Maryland Fun Facts

Each state in our country has its own unique fun facts that kids will love to discover. For this activity, students will create a 3 cell storyboard that depicts some interesting facts they have learned about Maryland. Here are some examples of fun facts:

• State Crustacean: Maryland's official state crustacean is the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Known for its sweet and flavorful meat, the blue crab is not just a culinary delight but also an iconic symbol of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay region.
• National Anthem Inspiration: Francis Scott Key, the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner," was from Maryland. He was inspired to write the poem that became the lyrics to the national anthem after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 in Baltimore Harbor.
• First Dental School: The world's first dental school, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was founded in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1840. It marked a significant milestone in the field of dentistry and remains a prestigious institution today.
• State Sport: Maryland's official state sport is jousting. Designated in 1962, jousting is a traditional equestrian sport where riders compete to spear small rings with a lance. Maryland hosts numerous jousting tournaments and considers it an integral part of its cultural heritage.
• U.S. Naval Academy: Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Naval Academy is one of the country's premier institutions for training officers for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It was established in 1845 and has a distinguished history of producing leaders in military and civilian sectors.