Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. For this War of Independence lesson, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Students answer...
National Australia Day Council
True Blue? On Being Australian
Who or what is an Australian? Discover a plethora of student-centered, engaging activity ideas on the question of Australian identity, organized according to five major themes: people, symbols, place, sport, and words.
Curated OER
Documents and Symbols and American Freedom
Students complete a unit of lessons on the documents, symbols, and famous people involved in the founding of the U.S. government. They create a personal bill of rights, write a found poem, design a flag, conduct research, and role-play...
Curated OER
State Symbols
Third graders examine the symbolism of the United States by observing different flags. In this U.S. History lesson, 3rd graders utilize the Internet to research state seals, flags, and other symbols that represent specific areas of...
Curated OER
Community & Architecture
Pupils investigate the Bamum people of Cameroon and the use of symbols in African societies. They read a handout, and design a palace using African symbols, presenting and describing their design to the class.
US Institute of Peace
Simulation on The Case of “Palmyra”
War-torn Palmyra needs your help! Young negotiators play the part of citizens of opposing countries through an eye-opening simulation. The fictional countries of Siwa and Nizwa stand at the brink of war, and your class' job is to create...
Curated OER
Our Country
Second graders study about being a citizen in a democracy. They also study about the important American symbols and the process for electing the President. Students develop a creative writing story and create a drawing of a room....
Curated OER
State of Mind: Inventing the American Identity
Students define national identity, explain importance of having national identity, describe America's national identity, work together and formulate class vision of what America's national identity is, identify United States symbols and...
Curated OER
Who Has the Power?
Young scholars explore the concept of federalism and the purpose of government. How government powers are acquired, used, justified, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens are investigated in this instructional activity.
Curated OER
United States All the Way
Pupils create patriotic books about the United States and some of its special symbols.
Curated OER
Phil's Community Connections
Students research a Nobel Peace Prize winner to gain understanding of their philanthropic contribution to the global community. In this global peach lesson, students identify a Nobel Peace Prize winner, reflect on how their act affected...
Curated OER
Let Freedom Ring
Students go to the computer lab to engage in this thoughtful lesson on our national symbols. Students access the internet, and solve an on-line puzzle of a national symbol of freedom. The symbols are the Eagle, The Statue of Liberty, The...
Curated OER
Energy Crisis: Then and Now
Using political cartoons, scholars analyze the energy crisis of the 1970s and '80s, comparing and contrasting it to current tensions with oil. Display the 6 cartoons (linked) to the class, and demonstrate analysis using the worksheet...
Curated OER
The American Flag
Students investigate the American flag. In this citizenship lesson plan, students listen to the book The Story of the American Flag by John Herman and discuss the symbolic meaning of the stars and stripes. Students construct their own...
Curated OER
Flag Burning: Worksheet
In this Bill of Rights worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer questions that require them to agree or disagree with 10 statements about flag burning and citizen's rights.
Curated OER
Celebrating Canada
Fourth graders investigate Canadians of diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds. They describe the multicultural, multiracial and multi-ethnic character of Canadian society and take age-appropriate actions to demonstrate their ...
Curated OER
Molly's Pilgrim
Third graders explore the multi-ethnic nature of America's citizens and examine the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. In this Molly's Pilgrim lesson, 3rd graders discuss the poem "The New Colossus," examine vocabulary words...
Curated OER
Attention! Salute! Pledge!
Third graders recognize the American flag as a symbol. In this symbols lesson plan, 3rd graders review the video "U.S. Flag: Proper Use" and identify what the stars and stripes represent. Students view an online clip of how to fold the...
Curated OER
Patriotism
Even though a teacher using this resource might want to change some of the information in this presentation about U.S. symbols, it has elements that may not sit well with some people. Parts of it would be useful in a lower grade...
NET Foundation for Television
1850-1874 Notable Nebraskan: J. Sterling Morton
What are the characteristics of an outstanding citizen? Nebraskan J. Sterling Morton contributed to the formation of societal and family values in his state. Learners gather information on Morton's life accomplishments from primary...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: John Q. Public
John Q. Public was a notable cartoon representation of the average American; but how accurate was this portrayal? Emergent analysts consider several topical points as they take a critical look into a cartoon portrayal of the American...
Curated OER
Creating Civic Awareness Through Artistic and Literary Forms
Interpret current events using editorial cartoons and other print media. Middle schoolers explore the meanings of literary and artistic terms such as satire, irony, and caricature. They visit internet sites to develop an understanding of...
Smithsonian Institution
Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon
How do barns serve as a window to a community's past? Here are a series of lessons on the symbolism and historical context of barns throughout American history. Topics include community-building, in-depth primary and secondary...
American Institute of Architects
Architecture: It's Elementary!—Fifth Grade
Young citizens construct an understanding of urban planning in this cross-curricular unit. Covering every aspect of city development from the political, economic, and social influences to sustainable building practices, this...