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Host Study State - 2008 Connecticut

Facts about Connecticut

  • State Capital-Hartford
  • Largest City-Bridgeport
  • Major industries-agriculture, industry (especially insurance), tourism
  • Presidential Birthplace—George Walker Bush was born in New Haven on July 6, 1946 (he is the 43 rd US President, serving from 2001 to the present)
  • State Nickname-Constitution State
  • State Song-Yankee Doodle
  • State Bird-American Robin
  • State Animal-Sperm Whale
  • State Flower-Mountain Laurel
  • State Tree-White Oak
  • State Mineral-Garnet
Sperm Whale

This large whale feeds mainly on squids (including the giant species) but may also eat a variety of fishes. In the past, the Sperm Whale was hunted extensively for a special liquid wax found in the forehead, the fine grade of oil from its blubber, and its teeth, which were a favored material for scrimshaw, the ivory objects carved by sailors and artisans. Baby Sperm Whales are born tail first. This prevents the calf from drowning during birth.

Look For: A large, dark brownish-gray whale with a "hump" on its back followed by little bumps down to the broad notched tail. Big squarish snout angles forward.
Length: Body up to 69' long.
Habitat: Tropical and temperate seas in waters 600-10,000' deep.
Range: In Atlantic and Pacific oceans, from northern Canada south to northern South America .
Life Span: Sperm Whales have a life expectancy of over 70 years.


Yankee Doodle Dandy

Some ideas for projects

  • Play a recording of “Yankee Doodle Dandy” for your Juniors
  • Plan a parade to celebrate our Country—have them walk through your subordinate Grange meeting.
  • Have your Juniors make a hat out of newspapers. The hats could be decorated with markers, paint or crayons.
  • Make a musical instrument such as a kazoo with a paper towel roll or drums from recycled materials.

Great web site about Connecticut — http://www.ct.gov/kids