This program description and lesson plan is designed to be used in conjunction with The Bartow History Center's exhibit,
"Expressions of Liberty and Freedom."

THE BARTOW HISTORY CENTER
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND LESSON PLAN

PROGRAM TITLE: Expressions of Liberty and Freedom
 GRADE LEVEL: Multiple

QCC STANDARDS:
SS1.18 History/Citizenship: Identifies and describes familiar symbols of our country including Uncle Sam, the bald eagle, flag, and the Statue of Liberty.
SS9-12:8 Sociology/Culture Artifacts: Defines culture and its elements: values, norms, beliefs, symbols, physical artifacts, sanctions, and institutions.
ESOL6B4 American Culture: Acquires basic knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs, and beliefs.
ESOL6I8 American Culture: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs and beliefs.
ESOL7B4 American Culture: Acquires basic knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs, and beliefs.
ESOL7I8 American Culture: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs and beliefs.
ESOL8B4 American Culture: Acquires basic knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs, and beliefs.
ESOL8I8 American Culture: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs and beliefs.
ESOL9-12B4 American Culture: Acquires basic knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs, and beliefs.
ESOL9-12I8 American Culture: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of United States culture, including traditions, customs and beliefs.

PROGRAM OUTLINE:

Objectives
  • Identify American symbols.
  • Explain why they are symbols.
  • Create a personal symbol or flag.

    • Character Education Words
  • Creativity
  • Individuality
  • Patriotic

    • Overview
  • The idea of symbolism can often be difficult for students to grasp. By exploring The Bartow History Center’s exhibit, “Expressions of Liberty and Freedom,” students will become familiar with symbols and patriotic themes. As a result, they will be able to understand the concept more readily. Many of the symbols will be recognizable to students, but they may not know why these are symbols of patriotism.

    • Materials
  • Poster board
  • Markers
  • Paper and pens

    • Introduction
  • Begin with class discussion by seeking to define the word “symbol.”
  • Write down responses for class to see (chalk/white board, post-its).
  • Develop a definition that is agreed upon.

    • Activities
  • After defining “symbol,” ask for examples of patriotic or American symbols.
  • Ask students why such things are symbols of America or of patriotism.
  • Tour The Bartow History Center exhibit, “Expressions of Liberty and Freedom.” Have students locate information about the origin of patriotic symbols.
  • Divide students into small groups and have each group report on a different symbol. They will need to locate the history and meaning of the assigned symbol. Present findings to the class.

    • Individual Practice/Reflection
  • Each student will develop a symbol that represents themselves.
  • Each student will write why he or she chose that particular symbol.

    • Assessment
  • Groups will present their findings on patriotic symbols. The groups will be graded on the completeness of its presentation.
  • Individuals will present personal symbol and reason(s) for choice.
  • Students will be graded on speaking and presentation skills.

    • Follow-up Activity
  • Students can research patriotic symbols of other countries.