What do national and state symbols tell us about our country?
Subject(s): Civics & Government, Geography, and US History
Time Period(s): (1585-1783) Colonization and Settlement, (1754-1820s) Revolution and the New Nation, (1890-1930) Emergence of Modern America, (1929-1945) Great Depression and World War II, and (1968 to the Present) Contemporary United States
Grade level(s): 0-2 and 3-5
Click here to download the PowerPoint
Supporting question(s):
What symbols represent our country and state?
How are our state and national symbols similar and different?
Why are national and state symbols important?
Source Set
- Services Version: The Star-Spangled Banner
- E Pluribus Unum
- Bicentennial Monument, Arkansas State Capitol
- General View of Statue Looking Northwest, Statue of Liberty, 1968
- “American Ways”
- House Resolution 1247, 110th Congress
- White House
- Greetings from Arkansas
Description
Illustrated musical score of the national anthem
Description
Arkansas’s replica Liberty Bell and the state seal
Description
From the Library of Congress photo description: Donated by citizens of France to celebrate Franco-American friendship, the Statue of Liberty is significant for its physical and symbolic characteristics…Symbolically, the Statue of Liberty reflects the political ideals of the late nineteenth century. It commemorates America’s founding principles of liberty, freedom, and opportunity in America for all. More than sixteen million immigrants passed by the Statue of Liberty on the way to the Ellis Island Immigration Station.
Description
Newsletter for South Asian refugees at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, August 22, 1975
Description
Supporting the goals and ideals of “American Eagle Day”, and celebrating the recovery and restoration of the American bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States. Rep. David Davis [R-TN]
Description
Cover page of the architectural and historical report on the White House compiled by the Historic American Buildings Survey
Additional resource(s):
Gilder Lehrman: American Symbols unit
Art Lesson: American Symbols (OER Commons)
BrainPop Jr. video: U.S. Symbols
Arkansas Social Studies Standards:
C.1.K.3 Recognize state and national symbols and patriotic songs
C.1.1.4 Describe state and national symbols and patriotic songs
C.1.2.4 Explain the significance of state and national symbols, patriotic songs, and mottos
C.1.3.4 Investigate origins of state and national symbols, patriotic songs, and mottos
C.1.4.4 Analyze the role state and national symbols, patriotic songs, and mottos play in fostering citizenship
H.1.2.5 Explain state and national historical symbols and landmarks and the people and events associated with them
H.1.3.5 Investigate relationships of state and national symbols, holidays, and historic places to historical events