolving values.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research individuals or groups who have worked to address issues or bring about change in Colorado's history (e.g., suffragists, civil rights activists, environmental advocates).
2. Choose one individual or group to focus on and gather in-depth information about their work, the challenges they faced, and the impact they had on Colorado.
3. Analyze how their work reflects Colorado's values and how it relates to the need for a new state symbol that represents contemporary Colorado.
4. Create a short documentary or presentation that tells the story of this Colorado change-maker and connects their work to the symbol redesign project.
5. Reflect on how changing a state symbol can be a way to acknowledge progress and evolving values in Colorado.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short documentary or presentation on a Colorado change-maker, explaining their work and how it reflects Colorado's values, with connections to the symbol redesign project.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS.4.4.2.c: Individuals bring about change; Learning Goal: Identify ways to bring about change in CO.
Activity 5

Symbol Forge: Designing Colorado's Future

Students synthesize their research and ideas from previous activities to design a new Colorado state symbol. They will create a detailed proposal outlining their design, its meaning, and how it represents Colorado's environment, government, and history. The proposal will include a sketch or digital rendering of the symbol.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review all of your research and ideas from the previous activities.
2. Brainstorm potential designs for a new Colorado state symbol, incorporating elements that represent Colorado's environment, government, and history.
3. Select your strongest design and create a detailed sketch or digital rendering of the symbol.
4. Write a proposal explaining your design choices, the meaning of the symbol, and how it represents Colorado's unique identity.
5. Justify why your proposed symbol is a better representation of Colorado than the current state symbols.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive proposal for a new Colorado state symbol, including a detailed design, explanation of its meaning, and justification for why it better represents Colorado than the current symbols.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAll standards; All learning goals
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Colorado State Symbol Redesign Rubric

Category 1

Symbol Deep Dive

This category assesses the student's ability to research, analyze, and propose innovative ideas for a new state symbol, demonstrating an understanding of Colorado's history, values, and modern identity.
Criterion 1

Symbol Research & Analysis

How well the student researched the history, original meaning, and current relevance of a selected Colorado state symbol.

Exemplary
4 Points

Report provides an exceptionally detailed and insightful analysis of the symbol's history, original meaning, and current relevance, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of its evolution.

Proficient
3 Points

Report provides a thorough and accurate analysis of the symbol's history, original meaning, and current relevance, demonstrating a clear understanding of its evolution.

Developing
2 Points

Report provides a basic overview of the symbol's history, original meaning, and current relevance, but may lack depth or accuracy in certain areas.

Beginning
1 Points

Report lacks a clear understanding of the symbol's history, original meaning, and current relevance, containing significant inaccuracies or omissions.

Criterion 2

Report Clarity & Presentation

The clarity and completeness of the report, including the quality of writing, organization, and presentation of information.

Exemplary
4 Points

Report is exceptionally well-written, organized, and presented, with clear and concise language, logical flow, and engaging visuals.

Proficient
3 Points

Report is well-written, organized, and presented, with clear language, logical flow, and appropriate visuals.

Developing
2 Points

Report is adequately written and organized, but may contain some unclear language, disjointed flow, or missing visuals.

Beginning
1 Points

Report is poorly written, disorganized, and presented, with unclear language, illogical flow, and insufficient visuals.

Criterion 3

Symbolic Innovation

The creativity and thoughtfulness of the initial ideas for updated symbols, demonstrating innovative thinking and connection to modern Colorado.

Exemplary
4 Points

Initial ideas for updated symbols are exceptionally creative, insightful, and well-connected to modern Colorado's demographics, economy, and values, demonstrating innovative thinking and deep understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Initial ideas for updated symbols are creative, thoughtful, and connected to modern Colorado's demographics, economy, and values, demonstrating thoughtful consideration and clear understanding.

Developing
2 Points

Initial ideas for updated symbols are somewhat relevant to modern Colorado, but may lack creativity, depth, or connection to the state's key characteristics.

Beginning
1 Points

Initial ideas for updated symbols are irrelevant, uninspired, or lack connection to modern Colorado, demonstrating a limited understanding of the state's identity.

Category 2

Governmental Blueprint

This category evaluates the student's investigation of Colorado's governmental structure, the Colorado Constitution, and their ability to connect these elements to potential symbol ideas.
Criterion 1

Governmental Research

Accuracy and depth of research into the three branches of Colorado's government and the protection of individual rights in the Colorado Constitution.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptionally thorough and accurate research, providing insightful details about the roles and responsibilities of each branch and the specific constitutional rights protected.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates thorough and accurate research, clearly explaining the roles and responsibilities of each branch and the specific constitutional rights protected.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates basic research, but may contain some inaccuracies or omissions in explaining the roles and responsibilities of each branch or the specific constitutional rights protected.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates insufficient research, with significant inaccuracies or omissions in explaining the roles and responsibilities of each branch and the specific constitutional rights protected.

Criterion 2

Visual Representation

Clarity and effectiveness of the visual representation (infographic, diagram) illustrating the structure of Colorado's government.

Exemplary
4 Points

Visual representation is exceptionally clear, visually appealing, and effectively illustrates the complex structure of Colorado's government and the relationships between the three branches.

Proficient
3 Points

Visual representation is clear, visually appealing, and effectively illustrates the structure of Colorado's government and the relationships between the three branches.

Developing
2 Points

Visual representation is understandable, but may lack clarity, visual appeal, or accuracy in illustrating the structure of Colorado's government and the relationships between the three branches.

Beginning
1 Points

Visual representation is unclear, confusing, or inaccurate in illustrating the structure of Colorado's government and the relationships between the three branches.

Criterion 3

Symbolic Connection

Insightfulness of the connection between governmental structures/constitutional rights and potential symbol ideas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional insight in connecting governmental structures and constitutional rights to potential symbol ideas, offering innovative and meaningful representations.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates clear insight in connecting governmental structures and constitutional rights to potential symbol ideas, offering thoughtful and relevant representations.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates some connection between governmental structures/constitutional rights and potential symbol ideas, but the representations may be superficial or lack depth.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates little to no connection between governmental structures/constitutional rights and potential symbol ideas, offering irrelevant or nonsensical representations.

Category 3

Nature's Palette

This category assesses the student's study of Colorado's ecosystems and their ability to integrate these natural elements into innovative state symbol designs.
Criterion 1

Ecosystem Research

Depth of research into Colorado's major ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presentation showcases exceptionally thorough research, providing detailed information about Colorado's major ecosystems, native species, and their unique adaptations, including both internal and external structures and behaviors.

Proficient
3 Points

Presentation showcases thorough research, providing comprehensive information about Colorado's major ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations, including both internal and external structures and behaviors.

Developing
2 Points

Presentation showcases basic research, but may lack detail or accuracy in describing Colorado's major ecosystems, native species, or their adaptations.

Beginning
1 Points

Presentation showcases insufficient research, with significant inaccuracies or omissions in describing Colorado's major ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations.

Criterion 2

Presentation Effectiveness

Effectiveness of the presentation (slideshow, poster) in showcasing Colorado's ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presentation is exceptionally engaging, visually appealing, and effectively showcases Colorado's ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations, using clear and concise language and compelling visuals.

Proficient
3 Points

Presentation is engaging, visually appealing, and effectively showcases Colorado's ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations, using clear language and appropriate visuals.

Developing
2 Points

Presentation is understandable, but may lack visual appeal or clarity in showcasing Colorado's ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations.

Beginning
1 Points

Presentation is unclear, confusing, or visually unappealing, failing to effectively showcase Colorado's ecosystems, native species, and their adaptations.

Criterion 3

Environmental Symbolism

Creativity and relevance of the ideas for incorporating environmental elements into a new state symbol.

Exemplary
4 Points

Ideas for incorporating environmental elements into a new state symbol are exceptionally creative, insightful, and highly relevant to Colorado's natural beauty and biodiversity, demonstrating a deep understanding of the state's environment.

Proficient
3 Points

Ideas for incorporating environmental elements into a new state symbol are creative, thoughtful, and relevant to Colorado's natural beauty and biodiversity, demonstrating a clear understanding of the state's environment.

Developing
2 Points

Ideas for incorporating environmental elements into a new state symbol are somewhat relevant to Colorado's environment, but may lack creativity or depth.

Beginning
1 Points

Ideas for incorporating environmental elements into a new state symbol are irrelevant or uninspired, demonstrating a limited understanding of Colorado's environment.

Category 4

Change-Maker Spotlight

This category assesses the student's understanding of Colorado's history of change and progress and their ability to connect this history to the symbol redesign project.
Criterion 1

Historical Research

Depth of research into individuals or groups who have worked to bring about change in Colorado's history.

Exemplary
4 Points

Documentary/presentation provides an exceptionally detailed and insightful account of a Colorado change-maker, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their work, challenges, and impact on the state.

Proficient
3 Points

Documentary/presentation provides a thorough and accurate account of a Colorado change-maker, clearly explaining their work, challenges, and impact on the state.

Developing
2 Points

Documentary/presentation provides a basic overview of a Colorado change-maker, but may lack depth or accuracy in certain areas.

Beginning
1 Points

Documentary/presentation lacks a clear understanding of a Colorado change-maker, containing significant inaccuracies or omissions.

Criterion 2

Storytelling & Connection

Effectiveness of the documentary or presentation in telling the story of the Colorado change-maker and connecting their work to the symbol redesign project.

Exemplary
4 Points

Documentary/presentation is exceptionally engaging, informative, and effectively connects the change-maker's work to the symbol redesign project, demonstrating a clear understanding of the project's goals.

Proficient
3 Points

Documentary/presentation is engaging, informative, and effectively connects the change-maker's work to the symbol redesign project, demonstrating a clear understanding of the project's goals.

Developing
2 Points

Documentary/presentation is understandable, but may lack clarity or depth in connecting the change-maker's work to the symbol redesign project.

Beginning
1 Points

Documentary/presentation is unclear or confusing, failing to effectively connect the change-maker's work to the symbol redesign project.

Criterion 3

Reflective Insight

Insightfulness of the reflection on how changing a state symbol can be a way to acknowledge progress and evolving values in Colorado.

Exemplary
4 Points

Reflection demonstrates exceptional insight into how changing a state symbol can acknowledge progress and evolving values, offering thoughtful and nuanced perspectives.

Proficient
3 Points

Reflection demonstrates clear insight into how changing a state symbol can acknowledge progress and evolving values, offering thoughtful and relevant perspectives.

Developing
2 Points

Reflection demonstrates some understanding of how changing a state symbol can acknowledge progress and evolving values, but the perspectives may be superficial or lack depth.

Beginning
1 Points

Reflection demonstrates little to no understanding of how changing a state symbol can acknowledge progress and evolving values, offering irrelevant or nonsensical perspectives.

Category 5

Symbol Forge

This category assesses the student's ability to synthesize their research and create a compelling proposal for a new Colorado state symbol that reflects the state's identity.
Criterion 1

Design Quality

Clarity and detail of the symbol design, demonstrating a thoughtful and creative approach.

Exemplary
4 Points

Symbol design is exceptionally clear, detailed, and visually appealing, demonstrating a highly creative and thoughtful approach that integrates diverse elements effectively.

Proficient
3 Points

Symbol design is clear, detailed, and visually appealing, demonstrating a creative and thoughtful approach that integrates diverse elements effectively.

Developing
2 Points

Symbol design is understandable, but may lack detail, visual appeal, or a cohesive integration of diverse elements.

Beginning
1 Points

Symbol design is unclear, confusing, or visually unappealing, lacking detail and a cohesive integration of diverse elements.

Criterion 2

Proposal Clarity & Meaning

Effectiveness of the proposal in explaining the design choices, the meaning of the symbol, and how it represents Colorado's unique identity.

Exemplary
4 Points

Proposal is exceptionally clear, persuasive, and effectively explains the design choices, the meaning of the symbol, and how it uniquely and comprehensively represents Colorado's identity, exceeding expectations.

Proficient
3 Points

Proposal is clear, persuasive, and effectively explains the design choices, the meaning of the symbol, and how it represents Colorado's unique identity.

Developing
2 Points

Proposal is understandable, but may lack clarity, persuasiveness, or a comprehensive explanation of the design choices and the symbol's meaning.

Beginning
1 Points

Proposal is unclear, unpersuasive, or fails to adequately explain the design choices and the symbol's meaning.

Criterion 3

Justification Strength

Strength of the justification for why the proposed symbol is a better representation of Colorado than the current state symbols.

Exemplary
4 Points

Justification is exceptionally strong, providing compelling and insightful reasons why the proposed symbol is a significantly better representation of Colorado than the current symbols, demonstrating a deep understanding of the state's past, present, and future.

Proficient
3 Points

Justification is strong, providing clear and well-reasoned reasons why the proposed symbol is a better representation of Colorado than the current symbols.

Developing
2 Points

Justification is adequate, but may lack depth or persuasiveness in explaining why the proposed symbol is a better representation of Colorado than the current symbols.

Beginning
1 Points

Justification is weak or unconvincing, failing to adequately explain why the proposed symbol is a better representation of Colorado than the current symbols.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How did your understanding of Colorado's environment, government, and history evolve throughout this project?

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Question 2

Which aspect of Colorado (environment, government, or history) was the most challenging to represent in your symbol design, and why?

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Question 3

How does your redesigned symbol better reflect Colorado's identity and values compared to the current state symbols?

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Question 4

What did you learn about the process of bringing about change in Colorado through the 'Change-Maker Spotlight' activity, and how did it influence your symbol design?

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Question 5

To what extent do you believe a state symbol can accurately represent the diversity and complexity of Colorado?

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Required
Question 6

If you could redesign another Colorado symbol (e.g., state song, state insect), what would it be and why?

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