Symbols of the United States of America Symbol- is something such as an object, picture, written word, or sound, or particular mark that represents something else Example: A red octagon is a symbol for “STOP”

The American Flag The United States flag: Has 13 stripes= 7 red, 6 white These stripes represent the 13 original colonies 50 white stars on a blue background These stars represent the 50 states in the U.S. Should be flown from sunrise until sunset Should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. It is very important to respect the flag of our nation. The first U.S. flag was designed in 1777. The flag has been changed many times since then. (13 original colonies: The original thirteen colonies were Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia).

The Bald Eagle The bald eagle is a large, powerful, brown bird with a white head and tail. The Founding Fathers chose the bald eagle to be the national bird of the United States in 1782. This majestic bird can only be found in North America. The word "bald" does not mean that this bird has no feathers. Instead, it comes from the word piebald, an old word which means "marked with white.“ This bird was once in danger of extinction. The bald eagle is also on the dollar bill. ________________________________________________________ Key Vocabulary extinction- no longer existing or living majestic- characterized by or possessing majesty

The Star-Spangled Banner The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem or song of the United States. The words were written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. Was first titled “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” The Star-Spangled Banner has been our national anthem since 1931. The song is traditionally sung at the start of major sporting events. He wrote these words about the flag: Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight; O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? _______________________________________________________________ Key Vocabulary democracy- a government by the people

ACTIVITY #1 CONGRATULATIONS! You completed the first three symbols!  Time to put away your Symbols of the United States of America book. (Worksheet) Identify the symbol- WRITE YOUR NAME. Write what each symbol is. Once completed, turn your paper over and raise your hand. At this time, I will collect your worksheets and bring around one index card. After you get your index card, number down the card 1-3 and write the three symbols. For each symbol that you learned today, write one fact. Challenge yourself and write something that you didn’t know before today’s lesson. (If you do not remember the three symbols, raise your hand and I will come visit with you.) When your facts are completed, please bring me your index card and begin to read at your desk.

The Statue of Liberty Key Vocabulary The Statue of Liberty is located in New York. The Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom, equality, and democracy around the universe. The Statue was actually a gift from the people of France as a token of mutual friendship. The Statue represents a woman escaping the chains of tyranny. She holds a torch, which represents liberty. Her left hand holds a tablet on which the date the United States declared it’s independence is written (July 4, 1776). This is known as “The 4th of July and/or Independence Day. The Statue’s full name is Liberty Enlightening the World. Key Vocabulary democracy- a government by the people equality- the state of being equal (quantity, value, rank, ability) tyranny-a government in which a single ruler is vested with absolute power (sometimes exercised unjustly or cruelly) tablet- a slab or plaque, as of stone or ivory, with a surface that is intended for or bears an inscription (engraved writing).

The Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty to the United States. Here are the words to the Pledge: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Vocabulary pledge- promise allegiance- loyalty indivisible- incapable of being divided justice- fairness

The Liberty Bell The Liberty Bell has become the symbol of freedom in the United States. It rang when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. The Bell was cast in London, England in 1752. It is made mostly of copper and tin. After it arrived in the U.S., the Bell cracked. A new bell was made from the metal in the old one, but this one also cracked. A third bell was built from the same metal, and now this one has a crack too! The last time the bell rang was on February 23, 1846 for George Washington's birthday celebration. Today, the Liberty Bell hangs in Philadelphia for all to see. "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof".

ACTIVITY #2 CONGRATULATIONS! YOU LEARNED ALL SIX!  CONGRATULATIONS! You have now learned about several of the United States Symbols!  Time to put away your Symbols of the United States of America book. (Worksheet) Identify the symbol- WRITE YOUR NAME. Write what each symbol is. Once completed, turn your paper over and raise your hand. At this time, I will collect your worksheets and bring around one index card. After you get your index card, number down the card 1-6 and write the SIX symbols. For each of the symbols that you learned, write one fact. Challenge yourself and write something that you didn’t know before today’s lesson. (If you do not remember the symbols, raise your hand and I will come visit with you.) When your facts are completed, please bring me your index card and begin to read at your desk. CONGRATULATIONS! YOU LEARNED ALL SIX! 