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Lesson Plan

Symbols Of America by Discovery Education

Course, Subject

United States History and Government, Social Studies

Grade Levels

Elementary, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade

Duration

One to two class periods

Objectives

Students will

use primary sources to learn about the events, victims, heroes, and emotions of September 11; and
design a memorial to commemorate, honor, and remember this day in American history.

Materials

computers with Internet access
newspapers, magazines, or other primary sources
large mural paper
pencils, colored pencils, crayons.

Procedure

Begin the lesson by reviewing the definition of a symbol. What symbols of America does the video feature? In what ways can memorials symbolize people, ideas, or events? Ask students if they can name other symbols of American that were not included in the video.
Have students share what they learned from the video about the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. What does this statue symbolize to Americans, immigrants, and people elsewhere in the world? What do specific parts of the statue symbolize? Discuss with students why people who design monuments give so much time and thought to symbolism.
Explain to students that the Statue of Liberty symbolizes the idea of freedom, but monuments can also help us remember people and historical events. Have students list such examples of American structures. Using the examples in the list, have students brainstorm why it might be important for Americans to have monuments that symbolize people and events. Why do they think we visit these monuments?
Have the class list events that have occurred during their lives that would be important for future generations to remember. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, will most likely be mentioned. You may want to review the events of that day, as well as stories of courage, heroism, and patriotism. Why do students think it is important for future generations to remember September 11?
Divide the class into groups. Have the groups think of plans for memorials that commemorate the events, victims, heroes, and emotions of September 11. For younger students, you may want to focus on the heroism and patriotism.
Explain that one way to learn about events or people is by reading primary sources. Describe a primary source as one that reflects the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer. Have students review primary sources about September 11: newspaper and magazine articles, photographs, essays, journals, interviews, Web resources, and television programs.
Using information from these sources, have students create three lists about September 11: events, people, and emotions and ideas. Have students cite their sources accurately.
Next, have the groups brainstorm the type of memorial that would best symbolize the details in their lists. Then have them begin their memorial plan.
Their memorial plans should include the following:

A sketch of the design and a physical description, size specifications, colors, and building materials.
A proposed location for their memorial and an explanation for why this is the best location.
How their memorial captures the events and emotions of September 11.
Information from at least three primary sources that helped inspire the design.

Once students have completed their plans, they should present them to the class. If appropriate, have students discuss the merits of each group's plan.

Evaluation

Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate students' work during this lesson.

Three points: Students worked cooperatively in groups; were able to find and use primary sources as a research tool; design plan met all four criteria; presented a complete, well-organized plan.
Two points: Students worked somewhat cooperatively in groups; were able somewhat to find and use primary sources as a research tool; design plan met three criteria; presented a complete plan.
One point: Students worked somewhat cooperatively in groups; were able somewhat to find and use primary sources as a research tool; design plan met one or two criteria; presented an incomplete or disorganized plan.

Resource

Symbols Of America

Vocabulary

commemorate
Definition: To keep alive the memory of something or someone
Context:We can commemorate the lives of those lost in Vietnam by visiting the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

hero
Definition: A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose
Context: The New York City firefighters and police officers are considered heroes of September 11.

memorial
Definition: Something intended to honor the memory of a person or event
Context: Mount Rushmore is a memorial to four U.S. Presidents who changed our nation for the better.

monument
Definition: A structure, such as a building or sculpture, erected as a memorial
Context: The Washington Monument honors the life and ideals of President George Washington.

primary source
Definition: A document or other evidence that reflects the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer.
Context: A photograph taken by someone who witnessed the attack on the World Trade Center is a primary source of information about the events of September 11.

symbol
Definition: Something visible that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention
Context: The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom.

Content Provider

Discovery Education

Discovery Education offers a breadth and depth of digital media content that is immersive, engaging and brings the world into the classroom to give every student a chance to experience fascinating people, places, and events. All content is aligned to state standards, can be aligned to custom curriculum, and supports classroom instruction regardless of the technology platform.

Whether looking for a digital media library service, an implementation to help you transition your classroom to a 21st century environment or to move completely to replace textbooks with digital resources, Discovery Education offers a continuum of solutions to meet your district's specific needs. In addition, we offer real-time assessment services and a variety of professional development to ensure effective implementation in the classroom. You know your needs. We know our services. Together we can create an effective solution.

And, add the vast number of additional classroom instruction opportunities available such as virtual experiences, compelling Discovery talent, free lesson plans and materials, and a variety of contests and challenges and with Discovery Education teachers are truly able to give students opportunities to soar beyond the traditional textbook for endless possibilities.

Credits: Robin Porter, freelance education writer