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State of Virginia - Pottery and History Curriculum Lesson for Homeschooling or Summer Enrichment
How to Use this Lesson
Studying the states can be fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to learn a little history and a little geography. I’ve even included a pottery project to tie in a little art and creativity.
I’ve listed some fun facts about the state of Virginia. Then, there are step by step photos to help you make a simple clay project. Expand your study by reading a biography of someone famous born in the state. Make a recipe together. Learn the state song. The possibilities are endless! Above all, enjoy learning together with your child.
Virginia's State Flag
Virginia State Facts
State Abbreviation: VA
Capital: Richmond
State Nickname: Old Dominion
State Motto: “Sic Semper Tyrannis" (Thus Always to Tyrants)
State Song: “Carry Me Back to Old Virginia”
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: American Dogwood
State Flower: American Dogwood
State Insect: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Historic Courthouse Museum, Virginia
Some Famous People Born in Virginia
George Washington, 1st US President
Thomas Jefferson, 3rd US President
James Madison, 4th US President
James Monroe, 5th US President
William Henry Harrison, 9th US President
John Tyler, 10th US President
Zachary Tyler, 12th US President
Woodrow Wilson, 28th US President
Sandra Bullock, Actress
Gabby Douglas, Olympian
Chris Brown, Musician
Ella Fitzgerald, Jazz Musician
Fun Facts About the State
Virginia was named for England's "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I.
Eight United States Presidents were born in Virginia: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.
Six Presidents' wives were born in Virginia: Martha Washington, Martha Jefferson, Rachel Jackson, Letitia Tyler, Ellen Arthur, Edith Wilson.
Seven Presidents are buried in Virginia: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Tyler, Taft and Kennedy.
Virginia is known as “the birthplace” of the nation.
The first Thanksgiving in North America was held in Virginia in 1619.
Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee each have their own governments and city services. Bristol is legally two cities but they share the same main street.
Virginia is the home base for the United States Navy's Atlantic Fleet.
The states of Kentucky & West Virginia were formed from sections of the state of Virginia
The tricorne hat, known as a three cornered hat, was meant to act as an umbrella. The brim formed gutters that tilted rain away from the wearer’s face.
In honor of George Washington, we are going to sculpt a tricome hat.
If you are using real clay, you might want to read this link on the proper way to use it so your pieces will last.
- How to Use Real Clay
This is an explanation of the proper way to use "real" clay.
Start with a chunk of clay.
Make it into a ball.
Push your thumb into the ball to start a pinch pot.
Pinch the edges to open the pot.
Turn the pot over and shape it into a triangle by pinching it.
You should work the clay until you get this shape.
Fold the edges up to make the "gutters" for the hat.
Now, you have a hat.
Make a worm.
Flatten the worm.
Use a skewer to draw markings to make the worm look like a feather.
Stick a feather in your cap. (Be sure to scratch and wet the clay.)
And call it macaroni!
