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State of New York - Pottery and History Curriculum Lesson for Homeschooling or Summer Enrichment
How To Use This Lesson
Did you know it took 31 years to build the New York State Capitol Building? Did you know there are 55 downhill ski tracks in New York state? There’s lots to learn about New York! Learn about these and other fun facts while doing a quick study of this state.
You can just use this lesson as-is to explore fun facts about New York, or you can use it as a starting point to discover more interesting facts. This lesson includes a fun pottery project that provides a hands-on learning opportunity as well.
New York's State Flag
Facts about New York
State Abbreviation: NY
Capital: Albany
State Nickname: The Empire State
State Motto: “Excelsior” (Ever upwards.)
State Song: “I love New York”
State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Rose
State Mammal: Beaver
A Few of the Many Famous People Born in New York
Martin Van Buren, 8th US President
Millard Fillmore, 13th US President
Theodore Roosevelt, 26th US President
Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd US President
Christina Aguilera, Singer
Al Capone, Gangster
Neil Diamond, Singer
Jimmy Fallon, Comedian
Rita Hayworth, Actress
Ralph Lauren, Designer
Lindsay Lohan, Actress and Singer
James Patterson, Novelist
Fun Facts about the State
It is uncertain why New York is called the Empire State, but it is known that the building was named for the state and not the state for the building.
The New York State Canal System is 524 miles long and has 57 locks
In 1892 Ellis Island opened in New York Harbor as the primary immigration depot in the U.S.
The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886 and was a gift from France.
The Adirondack Park in New York is larger than the Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon parks combined.
New York City became known as the “Big Apple” in the late 1920s. The reason for this nickname is not clear.
New York City is now the most populated city in the USA with more than 8.2 million people.
New York City has 4000 street food vendors including hot dogs, pretzels, falafel, kebobs, and more.
Around 1870, on Coney Island, German immigrant Charles Feltman began selling sausages in rolls. These led to what we know as a Coney Island Hot Dog.
So, you guessed it….we’re making hot dogs!
If you are using real clay, check out this hub for instructions on the "right" way to work with it.
- How to Use Real Clay
This is an explanation of the proper way to use "real" clay.
Start with a chunk of clay.
Break it in half.
With one half, make a hot dog.
With the other half, make a hot dog and flatten it.
Fold it to make a bun shape.
If it's too long for the hot dog, trim the edges.
Scratch and wet the hot dog and place it in the bun.
Make a tiny long snake.
Place it on the hot dog to look like mustard.
Lunch is served!
