Student Activities for Vermont State Guide
Essential Questions for Vermont
- What are some significant events in the history of Vermont?
- What are some facts and features that make Vermont unique?
- What are some interesting places in Vermont that people would want to visit?
All About Vermont
Date of Statehood: March 4, 1791 (14th state)
State Motto: Freedom and Unity
State Nickname: Green Mountain State
State Bird: Hermit Thrush
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Flower: Red Clover
Tourist Attractions: Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Lake Champlain, Smugglers Notch State Park, Killington Ski Resort, Church Street Marketplace, Rock of Ages Quarry, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Green Mountain National Forest.
Famous Citizens of Vermont: Ethan Allen, Calvin Coolidge, Admiral George Dewey, Norman Rockwell, Hannah Teter, and John Deere.
Capital City: Montpelier
Major Cities: Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Colchester, and Rutland
Brief History of Vermont
It is believed that people have been inhabiting what is now Vermont for over 10,000 years. Native American tribes such as the Mohican, the Pocomtuc, and the Abenaki have lived there, and Vermont still has members of the Abenaki living there today. French explorer Samuel de Champlain arrived on the land in 1609 and claimed it for France. Many years later in 1724, the British claimed the area after building the first permanent European settlement. Thirty years later in 1754, war broke out between Britain and France and went on for nine years before Britain won. In 1777, one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Vermont declared its own independence and remained separate from the United States for 14 years! It even had its own currency, postal service, constitution, and president until it became the 14th state admitted into statehood in 1791.
Students will create a historical timeline, a postcard, a spider map, and a fun facts storyboard showing what they have learned about Vermont. Creating these visuals gives the students the opportunity to show their creativity and their unique view of the state that they have researched. In addition, the combined use of words and illustrations allows students with different learning styles to show what they know in an exciting and eye-catching way.
How Tos about Vermont State Guide
Engage students with a Vermont classroom map project
Design a large Vermont map for your classroom and invite students to add facts, pictures, and famous places. This interactive display helps students visualize Vermont’s geography and history while making learning fun and collaborative.
Gather key Vermont landmarks and facts for your map
Assign each student or group a Vermont city, landmark, or fact to research and present. Encourage creativity by letting students use drawings, photos, or short descriptions to represent their findings on the map.
Create visual elements to highlight Vermont's diversity
Encourage students to design symbols or icons for features like the state tree, flower, bird, and famous citizens. Use color coding to distinguish between historical sites, natural wonders, and cities for easy reference.
Facilitate collaborative assembly and discussion
Lead a group activity where students place their contributions on the classroom map and share what they’ve learned. This step reinforces teamwork and allows everyone to appreciate Vermont’s unique features.
Reflect on Vermont's history and geography as a class
Host a short discussion or journal activity where students reflect on new insights from the map project. This helps solidify understanding while connecting research skills to real-world applications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vermont State Guide
What are some important facts about Vermont for a classroom research project?
Vermont is the 14th state, known as the Green Mountain State. Its capital is Montpelier, and major cities include Burlington and Rutland. The state bird is the Hermit Thrush, and the flower is Red Clover. Notable attractions are Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory and Lake Champlain.
What makes Vermont unique compared to other states?
Vermont stands out for its scenic mountain landscapes, early independence, and its nickname Green Mountain State. It's famous for maple syrup, a strong sense of community, and unique history, including having its own currency before statehood.
How can students create a fun and easy Vermont state project?
Students can make a timeline of Vermont’s history, design a postcard, build a spider map of key facts, and create a storyboard with fun facts. Mixing visuals with writing helps different learning styles shine.
Who are some famous people from Vermont to include in a lesson?
Ethan Allen (Revolutionary leader), Calvin Coolidge (US President), Norman Rockwell (artist), and John Deere (inventor) are notable figures from Vermont to highlight in classroom lessons.
What are the top tourist attractions in Vermont that students should know?
Popular Vermont attractions include Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Lake Champlain, Smugglers Notch State Park, Killington Ski Resort, and Green Mountain National Forest.
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office