State of Connecticut - Pottery and History Curriculum Lesson for Homeschooling or Summer Enrichment
Make a Clay License Plate
Each of the 50 states offers many interesting facts to learn about. Use this lesson about Connecticut to teach your child a little bit of geography and history while making a pottery project. You can use the lesson as-is, or you can add to it. Consider having your child read a biography of one of the famous people who were born in Connecticut, or have them mark a map with the major cities of the state. Make a diorama together. Cook up some New England Clam Chowder. However you use this lesson, have fun learning with your child.
Connecticut State Facts
State Abbreviation: CT
Capital: Hartford
State Nickname: Constitution State
State Motto: "Qui transtulit sustinet" - He Who Transplanted Still Sustains
State Song: Yankee Doodle
State Bird: American Robin
State Tree: White Oak
State Flower: Mountain Laurel
State Mammal: Sperm Whale
State Insect: European Mantis
Famous People Born in Connecticut
George W. Bush, 43rd president of the US
Kevin Bacon, actor
Michael J. Fox, actor
Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series
Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary War Soldier turned Traitor
50 Cent, Rap artist
Meat Loaf, Big haired 80s singer
Fun Facts:
Cattle branding first began in Connecticut where farmers were required to mark their pigs.
The first automobile law was made in Connecticut. The speed limit was set to 12 miles per hour.
The first lollipop machine was made in CT. The candy was named after a racehorse.
Pez candy was invented in CT.
Connecticut was the first state to have license plates for cars. We’re going to make our very own license plates.
First, roll out the clay. Make sure you have cloth under the clay so it doesn't stick to your table.
Cut out a rectangle.
Wet your finger and rub the edges of the clay so they won't be sharp.
Make coils (AKA worms) to go around the edge of the license plate.
Place the coils around the edge or use them to decorate in any way you want.
If you are unsure of how to properly attach two pieces of clay, visit my Hub:
- How to Use Real Clay
This is an explanation of the proper way to use "real" clay.