ALEX Resources

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Lesson Plans (10)	Multimedia (2)	Informational Materials (10)
Interactives/Games (10)

ALEX Lesson Plans

Title: An Interview with an American Symbol or Tradition
Description: In this lesson, students will explore American symbols and why they are important. Students will create a newscast interview with each symbol to explain why they are important.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies (3)
Title: An Interview with an American Symbol or Tradition
Description: In this lesson, students will explore American symbols and why they are important. Students will create a newscast interview with each symbol to explain why they are important.

Title: Let's Tour Lady Liberty!
Description: In this lesson, students will embark on a virtual field trip to the Statue of Liberty. This exciting tour will enable students to make observations related to the statue's iconic history. These observations will allow students to gain an appreciation of the size of the statue, what the statue represents, and how it is an important symbol to our country.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies (3), or Technology Education (3 - 5)
Title: Let's Tour Lady Liberty!
Description: In this lesson, students will embark on a virtual field trip to the Statue of Liberty. This exciting tour will enable students to make observations related to the statue's iconic history. These observations will allow students to gain an appreciation of the size of the statue, what the statue represents, and how it is an important symbol to our country.

Thinkfinity Lesson Plans

Title: Oh, Say Can You Seeand
Description: Students will learn about the history behind the writing of ''The Star-Spangled Banner.''
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 10: Describe political, social, and economic events between 1803 and 1860 that led to the expansion of the territory of the United States, including the War of 1812, the Indian Removal Act, the Texas-Mexican War, the Mexican-American War, and the Gold Rush of 1849.

Subject: Arts, Social Studies
Title: Oh, Say Can You Seeand
Description: Students will learn about the history behind the writing of ''The Star-Spangled Banner.''
Thinkfinity Partner: ArtsEdge
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4

Title: From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today
Description: In this unit of three lessons, from EDSITEment, students take a close look at the design of the White House and some of the changes it has undergone. They also reflect on how the President's House has been and continues to be used.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Arts,Social Studies
Title: From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today
Description: In this unit of three lessons, from EDSITEment, students take a close look at the design of the White House and some of the changes it has undergone. They also reflect on how the President's House has been and continues to be used.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Title: Traces: Historic Archaeology
Description: In this unit of five lessons, from EDSITEment, students recover and analyze artifacts from sites in use from the settlement period to the second half of the 19th century. They look for similarities and differences among the artifacts and the lives they reveal. In conclusion, students look at today's eventual artifacts of the future and consider how we may be viewed.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 4: Determine the economic and cultural impact of European exploration during the Age of Discovery upon European society and American Indians.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Traces: Historic Archaeology
Description: In this unit of five lessons, from EDSITEment, students recover and analyze artifacts from sites in use from the settlement period to the second half of the 19th century. They look for similarities and differences among the artifacts and the lives they reveal. In conclusion, students look at today's eventual artifacts of the future and consider how we may be viewed.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Title: The Statue of Liberty: The Meaning and Use of a National Symbol
Description: In this unit of seven lessons, from EDSITEment, students explore the nature of national symbols. Students study the Statue of Liberty, complete research on a national symbol, and use their research to communicate a message of their own.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies,Arts
Title: The Statue of Liberty: The Meaning and Use of a National Symbol
Description: In this unit of seven lessons, from EDSITEment, students explore the nature of national symbols. Students study the Statue of Liberty, complete research on a national symbol, and use their research to communicate a message of their own.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Title: Let Freedom Ring: The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Description: In this lesson, from EDSITEment, students listen to a biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., view photographs of the March on Washington, and study King's use of imagery and allusion in his I Have a Dream speech. After studying King's use of imagery and allusion, they create original poetic phrases about freedom and illustrate them with symbols representing the forms of freedom that have yet to be realized in the United States.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] ALA (4) 15: Identify major world events that influenced Alabama since 1950, including the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the War on Terrorism.

Subject: Arts,Language Arts,Social Studies
Title: Let Freedom Ring: The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Description: In this lesson, from EDSITEment, students listen to a biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., view photographs of the March on Washington, and study King's use of imagery and allusion in his I Have a Dream speech. After studying King's use of imagery and allusion, they create original poetic phrases about freedom and illustrate them with symbols representing the forms of freedom that have yet to be realized in the United States.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Title: Jamestown Changes
Description: In this lesson from EDSITEment, students study census data showing the names and occupations of early settlers of the English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, to discern how life changed in the Jamestown settlement in the first few years after it was founded. The goals of this lesson plan are to gain experience gathering information from primary sources, to examine changes over time in conditions at Jamestown as revealed in primary documents from early years in the colony, and to organize a statement of findings.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 6: Describe colonial economic life and labor systems in the Americas.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Jamestown Changes
Description: In this lesson from EDSITEment, students study census data showing the names and occupations of early settlers of the English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, to discern how life changed in the Jamestown settlement in the first few years after it was founded. The goals of this lesson plan are to gain experience gathering information from primary sources, to examine changes over time in conditions at Jamestown as revealed in primary documents from early years in the colony, and to organize a statement of findings.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Title: Declare the Causes: The Declaration of Independence
Description: In this unit of eight lessons, from EDSITEment, the propensity to complain is used to increase student awareness of the precedents behind the Declaration of Independence. After completing this unit, students will be able to describe and list the sections of the Declaration of Independence and explain the basic purpose of each. They will also be able to give an example of a document that served as a precedent for the Declaration, list and explain one or more of the colonists complaints included in the Declaration, and demonstrate an awareness of the Declaration of Independence as a historical process developed in protest of unfair conditions.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 8: Identify major events of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

Subject: Language Arts,Social Studies
Title: Declare the Causes: The Declaration of Independence
Description: In this unit of eight lessons, from EDSITEment, the propensity to complain is used to increase student awareness of the precedents behind the Declaration of Independence. After completing this unit, students will be able to describe and list the sections of the Declaration of Independence and explain the basic purpose of each. They will also be able to give an example of a document that served as a precedent for the Declaration, list and explain one or more of the colonists complaints included in the Declaration, and demonstrate an awareness of the Declaration of Independence as a historical process developed in protest of unfair conditions.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Title: A Landmark Lesson: The United States Capitol Building
Description: This unit of three lessons, from EDSITEment, explores what makes the U.S. Capitol symbolically important. Working in small groups, students uncover and share the Capitol's story.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Arts,Social Studies
Title: A Landmark Lesson: The United States Capitol Building
Description: This unit of three lessons, from EDSITEment, explores what makes the U.S. Capitol symbolically important. Working in small groups, students uncover and share the Capitol's story.
Thinkfinity Partner: EDSITEment
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Thinkfinity Multimedia

Title: Why Is the Liberty Bell Cracked?
Description: From September 17 through September 23 each year, students around the United States celebrate Constitution Week. Let's reflect on the Constitution by taking a closer look at an iconic symbol of freedom.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9: Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

Subject: Cross-Disciplinary - Informal Education , Cross-Disciplinary - Popular Culture , Language Arts - Whole Language , Social Studies - United States History , Adult & Family Literacy - English-language Learning , Adult & Family Literacy - Lifeskills , Informal Education - Academic Enrichment
Title: Why Is the Liberty Bell Cracked?
Description: From September 17 through September 23 each year, students around the United States celebrate Constitution Week. Let's reflect on the Constitution by taking a closer look at an iconic symbol of freedom.
Thinkfinity Partner: Wonderopolis
Grade Span: K,PreK,1,2,3,4,5

Title: What Is Presidents' Day?
Description: If you're off work or school for Presidents' Day, you probably feel like celebrating, although you may not know why. Join us as we examine the purpose of this interesting holiday of presidential proportions!
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9: Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

Subject: Cross-Disciplinary - History , Cross-Disciplinary - Informal Education , Social Studies - United States Constitution , Social Studies - United States Government , Social Studies - United States History , Informal Education - Academic Enrichment
Title: What Is Presidents' Day?
Description: If you're off work or school for Presidents' Day, you probably feel like celebrating, although you may not know why. Join us as we examine the purpose of this interesting holiday of presidential proportions!
Thinkfinity Partner: Wonderopolis
Grade Span: K,PreK,1,2,3,4,5

Thinkfinity Informational Materials

Title: United States National 34-Star Flag
Description: The United States National 34-Star flag was adopted with the admission of Kansas as the 34th state in January 1861. It was used until 1863 when West Virginia became a state. At no time did the national flag lose stars.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: United States National 34-Star Flag
Description: The United States National 34-Star flag was adopted with the admission of Kansas as the 34th state in January 1861. It was used until 1863 when West Virginia became a state. At no time did the national flag lose stars.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: United States, 10 Dollars, 1907 (pattern)
Description: This is the final object in the Roosevelt/Saint-Gaudens object group. In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt asked sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to lead an effort to redesign American coinage. Saint-Gaudens developed a design that many consider the most beautiful American coin ever conceived. In addition to this $20 coin, Saint-Gaudens also redesigned this $10 coin, or eagle. Although the design has always been considered subordinate to his design for the $20 coin, it deserves close scrutiny...
Standard(s):
[SS2010] US11 (11) 2: Evaluate social and political origins, accomplishments, and limitations of Progressivism. [A.1.a., A.1.b., A.1.c., A.1.d., A.1.e., A.1.f., A.1.i., A.1.k.]

Subject: Social Studies
Title: United States, 10 Dollars, 1907 (pattern)
Description: This is the final object in the Roosevelt/Saint-Gaudens object group. In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt asked sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to lead an effort to redesign American coinage. Saint-Gaudens developed a design that many consider the most beautiful American coin ever conceived. In addition to this $20 coin, Saint-Gaudens also redesigned this $10 coin, or eagle. Although the design has always been considered subordinate to his design for the $20 coin, it deserves close scrutiny...
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: United States, 20 Dollars, 1907
Description: This is the fifth object in the Roosevelt/Saint-Gaudens object group. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt asked sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to lead an effort to redesign American coinage. Saint-Gaudens developed a design that many consider the most beautiful American coin ever conceived. Work on the production version of the coin progressed through the winter and spring of 1907. Sadly, the artist himself now suffered from cancer, and would die of the disease at the beginning of August. It was left to his assistant, Henry Hering, to finish the work his master had begun...
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 13: Describe social and economic influences on United States' expansion prior to World War I.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: United States, 20 Dollars, 1907
Description: This is the fifth object in the Roosevelt/Saint-Gaudens object group. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt asked sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to lead an effort to redesign American coinage. Saint-Gaudens developed a design that many consider the most beautiful American coin ever conceived. Work on the production version of the coin progressed through the winter and spring of 1907. Sadly, the artist himself now suffered from cancer, and would die of the disease at the beginning of August. It was left to his assistant, Henry Hering, to finish the work his master had begun...
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: United States, 20 Dollars, 1907 (experimental)
Description: This is the fourth object in the Roosevelt/Saint-Gaudens object group. Someone once observed that a giraffe was a horse designed by a committee. The same might be said of this coin: what had seemed a good idea around a table in the boardroom proved to be an interesting but spectacular flop as it neared production. The coin resulted from a project that President Theodore Roosevelt began in 1905 to redesign American coinage. He commissioned sculptor August Saint-Gaudens to create the new designs, and Saint-Gaudens developed a plan for an ultra-high relief $20 coin. The coin here, which appears to have been struck early in 1907, followed Saint-Gaudens' basic designs, but there the similarities ended...
Standard(s):
[SS2010] US11 (11) 2: Evaluate social and political origins, accomplishments, and limitations of Progressivism. [A.1.a., A.1.b., A.1.c., A.1.d., A.1.e., A.1.f., A.1.i., A.1.k.]

Subject: Social Studies
Title: United States, 20 Dollars, 1907 (experimental)
Description: This is the fourth object in the Roosevelt/Saint-Gaudens object group. Someone once observed that a giraffe was a horse designed by a committee. The same might be said of this coin: what had seemed a good idea around a table in the boardroom proved to be an interesting but spectacular flop as it neared production. The coin resulted from a project that President Theodore Roosevelt began in 1905 to redesign American coinage. He commissioned sculptor August Saint-Gaudens to create the new designs, and Saint-Gaudens developed a plan for an ultra-high relief $20 coin. The coin here, which appears to have been struck early in 1907, followed Saint-Gaudens' basic designs, but there the similarities ended...
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: United States Cent, 1974 (aluminum)
Description: This one-cent piece from 1974 is perfectly normal-except for one thing. It was struck in aluminum rather than bronze. Lincoln's bust graces the obverse, just as it has done for over ninety-five years. And the Lincoln Memorial appears on the reverse, just as it has since the closing years of the Eisenhower Administration. The choice of aluminum over bronze is what makes this coin legendary. How did it happen, and why?
Standard(s):
[SS2010] US10 (10) 13: Summarize major legislation and court decisions from 1800 to 1861 that led to increasing sectionalism, including the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Acts, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision. [A.1.a., A.1.c., A.1.e., A.1.f., A.1.g., A.1.i., A.1.j.]

Subject: Social Studies
Title: United States Cent, 1974 (aluminum)
Description: This one-cent piece from 1974 is perfectly normal-except for one thing. It was struck in aluminum rather than bronze. Lincoln's bust graces the obverse, just as it has done for over ninety-five years. And the Lincoln Memorial appears on the reverse, just as it has since the closing years of the Eisenhower Administration. The choice of aluminum over bronze is what makes this coin legendary. How did it happen, and why?
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: United States, One Dollar, Pattern, 1879
Description: United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Young head of Liberty, facing right; date below. Reverse: Eagle, facing left; denomination below. The piece was designed by George T. Morgan, and, while no more successful than any of his other designs, stands in marked contrast to them. Because of the youthful appearance of the Liberty head, this pattern was dubbed the "Schoolgirl" dollar, perhaps as early as the 1890s...
Standard(s):
[SS2010] US10 (10) 16: Explain the transition of the United States from an agrarian society to an industrial nation prior to World War I. [A.1.a., A.1.b., A.1.c., A.1.d., A.1.e., A.1.h., A.1.i., A.1.k.]

Subject: Social Studies
Title: United States, One Dollar, Pattern, 1879
Description: United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Young head of Liberty, facing right; date below. Reverse: Eagle, facing left; denomination below. The piece was designed by George T. Morgan, and, while no more successful than any of his other designs, stands in marked contrast to them. Because of the youthful appearance of the Liberty head, this pattern was dubbed the "Schoolgirl" dollar, perhaps as early as the 1890s...
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: The Story Behind the Song: The Star-Spangled Banner
Description: In this story, find out how a captured poet penned the song that became the country s national anthem.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] US10 (10) 6: Describe relations of the United States with Britain and France from 1781 to 1823, including the XYZ Affair, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine. [A.1.a., A.1.b., A.1.d., A.1.g., A.1.i.]

Subject: Arts, Social Studies
Title: The Story Behind the Song: The Star-Spangled Banner
Description: In this story, find out how a captured poet penned the song that became the country s national anthem.
Thinkfinity Partner: ArtsEdge
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem Homepage
Description: On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore's Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those "broad stripes and bright stars'' inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States national anthem. In this online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students will explore the story of the Star-Spangled Banner by learning about: the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore; Mary Pickersgill and the making of the flag; Francis Scott Key and the song that became the national anthem; the legacy of the flag and its use as a patriotic symbol; and the efforts undertaken to preserve the flag as a national treasure. This resource includes interactive activities and educational resources that can be used to further enhance this exploration of the flag that inspired the national anthem.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] US10 (10) 6: Describe relations of the United States with Britain and France from 1781 to 1823, including the XYZ Affair, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine. [A.1.a., A.1.b., A.1.d., A.1.g., A.1.i.]

Subject: Social Studies
Title: The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem Homepage
Description: On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore's Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those "broad stripes and bright stars'' inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States national anthem. In this online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students will explore the story of the Star-Spangled Banner by learning about: the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore; Mary Pickersgill and the making of the flag; Francis Scott Key and the song that became the national anthem; the legacy of the flag and its use as a patriotic symbol; and the efforts undertaken to preserve the flag as a national treasure. This resource includes interactive activities and educational resources that can be used to further enhance this exploration of the flag that inspired the national anthem.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden Resources
Description: A list of the presidents, a time line of presidential candidates, a summary of the military service of presidents as well as a bibliography and web sites related to the presidency are the resources included in the online exhibition entitled The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USG (12) 10: Evaluate roles political parties play in the functioning of the political system of the United States.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden Resources
Description: A list of the presidents, a time line of presidential candidates, a summary of the military service of presidents as well as a bibliography and web sites related to the presidency are the resources included in the online exhibition entitled The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: Blog Post: Star Spangled Women: Mary Pickersgill
Description: In this post, students will learn the story of Mary Pickersgill, the woman who created the Star-Spangled Banner. Mary Pickersgill learned the art of flagmaking from her mother, Rebecca Young, who made a living during the Revolution sewing flags, blankets, and uniforms for George Washington's Continental army. Rebecca lived with Mary during the time the Star-Spangled Banner was created, but since she was 73 years old at the time, we have no idea how much she was able to contribute. We do know that Mary's daughter Caroline, her two teenage nieces Eliza and Jane, and an indentured servant named Grace Wisher did help with the onerous task of sewing the 30 × 42 foot flag. Grace was an African-American teen who had entered into a six-year indentured apprenticeship with Mary in order to learn the art and mystery of Housework and plain sewing. Written by Megan Smith, Education Specialist in the Department of Public Programming, this post is published on the Museum's "O Say Can You See?" blog.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] CIV (7) 10: Describe individual and civic responsibilities of citizens of the United States.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Blog Post: Star Spangled Women: Mary Pickersgill
Description: In this post, students will learn the story of Mary Pickersgill, the woman who created the Star-Spangled Banner. Mary Pickersgill learned the art of flagmaking from her mother, Rebecca Young, who made a living during the Revolution sewing flags, blankets, and uniforms for George Washington's Continental army. Rebecca lived with Mary during the time the Star-Spangled Banner was created, but since she was 73 years old at the time, we have no idea how much she was able to contribute. We do know that Mary's daughter Caroline, her two teenage nieces Eliza and Jane, and an indentured servant named Grace Wisher did help with the onerous task of sewing the 30 × 42 foot flag. Grace was an African-American teen who had entered into a six-year indentured apprenticeship with Mary in order to learn the art and mystery of Housework and plain sewing. Written by Megan Smith, Education Specialist in the Department of Public Programming, this post is published on the Museum's "O Say Can You See?" blog.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Thinkfinity Interactive Games

Title: Word Art with King's Words
Description: Examine one or more of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letters or speeches and turn powerful words and phrases into word art using the online Wordle tool. Included in an OurStory module from Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolence'' , this activity is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] ALA (4) 14: Analyze the modern Civil Rights Movement to determine the social, political, and economic impact on Alabama.

Subject: Language Arts,Social Studies
Title: Word Art with King's Words
Description: Examine one or more of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letters or speeches and turn powerful words and phrases into word art using the online Wordle tool. Included in an OurStory module from Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolence'' , this activity is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,PreK,1,2,3,4

Title: Spreading the News
Description: This activity is a guided Internet hunt, or Web quest , in which children play the role of newspaper reporters in order to research, write, and publish an article about the history of the Star-Spangled Banner. Children will be better able to synthesize ideas and facts in written and artistic products and ask and seek answers to historical questions. It is included in an OurStory module entitled Making the Star-Spangled Banner . OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Language Arts,Social Studies
Title: Spreading the News
Description: This activity is a guided Internet hunt, or Web quest , in which children play the role of newspaper reporters in order to research, write, and publish an article about the history of the Star-Spangled Banner. Children will be better able to synthesize ideas and facts in written and artistic products and ask and seek answers to historical questions. It is included in an OurStory module entitled Making the Star-Spangled Banner . OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Title: The President's Seal
Description: Why does the Presidential seal look the way that it does? In this activity, students will be able to explore the symbolism on the Presidential seal, color the seal how they would like and then create a new seal! As part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's online exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, this activity will help students learn about an important national symbol.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: The President's Seal
Description: Why does the Presidential seal look the way that it does? In this activity, students will be able to explore the symbolism on the Presidential seal, color the seal how they would like and then create a new seal! As part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's online exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, this activity will help students learn about an important national symbol.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4

Title: Design Your Own Family Flag
Description: In this activity, children will create their own family flag using colors and pictures that have personal meanings. They will then explain why they chose those colors and pictures and their meanings. It is included in an OurStory module entitled "Making the Star-Spangled Banner'' . OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Design Your Own Family Flag
Description: In this activity, children will create their own family flag using colors and pictures that have personal meanings. They will then explain why they chose those colors and pictures and their meanings. It is included in an OurStory module entitled "Making the Star-Spangled Banner'' . OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4

Title: Interactive Flag
Description: This interactive is included in the online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem'' . After using the interactive flag, students will be better able to examine objects for historical information, ask historical questions, research answers to historical questions, and present their findings. National Museum of American History
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Interactive Flag
Description: This interactive is included in the online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled "The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem'' . After using the interactive flag, students will be better able to examine objects for historical information, ask historical questions, research answers to historical questions, and present their findings. National Museum of American History
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: General George Washington, Military Leader
Description: Use artifacts and a historical letter to discuss George Washington's leadership during the War of Independence and the qualities of great leaders. This lesson plan, which includes background information, full color primary sources, and a transcript of a letter about George Washington, was produced to accompany the exhibition "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War,'' by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. National Museum of American History
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9: Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: General George Washington, Military Leader
Description: Use artifacts and a historical letter to discuss George Washington's leadership during the War of Independence and the qualities of great leaders. This lesson plan, which includes background information, full color primary sources, and a transcript of a letter about George Washington, was produced to accompany the exhibition "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War,'' by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. National Museum of American History
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4,5

Title: American Eagle Pop-Up
Description: Make your own American eagle pop-up and review symbols with students using this resource, developed by the Smithsonian Institution Libraries for the exhibition Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop, and Turn .
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: American Eagle Pop-Up
Description: Make your own American eagle pop-up and review symbols with students using this resource, developed by the Smithsonian Institution Libraries for the exhibition Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop, and Turn .
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4

Title: Preparing for the Oath: Symbols & Holidays
Description: Discover America's key symbols and holidays through short videos, mini-activities, and practice questions in this segment of Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship. The seven questions included in this segment cover topics such as national holidays, the American flag, the national anthem, and the Statue of Liberty.This site was designed with the needs of recent immigrants in mind. It is written at a low-intermediate ESL level.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] CIV (7) 10: Describe individual and civic responsibilities of citizens of the United States.

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Preparing for the Oath: Symbols & Holidays
Description: Discover America's key symbols and holidays through short videos, mini-activities, and practice questions in this segment of Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship. The seven questions included in this segment cover topics such as national holidays, the American flag, the national anthem, and the Statue of Liberty.This site was designed with the needs of recent immigrants in mind. It is written at a low-intermediate ESL level.
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: Interactive Star-Spangled Banner
Description: Explore features of the Star-Spangled Banner using this interactive flag included in the online exhibition entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem. Using this interactive tool from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students can click on hotspots and learn something new about the flag each time they click. They can also zoom in on the image of the flag in order to see incredible detail. National Museum of American History
Standard(s):
[SS2010] US10 (10) 6: Describe relations of the United States with Britain and France from 1781 to 1823, including the XYZ Affair, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine. [A.1.a., A.1.b., A.1.d., A.1.g., A.1.i.]

Subject: Social Studies
Title: Interactive Star-Spangled Banner
Description: Explore features of the Star-Spangled Banner using this interactive flag included in the online exhibition entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem. Using this interactive tool from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, students can click on hotspots and learn something new about the flag each time they click. They can also zoom in on the image of the flag in order to see incredible detail. National Museum of American History
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Title: Measuring the Flag
Description: Studying the Star-Spangled Banner is a great chance to combine history and math! In this classroom activity, students apply historical information to math problems to gain an understanding of the flag's size. This activity is included in the online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem .
Standard(s):
[SS2010] GHS (3) 12: Explain the significance of representations of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the statue of Lady Justice, the United States flag, and the national anthem.

Subject: Social Studies/ma
Title: Measuring the Flag
Description: Studying the Star-Spangled Banner is a great chance to combine history and math! In this classroom activity, students apply historical information to math problems to gain an understanding of the flag's size. This activity is included in the online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem .
Thinkfinity Partner: Smithsonian
Grade Span: 3,4,5

Thinkfinity Learning Activities

Title: Why Is the Liberty Bell Cracked?
Description: From September 17 through September 23 each year, students around the United States celebrate Constitution Week. Let's reflect on the Constitution by taking a closer look at an iconic symbol of freedom.
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9: Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

Subject: Cross-Disciplinary - Informal Education , Cross-Disciplinary - Popular Culture , Language Arts - Whole Language , Social Studies - United States History , Adult & Family Literacy - English-language Learning , Adult & Family Literacy - Lifeskills , Informal Education - Academic Enrichment
Title: Why Is the Liberty Bell Cracked?
Description: From September 17 through September 23 each year, students around the United States celebrate Constitution Week. Let's reflect on the Constitution by taking a closer look at an iconic symbol of freedom.
Thinkfinity Partner: Wonderopolis
Grade Span: K,PreK,1,2,3,4,5

Title: What Is Presidents' Day?
Description: If you're off work or school for Presidents' Day, you probably feel like celebrating, although you may not know why. Join us as we examine the purpose of this interesting holiday of presidential proportions!
Standard(s):
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9: Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

Subject: Cross-Disciplinary - History , Cross-Disciplinary - Informal Education , Social Studies - United States Constitution , Social Studies - United States Government , Social Studies - United States History , Informal Education - Academic Enrichment
Title: What Is Presidents' Day?
Description: If you're off work or school for Presidents' Day, you probably feel like celebrating, although you may not know why. Join us as we examine the purpose of this interesting holiday of presidential proportions!
Thinkfinity Partner: Wonderopolis
Grade Span: K,PreK,1,2,3,4,5