Let Freedom Ring!

Introduction:

As you search for America's patriotic symbols, you must accomplish a variety of tasks:

identify icons and explain possible reasons each was adopted to represent America,
recognize freedom documents,
work cooperatively in a group to demonstrate an understanding of freedom through role play,
           interview and simulation,
evaluate selected songs by identification of theme,
memorize patriotic songs and the Pledge of Allegiance and videotape your performance, and
compare and contrast flags of other countries with the flag of the United States.

The Process:

2. The symbol that inspires the most patriotism in Americans is the Red, White, and Blue of the American Flag.  The Stars and Stripes is also called "Old Glory."  Citizens of other countries such as Australia and Egypt, in Africa also respect the flag of their country.  Americans recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem is sung across the country.  The flag encourages us to Slide Easily into patriotic thought.  Music, traditionally evokes emotion.  Many other Patriotic Songs have been written over the years.

3. Important buildings of the national government are also looked upon as public icons by Americans.  The White House, home of our President, is a place rich in history and pride.  The Capitol Building represents democracy in action.  At the Pentagon, Military decisions showing national strength are made.  George Washington, often called the Father of Our Country, and others are honored with monuments.
 

4. Many icons are used to symbolize ideals of freedom.  The Bald Eagle, our national bird, is a common symbol of freedom.  Although the eagle can be a Puzzling Bird, he has great strength.  Eagles often nest at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee.  The Liberty Bell symbolically rings freedom throughout the land.  A welcoming icon is the Statue of Liberty in the harbor of New York.  Other, less well known symbols include The Great Seal, the National Tree, the National Flower, the Blind Lady of Justice, and Uncle Sam.  Meet all the American Icons.  It is important for you to Concentrate.

5. People often do not fully appreciate freedom until they lose it. Dictatorial Rulers seek absolute power.  When this occurred in Colonial America, Patriots stepped up to provide leadership.  The Road to Revolution was paved with hardships, but freedom to Organize a Democratic Nation was worth the price.  America was built with sweat and Trust In God.  Prove to your group that our symbols are no longer In Jeopardy!

The Evaluation:

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Identify patriotic icons and explain reasons that each was adopted by Americans to represent the country.	Identified less than 70% of icons by sight.	Identified 80% of icons by sight.	Identified 85% of icons by sight or description and could give reasons for adoption for some.	Identified 90% of icons by sight or description.  Gave insightful inferences why they were selected as representative symbols.
Recognize 4 freedom documents and identify freedoms insured to Americans by each.	Was unable to identify or explain freedom documents.	With help, identified documents and listed 1 or 2 general freedoms mentioned.	Recognized documents, but had difficulty remembering which freedoms were stated in a particular document.	Recognized all 4 freedom documents and listed freedoms assured by each.
Work cooperatively in a group to demonstrate an understanding of freedom through interview, role play and simulation.	Was not able to work cooperatively in group setting.	Participated through minor roles in group and understood instructions and dialog.	Participated fully in group and could apply some concepts in simulations to America's struggle for freedom.	Assumed leadership role in group activities.  Understood concepts of freedom as it applied to America's struggle through simulations.
Memorize and evaluate selected patriotic songs and the Pledge by identification of theme.  Record performance of these.	Memorized some of the words to songs and Pledge, but did not fully participate in performance.	Memorized and performed songs and Pledge, but had difficulty evaluating for theme.	Discovered main themes, burt offered no underlying themes.  Participated in performance.	Discovered underlying themes in songs and Pledge and assumed leadership role in performances.
Compare and contrast flags of other countries with the flag ot the United States of America.	With help, located the flags to compare.	Located flags and told a basic similarity or difference.	Was able to list similarities and differences in appearance.	Was able to list similarities and differences in appearance and symbolism.

Conclusion:

Credits & References:

 Special thanks is given to Dr. Bruce Lewis and Stan Holland for help with the project!

Teacher Advice:

This WebQuest is designed for 7th and 8th grade social studies students to be completed in approximately 3 weeks of daily 45 minute sessions.

The Quest is divided into 5 main divisions.  Students will become familiar with primary documents of freedom, the USA flag, government buildings, patriotic symbols and the concepts of freedom.  Each topic has several different sites students are required to access in order to complete tasks.  Some tasks require students to work cooperatively in a group setting.

The teacher will act as a guide for students, rather than instructor.  The teacher is asked to be the Queen in the role play simulation of a dictatorial queen so as not to add controversy between students.  The teacher will also have to schedule groups to use the video camera unless additional cameras are available.

I would suggest that the students be placed into groups of 3 to 5 students, with each group having access to a computer, to complete the WebQuest.  They can record performances of songs, pledge and each student can actively participate in simulations and role play.

No one particular web site will provide the answer to a task.  By visiting all the sites, students will be able to accomplish the tasks.

Tasks such as Road to Revolution, Concentrate, and Puzzling Bird are interactive sites.  In Jeopardy and Father of Our Country are quizzes.  Reelfoot Lake is a live video cam of nesting eagles.  Students are required to analyze information, compare and contrast, and evaluate song lyrics, all of which involve critical thinking skills.