Date: October 28, 2000

Grade Level: 2, 3

Subject(s):

• Social Studies/US History
• Computer Science

Description: This lesson is an introduction to a study about our nation's flag. In this lesson, students will research the Internet and selected books to learn about, and better appreciate, the flag of the United States.

Goals: This lesson is part of a unit on the history of our nation. This lesson will help students become familiar with research techniques and with presenting information to the class.

Objectives: Students will:
1. analyze what they know, do not know, and want to know about the flag.
2. research and record information about the flag.
3. present the information they learn.
4. make a chart of what they learn.

Materials:

• board and chalk or dry-erase markers for charts
• books about the flag:  Flags of American History by David D. Crouthers;  The Flag of the United States by Dennis B. Fradin;  The Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan;  Your Flag: Everything You Want to Know about the Flag of the United State s by Al Stensel;  The American Flag: The Red, White, and Blue by Jon Wilson
• computers with access to the Internet
• paper and pencil

Main Activity:
Divide students into four groups to research the following topics:

Group 1 : Evolution of the design of the flag
a) Describe the changes the flag has gone through over the years.
b) What sparked these changes in the design of the flag?

Group 2 : History of the flag
a) What were the reasons for creating the flag?
b) Where did "Flag Day" originate?
c) What are the origins of "The Star Spangled Banner?"

Group 3 : Meaning of the different parts of the flag
a) What do the 50 stars represent?
b) What do the 13 stripes represent?
c) What do the colors of the flag stand for? Is there more than one meaning assigned to them?

Group 4 : Legends associated with the flag.
a) Who is Betsy Ross? Is she a real person?
b) Where do we get the phrase, "Old Glory"?

For their research, students may use the books provided and/or access Internet sites related to the flag (sites provided below).

Closure:
Each group will present their findings orally in front of the class. Students in each group must find ways to participate in the presentations, such as talking, holding visuals, participating in a skit, etc. As a class, create a chart listing new facts learned about the United States flag.

Assessment: The teacher will listen to students' discussion as they work. The teacher will check the accuracy of information shared in the presentations.