State of Kansas - Pottery and History Curriculum Lesson for Homeschooling or Summer Enrichment
Kansas
These pottery lessons are a great way to introduce your child to some history and geography of the state you are studying. I've listed a few facts about the state to get you started. You can just use this lesson as a quick afternoon activity, or you can use it as a starting point to do more research. There are plenty of activities online for all the states. You can find websites as a resource, or you can check out library books. The way you use my lessons is unlimited. Be creative and have fun!
Kansas State Facts
State Abbreviation: KS
Capital: Topeka
State Nickname: The Sunflower State
State Motto: “Ad astra per aspera” (To the stars through difficulties)
State Song: “Home on the Range
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: Cottonwood
State Flower: Sunflower
State Animal: Buffalo
Famous People Born in Kansas
Amelia Earhart, famous pilot
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th US President
Bob Dole, politician
Martina McBride, country singer
Kirstie Alley, actress
Jeff Probst, “Survivor” host
Fun Facts:
Dodge City is the windiest city in America.
Smith County, Kansas is the geographical center of the continental US.
There are 27 creeks named “Walnut Creek” in the state.
Kansas has the largest population of wild grouse, also known as the prairie chicken.
Pizza Hut was started in Wichita.
Mount Sunflower is the highest point in the state.
For Kansas, we will make a beautiful sunflower.
First, start with a ball. The size of this ball will determine the size of your sunflower.
Flatten the ball a little.
Use a fork and make holes all over the ball to make it rough like the center of a sunflower.
Make 9 fat worms to be the petals. These should be close to the same size, but they don't have to be perfect.
With wet fingers, pinch the end of each petal into a point.
You can press your thumb in the middle of each petal to make it look more realistic.
Each petal should be shaped sort of like this.
Place the center of your sunflower on a piece of cloth and surround it by newspaper. The newspaper will support the petals as the piece dries, so they will sta
Attach all the petals to the center of the flower.
Make sure the newspaper is under the petals, so it can help them stand up.
Allow the sunflower to dry on the cloth with the newspaper underneath.
Enjoy your beautiful sunflower!
