Teacher WebQuest
 


National Symbols

Teacher Page

A WebQuest for 5th Grade Social Studies

Designed by

Amber Redoble
redo3002@pacificu.edu



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Introduction
This lesson was developed from Wildlife in National Symbols lesson in Project WILD: K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide.

This lesson is designed to give students a deeper understanding of wildlife and the purpose of wildlife within national symbols. Students will research a variety of national symbols, analyze them, and make connections to the use of wildlife.


Learners
This lesson is anchored in fifth grade social studies and involves expressive arts and science. It can be modified to different grade levels, particularly grades 5-8. Prior to beginning the lesson, students should have a basic understanding on the symbolization of national symbols, basic research methods (via books and Internet use), and what wildlife is.


Curriculum Standards
As a result of this lesson, students will have worked on meeting the common core standards

Social Studies Standards Addressed

  1. •Understand national symbols of different countries and states

English and Language Arts Standards Addressed

  1. •Read grade level text with purpose and understanding

  2. •Conduct a short research project that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation

Science Standards Addressed

  1. •Grouping and classifying a variety of wildlife


Process

This lesson shouldn’t take longer than 2- 45 minute blocks. One block of 45 minutes will be dedicated to research and production of their national symbols. The second block of 45 minutes will be dedicated mainly to the presentations of the national symbols, but if the students feel that they need more time to create their national symbols, 20 minutes of the second block of 45 minutes should be more than enough time to get some finishing touches in.

When instructing the students on creating their own national symbols, be sure to emphasize the use of wildlife. Some national symbols have either-or plants and animals, be sure to reassure that they do not need both plants and animals, but at least one. The students may get very into developing a national symbol that resembles them and stray away from the use of wildlife. 

  1. 1.Please research and explore a variety of wildlife and different national symbols around the world. You may use the reference books provided or the Internet.

  2. 2.After researching wildlife and national symbols, remember to think about your island and what your beliefs are. Use your research to help you create your very own national symbol. Be creative and original! Make sure the wildlife you choose is a representation of your island and will symbolize you and your island.

  3. 3.Here are some websites of a variety of national symbols to give you some ideas and also some about wildlife:
        -    http://lib.colostate.edu/wildlife/types.html
        -    http://oregonexplorer.info/wildlife/WildlifeHabitatClassification
        -    http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Lists/State_symbols.html
        -    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:National_symbols_by_nation
                  

  4. 4.Here are some books, but you aren’t limited to using them, that you could use to help your creative minds:
        -    National Geographic illustrated guide to wildlife: from your back door to the great outdoors
        -Central and Eastern European Wildlife    ; By Gerard Gorman
        -    African Wildlife: A Photographic Safari; By Stephen J. Krasemann
        -    Garden Wildlife; By Christine Lavelle
        -    Grassland Wildlife; By Kamini Khanduri
        -    Rainforest Wildlife; By Antonia Cunningham
        -    Mountain Wildlife; By Anna Claybourne
        -    Ocean Animals; By Sonya Newland

  5. 5.After gathering the information you need to create a national symbol, you may begin! The only requirement that your national symbol must contain is any sort of wildlife.

  6. 6.At the end of the project, you will be presenting your national symbols to your classmates! During the presentation remember to include:
        -The wildlife you chose
        -Why you chose that particular wildlife (the significance of the wildlife) Describe briefly how the lesson is organized. Does it involve more than one class? Is it all taught in one period per day, or is it part of several periods? How many days or weeks will it take? Is it single disciplinary, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary or what?


Resources Needed
To complete this lesson you will need:

  1. •Examples of a variety of national symbols

  2. •Computers or iPads with Internet connection to conduct research

  3. •Poster paper (more than enough just in case students decide they want to start over)

  4. •Colored pencils, markers, and crayons

  5. •Different colored paper

  6. •Scissors

  7. •Glue


Evaluation
The students will be evaluated according to the rubric below:

   


Conclusion
This lesson will teach the meaning of national symbols and the use of wildlife within national symbols. Students will also improve and gain research skills. Students will also learn the importance and the different types of wildlife.


Credits & References
image references: http://www.sinofourway.com/flag/3732.html (New Zealand national symbol)

http://www.supportstore.com/the-great-seal-of-the-usa-magnet.html (United States of America national symbol)

My lesson plan was derived from Wildlife in National Symbols lesson in Project WILD: K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide.


Last updated on August 15, 1999. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page