Introduction

A symbol is an item that represents something.  Symbols can be objects, art , or natural living things.  The red, white, and blue flag that hangs in schools all over our country is a symbol of the United States of America.  Before the American flag was adopted in 1775, its design changed 26 times.  What do the symbols on the American flag represent and why would this flag stand for our country?

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Task

You are a vexillologist, a person who studies flags, and a developing country wants to create a flag that represents who they are.  They know you are successful in vexillology and want your expertise on symbols.  To help them get started, the leaders of this country asked you to collect and send them information about the symbols of the American flag.

At the conclusion of your investigation, you will use the new information you've acquired by designing and creating through symbols and colors a flag that represents you and your family.

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Process

Step 1:

What does the flag mean? What do the stars, stripes, and colors represent?

With a partner, you will be searching and reading through the following websites.  These sites will help you gather facts about the American flag that you can send to the new country.

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/flag.html

The Betsy Ross Homepage
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/

Description of the American Flag
http://www.flags-flags-flags.org.uk/american-flag.htm

Click here to download and answer your American Flag Activity worksheet.


Step 2:

Turn in your completed activity worksheet to be mailed to the new country.


Step 3:

Using your new understanding about symbols, go to the supply table and retrieve an 8.5" by 11" paper and create your own flag.  Use any materials you'd like such as markers, crayons, pens, rulers, scissors, construction paper, etc.  Be as creative as you can.  Each of you will construct your own flag representing you and your family.

On the backside of your flag, describe what each symbol and color represents.


Step 4:

If you finish early, use one of the flags at the front of the room to practice folding it properly with your partner.  Refer to the website below for help.

http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html


Step 5:

When everyone is finished, we will meet on the carpet as a class.  We will have a discussion about the symbols on the American flag.  Think about something interesting you found out about the flag that you'd like to share with the class.  Ponder to yourself what these symbols mean to you and our country.

You will also be given a chance to show your classmates the flag you created.  Be prepared to describe it and explain why you made it the way you did.

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Evaluation

	Beginnning	Developing	Accomplished	Exemplary	Score
Demonstrate your understanding of the parts of the American flag	Provides little or no reason for the stars, stripes, or colors.	Provides some reason for the stars, stripes, or colors.	Accurately and nearly completely describes the reason for the stars, stripes, and colors.	Accurately and completely describes the reason for the stars, stripes, and colors.
Designing your own flag	Little effort shown: no color, no neatness, and no symbols. Symbols not described on the back of paper.	Some effort shown: few colors, little neatness, and lacks personal interest. Include some description of symbols on the back of paper.	High effort shown: colorful, neat. Symbols on flag are described in detail on the back of the flag.	Created a flag that reflects own personality, interests, very colorful and neat. Symbols on flag are described in detail on the flag and exhibit well thought out representations.

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Conclusion

Congratulations!  You have successfully submitted all the important information about the symbols on the American flag for the new country and you've helped them begin their steps to creating their country's flag.


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Credits

Auto Biographer:

Lacey Chong

I am a Preservice Teacher in Oregon and studying my Masters of Arts in Teaching.

Permissions

We all benefit by being generous with our work.  Permission is granted for others to use and modify this WebQuest for education, non-commercial purposes as long as the original authorship is credited.  The modified WebQuest may be shared only under the same conditions.  See the Creative Commons Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike license for details.

Images:

http://freakinlibs.com/2009/08/05/we-are-back-america/american-flagjpg/

http:www.toyboxcovers.com/american-flag-3-x-5-flag-usa-pr-33.html

http://store.libertyflags.com/american-flags---rugged-wavecrest-tm-polyester-p44.aspx