Lyttia+McManus

**Lesson Summary:**
//**Objective**// The objective of this lesson is to teach students about the importance of symbolism/monuments in early U.S. History and more recently, September 11th, create a memorial structure to commemorate this day, and learn about the use of primary sources to do so.

//**Process Overview**// The students would first be watching a video on "Symbols of America" created by Discovery Education and then discussing questions over the meaning and occurrence of symbols in the U.S. We would then talk about what the symbols found in the Statue of Liberty mean, not only to Americans and immigrants, but also to other people around the world. We would talk about why so much thought would be put into all the specific details of the monument (location, etc). The teacher would talk about how monuments can even symbolize important people and events and ask why it would be important to have such monuments. Then we talk about events worthy of remembrance that have happened during the student's life times. The teacher may have to introduce students to the events of September 11th if they have not learned about it already. We would ask the kids why it would be important to remember that day. They would then be divided into groups to create a memorial to commemorate that day in history. We would talk about using primary sources to gather information about that day to help us decide what would be important to include on our memorial plan. The memorial plans should include a sketch of the memorial, description, size specifications, color, and list of building materials, a proposed location with explanation, how it captures the events and emotions of Sept. 11th, and imformation from at least 3 sources used as inspiration for the design. The groups would then present their memorials to the class and discuss each plan.

//**Evaluation Tools**// Evaluation is on a 3 point scale for each evaluation statement for a total of 12 points. They will be evaluated on their ability to (1) work cooperatively in groups, (2) find and use primary sources as a research tool, (3) fulfill criteria for design plan, and (4) present a complete, well-organized plan.

PLN 6 Main Page

Joyce's Response:
**I think this lesson plan is an interesting way to discuss American symbols. One way I would change it would be to have the teacher provide a list of commemorative monuments instead of simply having the students come up with a brainstormed list. That way, in case they do not know about very many, there will be many examples to use. Also, I think it would be better to watch a video about one of those monuments or at least have more detailed information about them. Though the statue of liberty is an important American symbol, for this project the students would be creating a monument to commemorate an event, and it might be important to go over an example of that before they begin their project to give them more ideas. In addition, it might be interesting to give them the option of creating a monument based on September 11th or the Iraq war since that is a more recent event. That way, there could be some variety in the group projects.**

Virginia's Response:
===I like this lesson plan's take on teaching symbols to the students by having them look what the symbols mean not only to Americans but people all over the world. It might be better instead of focusing on the statue of liberty to expand to other lesser known monuments so the students can get more knowledge and ideas for when they make there own monument. I also think that it would be beneficial for the class as a whole to have each group make a monument for a different event in history. This would add variety and help the students be more creative as well as help them learn more. The different groups could present their monument to the class along with teaching a little about their day in history. ===

**Molly's Response: I really liked this lesson plan as well because of its thoroughness. I liked that it mainly focused on September 11th but also tied this in to other National monuments. My only critique would be ways of changing it so that it could be used in the future over and over. When teaching such a young grade, only a few years of students will actually remember the horrific events of September 11th. So, I would have ways of talking about September 11th instead of hoping it comes up when they brainstorm historical events that have happened in their life. It just seems like this lesson plan won't always work for the future, but maybe it was designed for using it for only a few years. It is important to teach the kids about September 11th, so I think this lesson plan is a good building block for future lesson plans about this topic.**

===** Angela's Response: I really like this lesson plan because I believe the best way to get a student interested about learning is to teach them something that personally relates to them. So showing them that "history" can happen even in their life time can help them feel more connected to the subject. I like the idea of focusing on the statue of liberty as a symbol, however i feel as though it doesn't have every much connection to september 11th. Because september 11th was a big even in our recent history I think it would be better if this lesson focused only the aspects of that specific event. It could require students to think of what people were heroic and brave on that day, such as firemen, police men and even citizens. It could also require the students to reflect on the twin towers and the pentagon that were attacked on that day and how those buildings were significant to our nation. Also, it would be important to mention the way we recovered and remembered those we lost. This lesson may be tricky if we just focus on the aspects of september 11th because we are dealing with young 3rd graders who may be sensitive to the pain of this day. However, if we focus more on the statue of liberty and recent historical events I think it would be crucial for the teacher to have a list to help limit and guide the students on what to learn about. **===