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The Task:

1.  Students should work in groups to use the following sites to research one of the United States of America's SYMBOLS OF FREEDOM listed below.  

3.  Each group should generate a K-W-L chart for what they know about symbols of freedom, what they would like to know about symbols of freedom, and what they have learned about symbols of freedom.  Specific questions should be generated prior to researching the sites regarding the symbols of freedom each group has selected to research.   These questions should serve to guide the research.  

2.  Each group should designate students to 1) find the on-line resources; 2) print out or transcribe information found on-line; 3) organize information; 4) plan how information will be shared; 5) present information.  

  SYMBOLS OF FREEDOM

• Ben's Guide to Symbols of  the United States Government

         Site Location:  http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/
         This site provides an overview of fourteen symbols and government buildings.  
         Also included on this site are several songs, pledges, and oaths.  

Research Teams Should Select ONE Symbol from the List Below:  

•   U.S. Flag

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/
  Click on "Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag." Read the story. A) Who asked Betsy Ross to sew the flag? B) Describe 1 of the other flags that existed before the American flag. Use complete sentences.

   

•   How to Cut a 5 Point Star in One Snip

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagstar.html
  Follow these step-by-step directions to cut a five pointed star in one snip. URL: 

   

•   Flag facts

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagfact.html
  Are you up to the challenge?  When was the first American flag sewn? What is the official national anthem? Which states did the stars represent? What state was represented by the 24th star? When did the first flag appear on a postage stamp? When is President's Day?
  

   

•   Flag Trivia

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtriv.html
  Test your flag knowledge?  What is a vexillologist?  What is flagpole sitting?  Where did the rhythm for "The Star-Spangled Banner" originate?  Why would you fly a flag upside down?  Make up some trivia questions of your own.
  
  

•   Flag Etiquette

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
  Flag etiquette contains the rules and regulations regarding proper handling of the flag. Can you fold a flag correctly? What is meant by "half-staff"? What do the stripes and stars represent?
  
  

•   Flag Picture Gallery

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagpics.html
  On a piece of white construction paper, make a copy of your favorite flag.

   

•   Betsy Ross and The American Flag

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtale.html
  Betsy sewed the first American flag. Read this story for a detailed analysis of the historical facts. Why is our flag red, white and blue? Who asked Betsy to sew the flag? What was Betsy's profession? When did she finish the flag? When was the flag adopted? Why was Betsy asked to sew the flag?
  

   

•   The Story of Betsy Ross's Life

  Site Location: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flaghome.html
  Betsy Ross's life was one of triumph through adversity. She was disowned by the Quakers. She lost one husband to an explosion at a munitions depot he was guarding, her second husband died in prison, and her third husband was very ill until his death. She had seven daughters, two of whom died as infants. Describe an upholsterer's job then and now. Describe a "read-out".
  
  

•   American Bald Eagle Information
  
  Site Location:  http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle9.html
  1. When was the eagle chosen as the nation's emblem? 2. Where are 2 places that the eagle symbol can be found? 3. What does the eagle represent?
  

•   Bald Eagles
  
  Site Location:  http://www.worldkids.net/eac/eagle.html
  Are they really bald? How fast can they fly? Can they swim?

•   Washington Monument
  
  Site Location: http://www.nps.gov/wamo/
  What three facts can you learn about the Washington Monument?
  

•   Washington Monument
  
   Site Location:  http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/washmon.html
   Actual photograph of the Washington Monument.  Click on the links to see more.
  

•   Washington Monument
  Site Location:  http://www.nps.gov/wamo/home.htm

•   Lincoln Memorial
  Site Location:  http://www.nps.gov/linc/home.htm
  View the Lincoln Memorial. 1.Describe the statue of Lincoln. 2.Who was the architect for the memorial?
  Who was Mr. Lincoln? Why did they create a memorial for Lincoln? What did he do?
  
  
•   Lincoln Memorial

          Site Location:  http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/linmem.html
         Actual photo of the Lincoln Memorial and information.  What do the columns on the monument represent?

•   Jefferson Memorial
  
   Site Location:  http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/jeffmem.html
   Actual photo of the Jefferson Memorial and information.
  
•   Jefferson Memorial
  Site Location:  http://www.nps.gov/jefm/
  What were some of Thomas Jefferson's occupations?  Besides being the 3rd President of the United States, 
  for what else is Thomas Jefferson know as?  

•   Statue of Liberty Photo Tour   
            
  Site Location: http://www.nyctourist.com/liberty1.htm 
  Besides getting to see the Statue of Liberty, what other attractions will you see on this trip?  How much do they 
  charge for visiting the Statue of Liberty?
  
  
  
•   Symbols on the Statue of Liberty
  
  Site Location:  http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/ladyliberty.html
  What lies at the feet of the statue?  What does the torch represent?  What does the table represent?  What do 
   the spikes on her crown represent?  
  
  
  
•   Statue of Liberty:  National Parks Service
  
  Site Location:  http://americanparknetwork.com/parkinfo/sl/index.html
  Compare and contrast information gathered from other on-line websites.  

•   Liberty Bell
  
  Site Location:  http://ushistory.org/libertybell/timeline.html
  Timeline of the Liberty Bell.

•   Liberty Bell
  Site location: http://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell.html
  Where is the liberty bell located? On what famous day did the bell crack for the second time?

•   White House

  Site Location:  http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/whitehouse.html
  Actual photograph of the White House.  Click on and explore the links that are in blue to see and learn more.

•   White House
  Site Location:  http://www.nps.gov/whho/
  What is the annual budget for the White House?  How many people visit each year?

•   The United States Capitol

          Site Location:  http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/capitol.html
          Actual photograph of the Capitol and information.  Why did the Capitol have to be 
          rebuilt at one point in history?  

• U. S. National Anthem:  The Star Spangled Banner
  
  Site Location:  http://www.usembassy.org.uk/rcanthem.html
  What do you read in some of the "lesser known" verses that makes you think of the one-dollar bill?  
  
  
•   Patriotic Songs
  Site Location:  http://www.discoverynet.com/~ajsnead/patriotic/usasongs.html
  This site contains several patriotic songs for you to hear.  
  

•   Mount Rushmore

         Site Location:  http://travelsd.com/placestogo/rushmore/index.asp
         This site contains an actual photograph of Mount Rushmore and information.  

•   Seal
  Site Location:  http://www.greatseal.com/ 
  Where do you find a picture of the Great Seal almost everyday? Copy and paste the symbol. Give a detailed description of the seal. Be sure to give the meaning of the symbols on the seal.

•   Uncle Sam
  Site Location:  http://home.nycap.rr.com/content/us_bio.html
  Who is rumored to be the "real" Uncle Sam? What did he do for a living? What is written on Uncle Sam's most famous portrait?

02/18/2007 02:04:20 PM  

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