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State of Vermont - Pottery and History Curriculum Lesson for Homeschooling or Summer Enrichment
How to Use this Lesson
This lesson is a great way to learn about the state of Vermont. You can use it as-is and have a quick afternoon activity, or you can use it as a jumping-off point. Delve deeper by searching the internet for paintings by William Lamb Picknell. Listen to a recording of songs sung by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Paint a picture of red clover, Vermont’s state flower. Make ice cream together and learn about how Ben & Jerry's was created.
This lesson includes a few fun facts about the state, as well as a listing of some famous people born in Vermont. To finish it, there is a step-by-step pottery lesson, including photos. Have fun and learn together with your child!
The Flag of Vermont
Vermont State Facts
State Abbreviation: VT
Capital: Montpelier
State Nickname: Green Mountain State
State Motto: “Freedom and Unity”
State Song: “These Green Mountains”
State Bird: Hermit Thrush
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Red Clover
State Insect: Honeybee
Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT
A Few Famous People Born in Vermont
Calvin Coolidge, 30th US President
Ezra Brainerd, Educator and Botanist
Chester Arthur, 21st US President
John Deere, Inventor and Founder of Deere & Co.
Kevin Lapage, Race Car Driver
William Lamb Picknell, Artist
Grace Potter, Singer
Hannah Teter, Olympic Medalist
Arthur E. Scott, Photographer
Fun Facts about Vermont
The state capital, Montpelier, has a population of less than 9,000 people. It’s the smallest capital city in the US.
President Calvin Coolidge was born in Vermont on July 4, 1872. He was the only US president to be born on the nation’s birthday.
Vermont was the last state to get a Wal-mart, and that did not happen until 1996.
The name “Vermont” means “Green Mountain.”
The first postage stamp was printed in Vermont.
The Boy Scouts were started in Barre, Vermont.
Montpelier is the largest producer of maple syrup in the US.
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream was started in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont. The owners, Ben and Jerry, first met in 7th grade gym class as they were running.
Ben & Jerry’s gives the waste from their ice cream to local farmers to feed to their hogs. Rumor has it, the pigs like mint chocolate chip best.
For Vermont, we’re making an ice cream cone!
Before we begin, you can use this link to review the "correct" way to hand build with clay. Following these simple steps will ensure your pottery project stays
- How to Use Real Clay
This is an explanation of the proper way to use "real" clay.
Start with Two Chunks of Clay
With half, make a potato shape.
Squeeze the potato to start a cone shape.
It should look sort of like this.
Stick your finger in the top of the "cone" shape to open it up.
Your cone should look sort of like this.
With the other half of the clay, make a ball.
Put your thumb in the ball to start a pinch pot.
Pinch the sides of the pot to open it up.
Use your fingers to shape the pot into an ice cream "scoop" shape.
If desired, use a skewer to draw a waffle design on the cone.
Put your scoop of ice cream on top of the cone. (Don't forget to scratch & wet the clay before attaching it.)
Feel free to add sprinkles and a cherry! I scream, you scream....
